Are you a prisoner of geography?

We all know a little bit of history, right? At least we have some information about the biggest events that took place in our country, or at the global level.

We all can admit to know about the borders that shape today’s countries, right? Because we are the generation that has the biggest desire to travel, for pleasure and work included.

Studying history and geography in an educational system that never placed them in context, or to say, the real context, made it hard for me to understand why global events took this turn, why countries have been shaped this way, and why the western view, which is infused with the rights of the individual over the collective won’t work in other cultures.

Have you ever thought that what we call in the free world “human rights”, in China would lead to widespread violence and death? Neither did I. We may pity their form of government, but we don’t know that, as long as the economy keeps growing, the deal between the Party leaders and the people is making them both… happy (maybe not equally happy).

Now, let’s think a little bit about the real reasons that countries have when they make a public statement about their relations with each other? I imagine the masters in diplomacy trying to put together a speech that won’t say either yes or no, but maybe, at the same time trying not to upset either party. Yes, diplomacy is an art, and while you’d be glad to say “yes” to the far away help — NATO — you have to remember that you’ll always be neighbors with “the big bear”, who also happens to have a big gas pipeline that keeps Europeans countries warm in the winter.

But, let’s not get stuck in the high snows, and let’s think about warm waters and exotic places. Depending on our position on globe, we may learn more or little about the African continent, the Latin American one, and not to mention, the not so calm situation from Middle East. But, when it comes to really questioning your knowledge on these subjects…most of us will admit to not know much, and our short speech will reveal to be full of stereotypes and, unfortunately, discriminatory remarks. Our own government may have some interests there, but they won’t tell you all the secrets, right?

So, why not take this information by yourself from credible sources?

In a country where young generations don’t know much about politics, nor are taught in school about geopolitical affairs, the responsibility for its knowledge stands in its power of self-education. Understanding the situations and the causes that led to a functional or dysfunctional state, I believe to be crucial in these times of uncertainty about the future.

I feel that I’ve learned so much thanks to Tim Marshall and, due to his work, I take him as a credible source. I received lessons that no one gave me — the insight of the countries’ governments based on their geography and natural resources — and I have the sensation that traveling and understanding other cultures will be an activity much more interesting.

I can assure you that you’re gonna look with other eyes at the events that are now taking place in the world.

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