Sam Ali Mustafa

Sam Ali Mustafa is a Professor of History at Ramapo College of New Jersey's School of Humanities and Global Studies, where he has been teaching since 2001. His academic home is within the History department, where he contributes to the undergraduate curriculum through diverse course offerings that reflect his expertise in European history.

Dr. Mustafa completed his educational journey with a B.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University, followed by an M.A. from The University of Richmond, and culminating in a Ph.D. from The University of Tennessee. This academic foundation has positioned him as a specialist in European historical studies.

His research focuses primarily on Modern Europe, with particular emphasis on Politics and Revolution, German History, Military History, and the Napoleonic Era. His scholarly approach examines both the grand narratives of European history and the nuanced ways historical memory shapes contemporary understanding. Dr. Mustafa's work demonstrates a consistent interest in how political structures, military conflicts, and cultural identities have evolved throughout European history, with special attention to German-speaking regions.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong scholarly trajectory centered on Napoleonic-era Germany, particularly the Kingdom of Westphalia. His work spans multiple dimensions of historical inquiry including military history, economic exploitation during occupation, state-building processes, legislative development, and the long-term memory of these events in German historical consciousness. The recurring Westphalian theme across his publications indicates a sustained and deepening scholarly engagement with this Napoleonic satellite state as a lens for understanding broader European historical processes.

Dr. Mustafa has authored multiple scholarly books including Napoleon's Paper Kingdom: The Life and Death of Westphalia 1807-1813 (2017), Germany in the Modern World: A New History (2011), The Long Ride of Major von Schill: A Journey Through German History and Memory (2008), and Merchants and Migrations: Germans and Americans in Connection 1776-1835 (2001).

His teaching portfolio reflects his research interests, featuring courses such as History Matters, History and Game Design, Politics of Europe, World War Two, Age of Napoleon, German History, The Nazis, Military History, History of Socialism & Communism, and War & Peacemaking. His office is located in A-210, with regular office hours on Monday and Wednesday mornings.