Hans Hägerdal

Hans Hägerdal is a Professor of History at Linnaeus University, Sweden, specializing in the history of East and Southeast Asia with a focus on colonial encounters, indigenous societies, and postcolonial dynamics. He holds significant administrative roles, including Subject Representative for History, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Doctoral Education, and Chair of the Supervision Committee at the KV-institution. His research explores interactions between Western colonial powers and indigenous groups, particularly in Timor, the Moluccas, and other Southeast Asian regions.

Education and Academic Background: While specific details about his formal education are not explicitly provided in the text, his extensive publications and roles suggest a doctoral degree in History, likely from a reputable institution based on his 1996 thesis work. His academic career has been centered at Linnaeus University since at least the early 2000s.

Research Interests and Projects: Hägerdal’s current projects include studies on colonial diplomacy in Southeast Asia and the Historical Treaties in Southeast Asia (2022–2026), funded by VR. He collaborates with international networks like ESTA (Exploring Slave Trade in Asia) on slavery history. His work often integrates archival materials, missionary sources, and oral traditions to analyze colonial impact and indigenous agency.

Publications and Contributions: He has authored numerous books and articles, including Savu: History and Oral Tradition on an Island of Indonesia (2018), co-authored with Geneviève Duggan. His publications span journals such as Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Land- en Volkenkunde, Slavery & Abolition, and Wacana, reflecting expertise in colonial history, slavery, and cultural interactions.

Administrative and Editorial Roles: He serves as Editor of HumaNetten, a peer-reviewed journal, and contributes to the Faculty’s podcast HumPodd. His administrative duties emphasize academic leadership in history education and doctoral training.

Grants and Collaborations: His research is supported by grants from VR and international collaborations. Projects like the Historical Treaties initiative highlight his engagement with global historical networks.

Labs/Teams: He is affiliated with Linnaeus University Center for Concurrences in Colonial and Postcolonial Studies and the Research Cluster for Colonial Connections and Comparisons.