Sorry for the lack of posts during these past two months, but it has been a busy academic year. Three semesters in to the PhD program, and with one more to go, my energy has been directed towards completing the remain coursework requirements. As for progress on figuring out my dissertation topic, I am leaning towards following the approach of historians like Mark Atwood Lawrence and Eugenie M. Blang. These scholars examined the European connections to America’s Vietnam War. I hope to more fully explore the British Commonwealth’s role in the Vietnam War by incorporating Australia and Canada into a study of America’s waging of the war in Vietnam. Much like my earlier musings on the selection of a dissertation topic, I hope to have a more developed idea after I complete course and examination requirements.
As noted in my last post, the Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disarmament Studies (LCMSDS) features some great posts from graduate students. Recently, my good friend and colleague Christine Leppard wrote of her experiences researching in London. Her insight into the workings of the British National Archives and the Imperial War Museum archive should be of great value to those embarking on their first research trip to the UK. Additionally, Christine’s experiences emphasis the importance of making the most of unforeseen situations, like the IWM’s expensive copier fees and their ban of an historians best friend, the digital camera. So be sure to read her entire article over at the LCMSDS blog.
The Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disarmament Studies (LCMSDS) has been featuring the research interests of current and former Laurier graduate students on the centre’s blog. Earlier this week, LCMSDS posted my thoughts on the Vietnam War and America’s Cold War relationship with Australia. My thought piece is an overview of how I understand the Vietnam War in a Cold War/Pacific World context. So go read my ideas and those of my LCMSDS friends.
Several months ago, I started a discussion on the best war related songs. Since then, I have come across the video for The Chameleon’s Up The Down Escalator. A reflection of the Cold War arms race and the likelihood of nuclear annihilation, Up The Down Escalator broadcasts a strong anti-war message. The song highlights a generation’s mounting frustration with a world working towards destroying itself.
more →
My undergraduate advisor at Virginia Wesleyan College, and friend, Dr. Dan Margolies recently wrote a short article, “Extradition as Foreign Policy,” on America’s use of extradition in foreign policy matters. Prominent extradition cases have emerged through out American history, with controversies being the norm. In light of more recent cases, such as those involving a famous movie producer and Russian arms dealer, Margolies provides us with an informative and enjoyable read. Read the article over at History News Network.
Synopsis
The purpose of Thompson Werk is to present the musings of a US War and Society doctoral student. Discussion topics principally center around the World Wars and Vietnam.
The opinions expressed on this site are not be confused with those of my colleagues, employers, friends, family, and/or anyone else associated with me.
Contact me with any comments, complaints, and/or questions.
Responses
- Robert: Everyone needs to see Vietnam,
- Ross Mahoney: Sounds like it is another
- Robert: My original post omitted the
- Robert: Hey Ross, Vietnam is a
- Ross Mahoney: Robert it looks like a
