Below is the latest post by Benjamin Cremer that I felt was worth sharing. Ben is a self-described pastor, Wesleyan, and writer whom I follow on Instagram and Into the Gray on Substack. As he writes on the former, "My desire is for authentic dialogue, especially as we navigate through difficult topics at the intersection … Continue reading The Scourge of Binary Thinking
us nationalism
ChatGPT’s Take on NAFSA: Association of International Educators
I recently had an illuminating conversation with my digital friend and servant, ChatGPT, about NAFSA: Association of International Education. Here was my initial question: What are the main criticisms of NAFSA: Association of International Educators? Anything you want to add? I mention a couple of points in this November 2024 article: The glaring hypocrisy of … Continue reading ChatGPT’s Take on NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Of China, the USA, and Tariffs
Here's a short and sweet take on the tariff situation between these two superpowers by Paul Renaud, a "trusted independent adviser to CxOs and boards in Canada, the UK, and the US. (Source: LinkedIn.) I especially like the graphic that puts things in perspective. I've been hammering away at the blind spot of US nationalism, … Continue reading Of China, the USA, and Tariffs
They Hate US ‘Cause They Ain’t US!
Here's my latest essay for CounterPunch. Here's the first paragraph to whet your appetite for more (or not). Note: 17 minute read. During a recent trip to Boston, I saw this delusional expression screaming at me in large red, white, and blue letters from the side of a passing cement truck. For the uninitiated, it’s … Continue reading They Hate US ‘Cause They Ain’t US!
They Hate US ‘Cause They Ain’t US!
For sale on Amazon During a recent trip to Boston, I saw this delusional expression screaming at me in large, red, white, and blue letters from the side of a passing cement truck. For the uninitiated, it’s a US cultural reference that has been transformed into a bellicose nationalistic war cry replete with t-shirts sold … Continue reading They Hate US ‘Cause They Ain’t US!
“Winning the Great Power Education: Revamping the U.S. Approach to Education Exchange”
I learned about this Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) commentary from a colleague's LinkedIn post. Once I saw the source, CSIS, a quasi-USG, pro-US American NGO based in Washington, D.C., I knew exactly what "Great Power Education" referred to. It's all about winning the "hearts and minds of the next generation of global … Continue reading “Winning the Great Power Education: Revamping the U.S. Approach to Education Exchange”
Fulbright University Vietnam Professor Gets the Ax
This post definitely falls into the intrigue category. Buckle your seat belt, dear reader. It's one hell of a story. Christopher Balding (CB), a one-time Fulbright University Vietnam (FUV) professor recently went down in professional flames because of a red line he chose to cross for 15 minutes of infamy while indulging his hatred of … Continue reading Fulbright University Vietnam Professor Gets the Ax
“Beijing’s Expanding Shadow: Choices for Vietnam”
Screenshot of the webinar On Saturday, 10 October, Fulbright University Vietnam (FUV) organized a webinar entitled Beijing's Expanding Shadow: Choices for Vietnam in which Murray Hiebert, one of whose titles is Senior Associate (Non-resident), Southeast Asia Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), spouted the prevailing anti-China party line and hawked his new book … Continue reading “Beijing’s Expanding Shadow: Choices for Vietnam”
Criticism of the US as Anti-American?
I rarely respond to Facebook or LinkedIn comments. My view is that whatever I have to say of substance I'll say in a blog post, essay, or interview. There are times, however, when I'm willing to make an exception. This comment by "TS" was one of them. It was in response to an Atlantic article … Continue reading Criticism of the US as Anti-American?
Whose Bread I Eat, His Song I Sing: An International Education Nonprofit and a Devil’s Bargain
2019 is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Institute of International Education (IIE), a well-known US-based private nonprofit that focuses on international student exchange and aid, foreign affairs, and international peace and security. IIE refers to itself as “a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas.” While IIE has numerous … Continue reading Whose Bread I Eat, His Song I Sing: An International Education Nonprofit and a Devil’s Bargain
An International Educator in Vietnam 
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