Michael Jabara Carley

Michael Jabara Carley is a Professor in the History Department at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Specializing in 20th century international relations with a focus on Soviet-Western relations, he has established himself as a leading scholar on the history of the Soviet Union and Russia. His work examines critical diplomatic moments between 1917 and 1945, particularly the complex relationships between the USSR and Western powers during the interwar period and World War II.

Professor Carley's research interests span Soviet foreign policy, the origins of World War II, the Cold War, French-Soviet relations, British-Soviet relations, and German-Soviet relations. His scholarly approach emphasizes the importance of archival research across multiple countries, including extensive work in Russian, French, British, and American archives. He challenges conventional Western narratives about Soviet intentions during the interwar period, arguing that the USSR consistently sought collective security arrangements against Nazi Germany while Western powers were often reluctant to establish genuine military cooperation with the Soviet state.

Carley's recent publications demonstrate a sustained focus on reevaluating the diplomatic history of the 1930s, with particular attention to Soviet efforts to build alliances against Nazi Germany. His work reveals patterns of Western reluctance and Soviet persistence in collective security arrangements, offering fresh perspectives on longstanding historical debates about responsibility for the outbreak of World War II. His scholarship frequently engages with contemporary political uses of historical narratives, particularly regarding Russia's interpretation of World War II history.

• Outstanding Academic Title, 2014 (Central and Eastern European history) - Choice magazine for "Silent Conflict: A Hidden History of Early Soviet-Western Relations"

Professor Carley has supervised numerous graduate students whose research aligns with his expertise in Soviet history, Cold War studies, and 20th century international relations. His supervision portfolio includes both Master's and PhD candidates working on topics ranging from French-Soviet relations during the Popular Front to Canadian communist movements and Soviet perceptions in Western media. His research has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), supporting his ongoing projects including "A Near-Run Thing: The Grand Alliance of World War II."