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 significant change did the speaker experience during their time in Princeton?

• They realized they were British rather than English.

• They lost interest in their studies.

• They decided to stay in the US permanently.

• They became more patriotic towards England.

In the late 1980s, what major global topic was beginning to emerge according to the speaker?

• The concept of globalization.

• The decline of the British Empire.

• The rise of digital technology.

• The end of the Cold War.

How did the speaker's perspective change while being outside Britain?

• They gained a broader view of global shifts.

• They ignored global events.

• They felt disconnected from their roots.

• They became more focused on local issues.

What aspect of the US did the speaker find important for their subsequent work?

• Its economic policies.

• Its political system and historical roots.

• Its cultural diversity.

• Its technological advancements.

What did the speaker begin to think more about due to their experiences abroad?

• The superiority of the British political system.

• The need for isolationism.

• The Atlantic perspective.

• The importance of staying in one place.