Elliott School Professor of History and International Affairs Hope Harrison has been awarded the prestigious Order of Merit from the German government. Established in 1951 by President Theodor Heuss, this honor is Germany’s highest recognition for exceptional contributions in various fields, including politics, economics and social issues.
Harrison is being recognized for her dedication to promoting a deeper understanding of German history, particularly her candid exploration of Germany's division during the Cold War. Through her extensive research and public appearances, she has worked to present a modern image of Germany to audiences in the United States. In doing so, she has helped foster stronger ties between Germany and the United States. A formal ceremony to present the award will take place this spring at the residence of the German ambassador.
Professor Harrison has been with the University since 1999. She is an expert on Germany, Russia, the Cold War, the Berlin Wall, and the politics and culture of memory. The Order of Merit is only her latest accolade. Harrison is the author of the acclaimed After the Berlin Wall: Memory and the Making of the New Germany, 1989 to the Present and the prize-winning, Driving the Soviets up the Wall: Soviet-East German Relations, 1953-1961. She has also won multiple fellowships from Fulbright, the Norwegian Nobel Institute, the American Academy in Berlin, Harvard, and the Wilson Center.