Eric Jennings

Eric Jennings is a Distinguished Professor of History at the University of Toronto, affiliated with Victoria College and the Centre for European and Eurasian Studies. He specializes in modern France, French colonialism, and Francophone world history. Jennings holds a PhD from UC Berkeley and has taught at the University of Toronto since 2001.

His research spans colonial and postcolonial studies, focusing on regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. Key themes include Vichy France's colonial policies, medical practices in colonies, and urban development in Indochina. Jennings has authored or edited over eight books, including Escape from Vichy and Imperial Heights, which have been translated into French and Vietnamese.

Jennings has received notable awards such as the Guggenheim Fellowship (2014) and multiple book prizes including the Prix des Ambassadeurs. He has secured six SSHRC grants and Jackman Humanities fellowships. Current research includes a global history of vanilla as a commodity.

His work bridges global and local histories, emphasizing decolonizing narratives. Jennings' publications analyze colonial governance, resistance movements, and the socio-environmental impacts of imperialism.