Peter Bushell

Doctoral Candidate
Advisor: Yuma Totani

Primary Field: World Comparative / Transnational
Other Fields: Modern Japan, Modern Europe, Germany, International Criminal Law, Military History
Email: pbushell@hawaii.edu

 

 

 

 

Background

My PhD research focuses on the evolution of international law through the Allied war crimes trial programs in Europe and Asia-Pacific after WWII. I am particularly interested in how superiors who did not order or take part in crimes were prosecuted under the legal doctrine of command responsibility.

I also study imperialism and colonialism from the late 19th through the 20th century, exploring conceptions of empire and more global perspectives on the Second World War.

In addition, I am passionate about alternative teaching methods and student-centered learning as I strive to make history more engaging and accessible.

Professional Achievement and Awards

  • FRANCES DAVIS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTS, (Nominee)
    • University of Hawaiʻi – UH-Wide Award, 2025.
    • HIST 155 – Issues in World History (Colonialism and Imperialism in World History)
  • BEST GRADUATE PAPER,
    • Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society (PAT) Hawaiʻi Regional Conference, 2024.
    • “A ‘Nuremberg Moment’: Considering the Nuremberg RuSHA War Crime Trial as a Precedent for the International Criminal Court Charges Against Russian President Vladimir Putin.”
  • DONALD JOHNSON AWARD FOR BEST M.A. THESIS,
    • University of Hawaiʻi – History Department, 2022.
    • “The Charge of Command Responsibility: an Examination of Command Responsibility in the Post-World War II War Crime Trials of Axis Powers.”
  • TARAKNATH DAS PRIZE FOR THE BEST PAPER IN ASIAN HISTORY
    • University of Hawaiʻi – History Department, 2020.
    • “The Liberation of the Philippines: A Cost Assessment Analysis of Both American and Japanese Forces.”