Eric Schnakenbourg

Eric Schnakenbourg is Professor of Modern History in the History Department at the University of Nantes, where he directs the Center for Research in International and Atlantic History (CRHIA) and serves on the steering committee for the ANR AMERICA 2026 program.

His research specializes in early modern diplomatic history (16th-18th centuries) with concentrated expertise in Atlantic world dynamics, Scandinavian studies, and the evolution of neutrality. He examines how diplomatic practices intersected with global commerce, cultural perceptions, and maritime law during Europe's formative globalization period, particularly analyzing Franco-American relations during the Quasi-War and Scandinavian engagement with colonial networks.

Professor Schnakenbourg's scholarly output reveals consistent thematic focus across publications: the 2024 monograph The Quasi-War. The conflict between France and the United States 1796-1800 (awarded the Talleyrand Prize) extends his earlier work on neutrality (Entre la guerre et la paix, 2013) and Atlantic systems (The Atlantic world: a space in motion, 2021), demonstrating how diplomatic frameworks adapted to transoceanic conflicts and neutral trade imperatives.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Talleyrand Prize 2024 for The Quasi-War. The conflict between France and the United States 1796-1800

As CRHIA Director, Schnakenbourg leads interdisciplinary research initiatives including the conference series 'The beginnings of Franco-Russian relations (17th - 18th century)', fostering collaborative scholarship on Atlantic and global historical networks through his editorial leadership of the Rennes University Press series.