The History and International Relations of American and French Missionary Universities in the Middle East and East Asia as a Case of Transnational Professional Relations

Abstract

This article combines History (the discipline) research with Inter national Relations (sub-discipline of Political Science, my point of departure) for transnational studies research on long-term develop- ments of transnational professional relations between the USA/ Europe and the Middle East and East Asia through missionary uni- versities. American Protestant and French Catholic missionaries were important transnational intellectuals and professionals who founded universities in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These universities continue to educate generations of transnational professionals. The article seeks to contribute in particular to the transnational studies dimension of International Relations drawing on educational, social and cultural history.