On Appomattox

Given that I can’t be in DC for the revision of Appomattox, I’m hoping hard for a recording. From NPR — The original version of Glass’ opera focused on the end of the war and the attempts to address the underlying issue of slavery. But nearly 10 years later, the revised version splits the opera’s two […]

On learning from the past

[this post will be continually updated] General: Five history lessons in how to deal with a refugee crisis 1989 Comprehensive Plan of Action: To deal with the refugee crisis you need to understand the cause The Balkans: What the Balkans can teach us about how to end the conflict in the Levant ; on the “ancient […]

On smuggling and securitization

In a discussion posted to Asylum Corner, Pamela DeLargy made an interesting point about smuggling and securitization — Asylum Corner: What is your opinion about the EU determination to focus on fighting the smugglers? Pamela DeLargy: The smugglers are only providing services, there is a demand for their services and they are just offering them. […]

On catching up

After two weeks in the US, there is lots to catch up on: Sam Jones in the Guardian noting Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein’s concerns over rhetoric echoing that from the 1938 Evian conference Lamis Abdelaaty and Rebecca Hamlin posting on the Monkey Cage blog that political pressure can change the meaning of “migrant” and “refugee” at […]

On reframing history

Over at The Atlantic, Edward Delamn talks with (genius!) Lin-Manuel Miranda about how his work of art is influencing how people understand the past — Delman: You talked about seeing people use the opening song in classrooms—how do you think your interpretation of Hamilton and this period will shape the way people understand the man and his […]

On Shakespeare and refugees

The Economist’s Prospero blog notes Sir Ian McKellen’s ongoing performance of a monologue from ‘Sir Thomas More‘ — The scene is based on a real historical event, the “Ill May Day” of May 1st 1517. A mob of working-class apprentices had gathered in London’s Cheapside district, planning to burn the houses of the city’s growing […]