Turkey Offers Cautionary Tale for the U.S.

Both Turkey and the U.S. are in danger of losing their democracies. I explained how and why in a Substack post. Readers offer their observations, and we engage in discussion. Read it here: https://jimbuie.substack.com/p/turkish-republic-100-years-later

Transported By Images, Food, and Real World Travel

Readers respond to my series of articles on global citizens, with links to beautiful photos and evocative travel essays; discussion of learning a foreign language; nationalism vs. patriotism; eating at exotic restaurants; and entertaining videos from a global nomad visiting the Arctic Circle, and small towns in Wales and Italy. Click to my Substack newsletter.

Does the Gentleness of British Colonialism Result in the Strength of the Commonwealth Today?

Reading a couple of pieces in the India section of this site: How Britain Ruined India and The Original Evil Corporation: When A Private British Company Ruled India,and continuing a discussion we started on Substack, Thoughts on the Queen's Funeral, British Monarchy, Empire, Colonialism, My friend Bruce writes: "I am not sure how the British 'ruined' India …

Write an Alternate History of Your Personal Life….

Interest in alternate history may originate from meditating on how our own lives are subject to chance, fateful decisions, destiny, divine providence, or chaos, "for want of a nail the kingdom was lost (or gained)." Write a brief alternate history of your personal life in the comments, or join this discussion on Facebook. It is …

Testimonials from Readers

“Very clear and persuasive analysis. Thank you!” –Alexandra Hopkins,  Nov. 15, 2016 “Sort of like that new Netflix show about if the Nazi’s won the war…pretty interesting.” — Anthony Wayne, January 2, 2016. “My old History teacher said that the hows, whys, and whens were all good and well but the most interesting question in …

Freak Chance and Human Error/Inspiration Play Havoc in History

MattK writes:  My old hiistory teacher said that the hows, whys and whens were all good and well but the most interesting question in history is 'what if'. Energised all of us (17 yr olds) and has stayed with me ever since. Shame more people drop out of history at 16 (or, in spirit, earlier) …