Early draft of a report exploring the idea of challenging the “West is Best” attitude and the potential benefits of an international and interdisciplinary academic study to re-evaluate this perspective. It discusses how narratives, narrative identity, and tribalism shape people’s perceptions and decision-making in international negotiations and highlights the importance of incorporating these concepts in the proposed research program.
Read More
Resources relating to Module 6, “The Enlightenment” of the u3a course “Science, Philosophy, and Spirituality.
Read More
Many of the ideas that we take for granted in “the West” today first saw the light of day in the 17th and 18th Centuries – a period known as “the Age of Reason”. But in today’s troubled world, these ideas are under threat politically, and questioned academically.
Read More
Five lessons from my professional life prompt a research proposal to study the influence of dominant narratives and tribalism in international relations.
Read More
As our world becomes more interconnected and interdependent, it’s crucial that we embrace diverse perspectives and foster genuine collaboration across cultures. A “West is Best” attitude has long dominated international relations, but a growing body of evidence from fields like anthropology, neuroscience, history, and political science calls for a reevaluation.
An international interdisciplinary academic study can bring together scholars from diverse fields and cultural backgrounds to challenge the “West is Best” narrative and explore alternative viewpoints. By incorporating insights from experts like Iain McGilchrist, Geoffrey Vickers, Eric Wolf, Hugo Mercier, and Bill Isaacs, this study can foster greater understanding, challenge biases, and promote collaboration across cultures and disciplines.
In these challenging times, let’s move beyond outdated attitudes and work together to build a more inclusive and cooperative world for all.
Read More