Norman E. Saul

About the Author

Norman E. Saul is a distinguished historian and professor emeritus of Russian history at the University of Iowa, where he taught for over four decades and mentored generations of scholars. A leading authority on U.S.-Soviet relations, Saul's research draws on extensive archival work in both American and Russian sources, offering nuanced insights into the diplomatic intricacies of the early 20th century. His seminal work, Friends or Foes?: The United States and Soviet Russia, 1921-1941, meticulously chronicles the turbulent evolution of bilateral ties from the Bolshevik Revolution's aftermath through the eve of World War II, challenging simplistic narratives of inevitable antagonism. Saul's contributions extend to numerous articles and lectures, enriching public understanding of Cold War precursors and East-West dynamics. Now retired, he continues to engage with historical societies and advise on international policy.