Connecting across historic divides

Connecting across historic divides

Monday, October 31, 2022

By: Liel Maghen

People who live amid violent conflicts suffer trauma–and even inherit it when that conflict has extended across generations. While trauma can harden us against our perceived foes, remarkably, people can use shared traumas to build connections, even with those we have seen as enemies.

Type: Podcast

Education & Training

Brains and Biases

Brains and Biases

Monday, October 31, 2022

By: Kerley Most

The human brain is hardwired to constantly scan for cues that signal safety, trustworthiness, and social desirability among others. As we work among people of different races and cultures, it’s vital that we stay aware of these patterns within our own selves, because they drive our biases. If we don’t notice our own patterns, they can obstruct valuable connections with people around us.

Type: Podcast

Education & Training

Okay, we don’t know everything

Okay, we don’t know everything

Monday, October 31, 2022

By: Carmen Mauk

Cultural humility requires us to put aside our assumptions and open our minds. While we may have resources and know-how, that does not ensure that we have the best approaches or plans to meet the needs of people in another place or culture. An open mind and taking the time to listen to locals helps us to re-frame problems as well as determine what people need with more confidence. And, it is equally important to think through the consequences and potential pitfalls of any plan of action.

Type: Podcast

Education & Training

Don't be afraid to change course

Don't be afraid to change course

Monday, October 31, 2022

By: Sarah Fisk

In many cultures, meaning is often expressed non-verbally. So, be aware of body language, expression and tone of voice. Misunderstanding is often due to poor communication and misperceptions. So, one must be prepared for different forms of communication and to work to find meaning across cultural divides.

Type: Podcast

Education & Training

Learning their world goes a long way

Learning their world goes a long way

Monday, October 31, 2022

By: Johnny Walsh

Working with a partner across a cultural divide – for example, in a negotiation – we may face a request or an action that we must refuse. In that difficult moment, we should look first for the motive behind the action and frame a response that helps our partner retain his or her honor and thus sustains mutual respect.  A vital start can be our acknowledgment of the history of the other person and his or her culture.

Type: Podcast

Education & Training

Bridging divides through restorative justice

Bridging divides through restorative justice

Monday, October 31, 2022

By: Roman Haferd

Roman Haferd went to a good law school and he works for the Washington, D.C. prosecutor’s office. Yet his work on behalf of justice is not as a lawyer. Rather than writing briefs or taking cases to trial, Roman heads a team of facilitators who seek “restorative justice.” Their work builds connections between perpetrators and victims, facilitating dialogues that aim to find justice in the heart, not in the courtroom. At its core, restorative justice attempts to break the cycle of crime and punishment.

Type: Podcast

Education & Training

Andrew Scobell on China’s National Party Congress

Andrew Scobell on China’s National Party Congress

Thursday, October 27, 2022

By: Andrew Scobell, Ph.D.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping cemented himself as "clearly the most powerful ruler in China since Mao" at the recent National Party Congress. But USIP's Andrew Scobell says Xi has staked his legitimacy on delivering for the Chinese people — and sputtering economic growth poses a significant challenge going forward.

Type: Podcast

Frank Aum on North Korea’s Provocations

Frank Aum on North Korea’s Provocations

Thursday, October 20, 2022

By: Frank Aum

The recent escalation in North Korean missile tests and military exercises is Pyongyang's attempt at gaining leverage over the United States, says USIP's Frank Aum: "They want to create a crisis in order to pressure the United States back into talks on [North Korea's] terms."

Type: Podcast

Keith Mines on Blinken’s Trip to Latin America

Keith Mines on Blinken’s Trip to Latin America

Thursday, October 13, 2022

By: Keith Mines

Venezuela was a recurrent topic of discussions during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent tour through Latin America, says USIP’s Keith Mines: “The hemisphere is looking for a new approach to Venezuela … the previous consensus of just adding more pressure and hoping for the best is breaking down.”

Type: Podcast

Global Policy