If I had a suggestion or request, it would be a series of posts that are more anthropologically and culturally oriented. I feel that part of the misunderstanding we have about different parts of the world, and not just the Middle East, comes from the difficulty we collectively have in grasping structural cultural differences.
There are many topics, but to understand how political leaders move, it may be useful to understand the common representation of what a good leader is in different countries, what his/her attributes are, what kind of behavior is expected. For example, as far as I know, the political differences between France, the U.S., and Japan are full of such expectation-driven decisions (which are also influenced by the particular culture of the political parties). These things have a long history, shaped by past events, but also by literature, by everything that shapes the imagination.
I am sure this is quite different across all of those examples... you've given me an idea for a piece -- a famous Japanese correspondent took some amazing photos of Dubai pre-UAE independence; these were set to be destroyed but he saved them, and returned the negatives in 2009 or thereabouts... interesting cultural interaction re: how the photographer, the Japanese government and the UAE government viewed the photos, which depicted both deep cultural heritage, and a very different material situation compared with today.
I think you're doing just fine Ethan. As mentioned on your new tandem canine stream I think the doggie stuff was good light relief too but now you've diverted that theme I think pretty much run things as you have as well as your new ideas suggested above.
I think the short courses sound rewarding but how many of us can afford them and make the time zones work is another matter of course.
I also think a pod would be great to hear -I'm a big pod-fan and fill my working day with them so adding yours would be great.
I realise you have your specialist subjects and are probably keen to major with them - that's great, we appreciate your depth of knowledge but don't let that deter you from straying beyond the borders. I think it's good to push further outwards and would welcome yout thoughts on the wider Middle East (I dislike that term but...) and into Central Asia (another poor term but...).
Wherever you go, I feel sure we'll discover some wonders together. I just hope I can make time and keep on top of my reading, there never seems to be enough time (probably because I have a tall pile of books on the go and too many Substack subscriptions!)
Thank you Rick, as always, for your time reading, and your feedback and goodwill. It makes doing this far more fun.
To respond to your points, I would like to see how I can grow this platform and attract more readers -- and be more useful to readers who may value a somewhat different angle on Middle East current events, plus background, and culture I've been focused on the Israel-Hamas-Iran conflict somewhat obsessively (and I wish some of that advice was read more closely in DC, but ....), but In the coming months I'll post more on other areas (particularly the Red Sea/ Sudan/ Yemen/ Somalia), and will try to include something on Central Asia/ The Caucasus...
I'd like to keep the Substack and podcast without any paywalls if I can-- who has time and money to buy 10 subscriptions equivalent to "The Economist"? (that part of the Substack model I don't get), I'd rather 100 people hear some of my ideas and consider reading one of my books, than get 5 get paid subscriptions.
But I think short (1-5 episode) pre-recorded courses for a reasonable price will allow me to effectively cover the costs of what's becoming a major side enterprise....I've been priviledged to get to know some amazing foreign policy practictioners and analysis, known and relatively unknown, so I'll try to haul them on the show. Key will be nailing the courses and format that people most want to hear! Hope all's well!
I do not have any complaints or criticisms Ethan, but in the interest of hopefully being constructive, in addition to a focus and shot course on Middle East policy, I think you have been uniquely placed to offer a course on Middle East diplomacy, both from US and regional perspectives. I imagine you would have a lot of firsthand insight and a valuable historical perspective on both prominent and lesser known diplomats and politicians.
If I had a suggestion or request, it would be a series of posts that are more anthropologically and culturally oriented. I feel that part of the misunderstanding we have about different parts of the world, and not just the Middle East, comes from the difficulty we collectively have in grasping structural cultural differences.
Thank you Romaric! Noted! And agreed.. if there are topics in which you're particularly interested, by all means let me know....
For the record, I also like the idea of an introduction to the Red Sea (but I'm not sure it applies to many of your readers).
There are many topics, but to understand how political leaders move, it may be useful to understand the common representation of what a good leader is in different countries, what his/her attributes are, what kind of behavior is expected. For example, as far as I know, the political differences between France, the U.S., and Japan are full of such expectation-driven decisions (which are also influenced by the particular culture of the political parties). These things have a long history, shaped by past events, but also by literature, by everything that shapes the imagination.
I am sure this is quite different across all of those examples... you've given me an idea for a piece -- a famous Japanese correspondent took some amazing photos of Dubai pre-UAE independence; these were set to be destroyed but he saved them, and returned the negatives in 2009 or thereabouts... interesting cultural interaction re: how the photographer, the Japanese government and the UAE government viewed the photos, which depicted both deep cultural heritage, and a very different material situation compared with today.
It looks very interesting. I would like to read your analysis of it.
Romaric thanks for the feedback here, I'll put this on my post calendar! Very best, Ethan
I think you're doing just fine Ethan. As mentioned on your new tandem canine stream I think the doggie stuff was good light relief too but now you've diverted that theme I think pretty much run things as you have as well as your new ideas suggested above.
I think the short courses sound rewarding but how many of us can afford them and make the time zones work is another matter of course.
I also think a pod would be great to hear -I'm a big pod-fan and fill my working day with them so adding yours would be great.
I realise you have your specialist subjects and are probably keen to major with them - that's great, we appreciate your depth of knowledge but don't let that deter you from straying beyond the borders. I think it's good to push further outwards and would welcome yout thoughts on the wider Middle East (I dislike that term but...) and into Central Asia (another poor term but...).
Wherever you go, I feel sure we'll discover some wonders together. I just hope I can make time and keep on top of my reading, there never seems to be enough time (probably because I have a tall pile of books on the go and too many Substack subscriptions!)
Thank you Rick, as always, for your time reading, and your feedback and goodwill. It makes doing this far more fun.
To respond to your points, I would like to see how I can grow this platform and attract more readers -- and be more useful to readers who may value a somewhat different angle on Middle East current events, plus background, and culture I've been focused on the Israel-Hamas-Iran conflict somewhat obsessively (and I wish some of that advice was read more closely in DC, but ....), but In the coming months I'll post more on other areas (particularly the Red Sea/ Sudan/ Yemen/ Somalia), and will try to include something on Central Asia/ The Caucasus...
I'd like to keep the Substack and podcast without any paywalls if I can-- who has time and money to buy 10 subscriptions equivalent to "The Economist"? (that part of the Substack model I don't get), I'd rather 100 people hear some of my ideas and consider reading one of my books, than get 5 get paid subscriptions.
But I think short (1-5 episode) pre-recorded courses for a reasonable price will allow me to effectively cover the costs of what's becoming a major side enterprise....I've been priviledged to get to know some amazing foreign policy practictioners and analysis, known and relatively unknown, so I'll try to haul them on the show. Key will be nailing the courses and format that people most want to hear! Hope all's well!
All best, Ethan
I do not have any complaints or criticisms Ethan, but in the interest of hopefully being constructive, in addition to a focus and shot course on Middle East policy, I think you have been uniquely placed to offer a course on Middle East diplomacy, both from US and regional perspectives. I imagine you would have a lot of firsthand insight and a valuable historical perspective on both prominent and lesser known diplomats and politicians.
Thanks Michael - that’s a good idea! I’ll have to think how best that could be done …