The Teaching of World History Around the Globe
Two recent books—when reviewed together—tell a century-long story of world history education on a global scale, accounting for almost half of the world’s high school students.
Institutions and Sectors
Reading Oceanic History
Oceans are no longer as blank and watery separators of continents; they are dynamic containers of historical change. New studies and recently published works show both slow and rapid change in oceans—and how much of our past has been enacted on the waters.
Introducing the United Nations
The United Nations is the world’s principal international organization, comprising 193 national governments. This blog post provides more information about the UN’s organizational structure and activities and includes an academic exercise to encourage deeper understanding.
Capitalism and Socialism: the Yin and Yang of Our Industrial World
Capitalism and socialism are contending sets of social priorities that came out of the same social situation: they are the Yin and Yang of industrial society. Both sets of priorities—even when badly out of balance—are essential for society to thrive. Is it possible that “democracy” could create a civil discourse and help to balance Yin and Yang?
In Pursuit of Freedom
Claims for freedom by Black Lives Matter demonstrators and by MAGA supporters show that there can be clashing meanings of “freedom.” What factors are contributing to this tension? This essay explores the ways in which social and ethnic groups and society’s many institutions complicate the concept of freedom. It points to a basic lesson: Learning and compromises are necessary before we can agree on what it means to be free.
Survive COVID-19, Revive the Economy
In response to COVID-19, dedicated health care workers saved millions of lives, and communities all over the world came together to support one another. But it is government leaders and CEOs who have claimed credit for this work. Given their track record of greed, why should these leaders be trusted to guide the next step in overcoming the pandemic—economic recovery?
