Kenneth Swope, Ph.D.

Professor Strategy and Policy Department
Kenneth Swope faculty photo

Biography

Professor Swope earned his B.A. at the College of Wooster (OH) and his M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. A specialist in the military history of late imperial China and East Asia, he has previously taught at Marist College, Ball State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi. He also served as the Dr. Leo A. Shiffrin Chair of Naval and Military History at the United States Naval Academy. Dr. Swope has lived and conducted research in Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China, and South Korea. He has published numerous books and articles on Ming-Qing dynasty military history, including the award-winning, Struggle for Empire: The Battles of General Zuo Zongtang, published by the Naval Institute Press. He is currently working on a book on the Three Feudatories Revolt (1673-1681) in China.

Contact Information

Areas of Expertise

  • Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • WWII

Professional Highlights

2025

Book of the Year Award from Samuel B. Griffith Foundation for the Study of Chinese Military History

2025

Outstanding Book Award from The Society for Military History

2019

Shiffrin Distinguished Professor, U.S. Naval Academy

2018

Outstanding Researcher, University of Southern Mississippi

2015

Visiting Member, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton University

2015

Moncado Prize for Outstanding Article, Society for Military History

2014

Outstanding Researcher, University of Southern Mississippi

2010

Fellowship, ACLS Committee on Scholarly Communication with People's Republic of China

2005

Moncado Prize for Outstanding Article, Society for Military History

1999

Fulbright Grant, Taiwan

Education

Ph.D., University of Michigan, 2001

M.A., University of Michigan, 1995

B.A., College of Wooster, 1992

Related Credentials

Journal of Chinese Military History
Book Review Editor

Journal of Chinese Military History
Editorial Board

External Memberships and Associations

Chinese Military History Society
Board Member

Global Studies Military Review
Advisory Board Member

Society for Military History
Moncado Prize Committee, 2017-2020

East Asian Studies Center, Indiana University
Associate Faculty Member, 2007-present

Chinese Military History Society
Board Member, 2003-present

Society for Global 19th Century Studies
2010-2023

Society for Ming Studies
Board Member, 2003-2006

Association for Asian Studies

Society for Military History

Society for Qing Studies

Samuel B. Griffith Foundation for the Study of Chinese Military History

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