Dr. James Fortuna
Visiting Scholar, Columbia University

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James’ research focuses primarily on the twentieth century and is situated at the intersection of cultural and diplomatic history. He is especially interested in the architectural production of the interwar period and its relationship to the (re)construction of national, ethnic, or civic identity. His current book project, entitled ‘Cultural Diplomacy in the Age of Fascism: The 1939 New York World’s Fair,’ explores these themes within the context of the final international exposition held before the Second World War.

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James received his PhD from the University of St Andrews in 2024 and taught history and international relations in the United States and England before returning to Scotland on a lectureship the following academic year. He studied for a BA in History and English at West Virginia University before completing master’s degrees in Classics and History at Trinity College Dublin and the University of Cambridge, respectively.

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To date, James’ work has been supported by the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations (SHAFR), American Historical Association (AHA), Society of Architectural Historians (SAH), Transatlantic Studies Association (TSA), Italian Art Society (IAS), Association for the Study of Modern Italy (ASMI), the New England Regional Fellowship Consortium, and others. He is a founding member of ISIE and welcomes opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement.

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