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bernard Rowan

I didn’t think Trump had a chance. His campaign rhetoric didn’t reveal much knowledge of global affairs. Beyond the pedestrian, it showed a demagogue hell-bent on thumping illegal immigrants and socking it to convenient enemies. However, Trump did win, and he’ll soon raise the hand as the next American President. There’s no better way to learn that serving as President isn’t the same as running for president than occupying the office.

2017-01-03 17:13

What's in a name?

What’s in a name? I’m not a fan. I remember faces better than names. However, I’m likely wrong. Names show individuals. They honor family ties and lineages, at least partially. They stand for dreams of parents and families. They project purposes, religious and varied. I’m going to write about the Korean practice of using name seals or chops or dojang.

2016-12-20 16:46

Looking for a Magpie?

Have you seen a Korean magpie or ggach’i lately? This beautiful if loud bird found throughout Korea stands as a national symbol. Let’s discuss the magpie and its meanings.

2016-12-06 16:28

Democracy more than Park II

Two weeks have passed, and the Choi-Park controversy continues to get bigger. The controversy imperils the presidency of Park Geun-hye, and it appears increasingly likely irreparably so. There are growing calls for her to resign or to face impeachment. Rallies are drawing hundreds of thousands. Her popularity has tanked. Choi Soon-sil may have violated laws, but now so sadly, the President may have violated her constitutional mandate.

2016-11-22 16:39

Democracy more than Park

It's painful to watch the events enveloping the presidency of Park Geun-hye. I say this not the least because it suggests the same malady affecting the American Democratic presidential contender, Hillary Clinton. I want to suggest respectfully that in the Korean context, Park’s likely failings frame symptoms of a much wider problem, one characterizing Korean democracy nowadays. Too much executive power and too much national dependence on it calls for public change and civic patience.

2016-11-08 16:38

Remembering life in Korea

About fifteen years ago, I lived for six months in Seoul while on sabbatical. The experience was a high point of my life. It provided me with an international experience of research and learning. I made friendships and renewed others that continue today. I went past book knowledge to engage Koreans in their language. I shared in Korean manners, style, and customs of daily living.

2016-10-25 17:08

Election 2016: stakes for Korea

I’m writing this week about the American presidential election and what it forecasts for South Korea - and the North to some extent. The choice between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will chart the next four years or more in our relations. Despite the pundits’ predictions, this race is close. Both candidates have weaknesses in the public mind. Let’s isolate a few issues that play out in Korean-American relations. There's much at stake for Korea, whoever wins.

2016-10-11 17:04

Precious things Korean

In the spirit of Chuseok that has just passed, it would be fitting to remind ourselves of some of the special social and cultural customs of Korea that are embedded in our daily lives, and to celebrate them for what they truly mean. This isn’t an exhaustive list as it comes from my limited experience, but hopefully it gives a glimpse of the Korean spirit.

2016-09-27 16:50

Milk, meat and deterrence

As I wrote last time, events like the end of the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the death of global communism gave an exaggerated sense of hope. Closing the 20th century, many sounded like democracy and the markets had triumphed. Many thought the 21st century promised greater stability and peace under a global consensus.

2016-09-13 15:53

The 21st century and peace

My, how foolish we do seem. How many world leaders proclaimed the end of the 20th century would mark unrivalled peace? Their predictions have proven mistaken. The breakup of the Soviet Union? The triumph of global capitalism and democracy as a model? The end of superpower conflicts and detente? The Fall of the Iron Curtain? So many events occurred leading to claims of a new millennium. They didn't bring a peace of great and wide proportions. Instead conflict surrounds us.

2016-08-30 17:13

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