I’m writing this introduction in the wake of the hotly contested and deeply polarised US election and during a time of widespread international conflict. While divisions are reflected and amplified in the media, I wanted this issue to focus on what members of the Johnian community are doing to bring people together and to highlight the importance and benefits of finding common ground.
One of the key themes of the articles is the value of working to find concessions and resolutions that both sides can agree on. Jennifer Schulz, a professor of Law, explains how mediation and alternative dispute resolution can result in much more palatable outcomes for disputants than litigation. Similarly, Britton Burdick, a political communications director, argues in his article that policies are stronger and more enduring if they are palatable to both parties.
Increasing globalisation can bring with it both challenges and benefits, and this is something that many of our alumni encounter in their work. In Simon Allan’s article he talks us through the realities of ensuring that all countries have fair access to vital vaccinations, especially during international epidemics and pandemics, while Robin Ogilvy’s work focuses on international development and economic co-operation against this complex backdrop of international crisis. In Alexandra Abrams’ article, she tells us about her work building global partnerships and developing cross-cultural understanding.
Closer to home, we also look at how the Telethon has been making connections between Johnian students and alumni over the years, and Steve Acklam explains why remaining connected to the College through the Beaufort Society is so meaningful to him.
To round off the issue, the final pair of articles reflect on how music and culture can transcend geographical borders. Anna Gower talks in her playlist article about how music can help children to find their place in the world and how it has helped her to connect with others even when faced with a language barrier. And in Rachel Peat Underhill’s closing article she talks about why she enjoys searching for cultural connections between artefacts and artworks in museum collections.
PS Please email me your thoughts on the magazine and look out for more College updates and Johnian stories on our news pages and in our monthly alumni enewsletter.
The opinions expressed in Johnian magazines are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of St John’s College and the University of Cambridge.
Written by
Ellie is the Publications and Project Manager at St John’s. As Editor of Johnian magazine and The Eagle and manager of the alumni blog, she project manages print and digital publications as well as commissioning, writing and editing their content. Ellie has previously worked in the Development Office at Darwin College and for a Heritage Lottery funded landscape partnership scheme in the Brecks. She holds a BA in History from Cardiff University and an MPhil in Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic Studies from the University of Cambridge (Clare College).
