friendly people, visited some spectacular sites, and gained an understanding of the region, and insights into human behavior in this environment. More on Substack. Overview Bridge-building Among Religions, Cultures, and Political Differences Was Easier Overseas. I Lost Fear of Muslim Extremism During 8 Years Living in the Middle East; Why They Don't Hate Us. (on Substack)... Continue Reading →
Or whether it becomes an autocracy, an oligarchy, with a much lower degree of individual freedom, or an anocracy, part democracy and part dictatorship. We can choose to learn from history and the experiences of other countries and make the necessary structural changes in our political system, or we can choose to fly blind... Continue Reading →
After eight years abroad, upon my return, I saw America with fresh eyes. I wanted to get to re-know my country. A friend counseled that "knowing" an extremely diverse country of more than 300 million people spanning more than a continent of 50 states is impossible. True, but some insightful observations can be made, especially... Continue Reading →
Globalization has now replaced the Cold War as the central organizing principle for understanding the world. UN Debates Globalism Vs. Nationalism Until the end of the world wars and numerous wars for independence in Africa, Asia and the Americas, the central organizing principles for understanding the world were colonialism and imperialism. When I was growing up... Continue Reading →
Learn more by subscribing to my Substack. This is the Age of Global Migration. Half a billion people have migrated or depend directly on money from migrants. Migration disrupts, stabilizes politics and cultures worldwide After visiting 43 countries and living outside my home country for eight years, I have three key observations: Living abroad, life... Continue Reading →
Fellow teachers are often curious on how to get jobs teaching abroad. Networking with people who have done it or are doing it is helpful. If you obtain a CELTA certificate to teach English, and are a native English speaker, that is often enough to get hired to teach English at English language schools. If... Continue Reading →
The rise of globalism since the 1990s has, since 2016, created a backlash or counter-force -- nationalism -- as exemplified by the UK vote to leave the European Union, the election of Donald Trump, the rise of white nationalism in the US and Europe. Here are 10 essential links to understanding the phenomenon. Nationalism, Sparked... Continue Reading →
We evolved so much in our knowledge of the region and the world, and hoped for Turkey's emergence as a model Islamic democracy. Those hopes have been dashed. We have been shocked by the radical shift to authoritarianism that has taken place in the country since 2016. Learn more and subscribe to my Substack. What... Continue Reading →
The study of history begins with questions. How did the world develop? Students who see the big picture, ponder the great questions, patterns, issues and trends of “civilization,” and turning points of change, are not so overwhelmed by "the tyranny of now" -- a cultural obsession with learning the latest news, much of it trivial,... Continue Reading →
Contemplating alternate history is one way to engage students in critical thinking and make history come more alive. I am creating online lessons for history students. We tend to see the past as an inevitable progression of events, but closer examination reveals that history is up for grabs. Chaos and chance, or Divine Providence, Destiny... Continue Reading →
Jim Buie 