Small Countries, Big Cultures Volume I Ireland North Korea New Zealand Estonia Hong Kong: A Teen's Research Journey to Some of the World's Most Fascin

Description

Travel the world with this budding author as he uncovers some of the most fascinating places on Earth. Often underrepresented in the media and in classrooms, these small countries-as defined by population size or land mass-have created outsized cultures surely worthy of more study. This book will expose you to the first settlements of man; will speed walk you through centuries of war, famines, plagues, and oppressions; and will finally deliver you safely into today's modern cultures. Presented in a passionate storyteller's voice, this well-researched book analyzes how each country's historical development influences its culture today.Learn how Estonia won its independence through song; how Ireland's Troubles came about and finally were solved; how North Korea's Kim family obtained and maintains its tight authoritarian grasp over its isolated population; how New Zealand's current party system advances its causes; and how Hong Kong's current upheavals are rooted in the freedoms established from its first days. In this first volume, you will track the travels of a young man during his gap year enthralled with not just how countries present themselves to the world today, but how that all came to be. Net proceeds of this book will be donated to International Support for the Impacted, a nonprofit organization that provides food micro-grants to families adversely impacted by COVID-19."This young man's journey around the world offers us a powerful lesson. Be more open to other cultures and dig deep to understand our world's complexities, both past and present. Fascinating insights into lesser-known countries that nonetheless comprise our world today." Professor Jay Conger, Henry R. Kravis Chaired Professor of Leadership Studies, Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College "An exceptional contribution from a young talented voice, this book will get you thinking about how countries form, morph, adapt, and thrive. John Huebner invites us to truly see, with an open mind, how much we can learn from other nations and cultures, how interconnected our entire world's ecosystem is, and how vital it is for us to reach beyond borders to find solutions for our global challenges." Valerie De Cruz, Director, Greenfield Intercultural Center, University of Pennsylvania"Riveting Small Countries, Big Cultures will have your running to book your next flight to Estonia, New Zealand or another hidden gem. John Huebner's book uncovers more of what the world has to offer. Let it transform you into a travel bug and a history buff." Francis Tapon, Wanderlearn Podcast Host, Harvard graduate, and Author of The Hidden Europe and Hike Your Own Hike.