Good question. So, you’re chatting with colleagues and an issue arises that smacks of politics. Well, it’s not pure politics, but ideology that suggests handling a public problem in a specific way. Is this discussion valuable in understanding the issue? Or is it of value in understanding the colleague, and the others who jump into the fray?
Participating in the discussion is low risk as long as proclamations of truth aren’t spouted. Once they are, the discussion becomes a debate and sides chosen. Not much good happens after that.
I read Foreign Affairs, a bi-monthly journal of academic political scientists focused on international affairs, also a good number of professionals in the field or retired from active international diplomatic circles. Yes, the material is a dense read. Concentration is required to make sense of it. On the other hand, concentration breeds questions and humility in my level of understanding the material. That humility turns out to be a saving grace.
I admit I don’t understand. Later, reading the material a second time helps cement basic understanding. Still later, melding several articles together provides a perspective that heightens more understanding. These are complex issues. They take time to think about. Time needed to weigh ideas, alternative ideas, desired outcomes defined, long-term results of experimenting with one solution over another. Are such efforts working or making matters worse?
The struggle to understand; struggle. An earnest attempt to grasp complex facts with an intention to solve related problems. The struggle is human. It is honest labor in coming to terms with complexities. The idea is not always opinion; it is an attempt to solve human suffering in the main. That honesty is what we need if we are to trust decisions made on our behalf in international relations.
Having said that, think about these terms: nationalism; supranationalism; liberalism of diplomatic relations; illiberalism of the same matters; immigration; refugees. I could go on with this list. But for now, think on those terms and jot down a short definition for each. Then scan what you have written. Do you understand how they are related?
If you don’t, it’s time to sit down with people you like and trust and start a conversation on such matters. Only then will we capture the essence of what we know, what we don’t, and how to move forward to understand these complexities better.
If you are interested, comment on this blog. Maybe we can establish a clearing house email hub with which we can help each other gain perspective. I’m feeling hungry for this. Anyone else feel the same?
April 2, 2019
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