Jonathan Singerton

Jonathan Singerton serves as Assistant Professor of Global Political History at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, contributing to the Political History group and History & International Studies programmes while supporting Amsterdam University College courses. His research centers on global perspectives of Habsburg Central Europe from early modern to early twentieth century, with additional expertise in North American and Asian historical frameworks.

His academic qualifications include:

• Bachelor in History and German Studies
• Master in American History
• PhD in History from University of Edinburgh (2018)

Singerton's research operates through two interconnected pillars: expanding Habsburg historiography via global frameworks (currently editing Oxford University Press's inaugural multiauthor volume on Global Habsburg History while completing a monograph) and analyzing religion's role in nineteenth-century informal imperialism, particularly Austro-Hungarian missionary societies across North America and Africa. His methodological innovations extend to oceanic approaches in history of science, revealing transnational knowledge networks that challenge Eurocentric narratives.

Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate thematic continuity in exploring Habsburg global entanglements through Native American encounters, political agency in multi-ethnic empires, and missionary imperialism. These works collectively establish Central Europe as an active node in global systems rather than a peripheral actor, with recurring emphasis on Catholic networks, colonial interfaces, and gendered political spaces across Atlantic and Pacific contexts.

His scholarly contributions have been recognized through:

• Liechtenstein Prize for Outstanding Research (2023) for The American Revolution and the Habsburg Monarchy
• Jeremiah Dalziel Prize for British History (2018)
• James Crompton Prize in American History (2018)
• Peter Parish Award from British Association of American Studies (2018)

Funding for his research derives from Botstiber Foundation, Tyrolean Scientific Funds, Academy of American Franciscans, and St. Norbert College Wisconsin, enabling archival work across five continents. As Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and Botstiber Institute for Austrian-American Studies Board member since 2024, he facilitates transnational academic partnerships while directing the Leopoldine Society research project. His teaching portfolio includes European Cultural History and Modern Europe 1800–1900 courses that integrate global perspectives into core curricula.

Singerton maintains active research affiliations through VU Amsterdam's CLUE+ Research Network and the Botstiber Institute, where he develops collaborative projects connecting Austrian-American historical institutions. His current monograph and edited volume represent foundational interventions establishing global methodology as essential for understanding Central European history beyond nation-state frameworks.