An Outsider’s Perspective

The speaker reflects on their time as a graduate student in Princeton, where they were perceived as British rather than English. This experience led to a deeper understanding of their identity and the differences between being British and English. During the late 1980s, they observed the rise of nationalism and the early signs of globalization. Being outside Britain allowed them to gain a new perspective on these global shifts. They also explored the US political system and its historical roots, which influenced their later work.

What fundamental changes did the speaker observe during their years in Princeton?

How did the speaker's time in Princeton influence their understanding of British versus English identity?

In what ways did the speaker's perspective on nationalism evolve during their time abroad?

What insights did the speaker gain about the political system in the US compared to Britain?

How did the speaker's experiences abroad contribute to their subsequent work?