My project as a whole deals with German institutes abroad and is situated within the wider scheme of German science policy and foreign cultural policy. In more specific terms, the focus is on academic institutes in the liberal arts. What interests me is not so much the concrete establishment of these institutes, but rather the intellectual and political arches, individual as well as institutional actors, and the interdependencies that led to their founding and increasing state support over time. The comprehensive objective is to investigate how the idea and practice of German science policy manifested itself abroad, and how it was repeatedly negotiated and produced anew. For this process, German institutes abroad can serve as prolific and insightful lenses to allow for wider investigations concerning the relationship between science and state, scientists and state institutions, and generally the place of science and scientists in a diplomatic effort that goes beyond traditional definitions of diplomacy in which representatives of states – usually career diplomats – engage in international affairs.

My talk will zero in on the establishment of institutes in the second half of the 20^th century, such as the emergence of German Historical Institutes in Paris, London, Washington, or Warsaw. At the same time, the increased involvement of ‘the state’ warrants a closer look at already existing institutions, for example the Art History Institute in Florence. In many respects, the 1960s and 1970s typify a crucial period for the emergence of a consistent science policy (also) abroad. This argument will be demonstrated by highlighting episodes at the aforementioned institutes.