Dark Mirror
My usual preparation for an international trip includes boning up on the history and culture of the places we’ll visit. I’ll read those sections in one or two of the guidebooks we’re taking, look up some topics on the Internet, and perhaps add a book about a country or a region. As I reviewed Portuguese…
Thoughts on Iberia in the 19th Century
My previous post reflected on the authoritarian dictatorships in Portugal and Spain during much of the 20th century: Salazar’s dictatorship in Portugal, Franco’s in Spain. Both resulted from opposition to attempts to move from traditional monarchic rule to a liberal democratic republic. This post provides context for both the failed attempts at liberal democracy and…
Katts' Eyes On Our World 