Scholar–practitioner, author, educator, and former ambassador
Some people combine intellectual humility with emotional rebellion, while others pair emotional humility with intellectual rebellion. These states seem to balance each other out. When emotional and intellectual humility coincide, an internal, “underground” revolution of consciousness occurs. And when emotional and intellectual rebellion resonate together, an evident, “above-ground” transformation of the individual and society emerges, changing the world.
A new video on the Diplomatic Nexus channel: my conversation with Dr. Jeremie Cornut on diplomatic practices.
Education is important but character is no less important.
Why is tennis so popular among a wide range of TV viewers? I think one of the reasons is the opportunity to watch not just a tennis match, but a battle of characters. Famous tennis players are famous personalities and characters. Even pauses during a tennis match serve to demonstrate the character of the players. Other netball sports can be no less interesting than tennis, but we know little about the athletes in these sports as personalities and characters. Therefore, all of them are inferior to tennis in terms of watching a battle of characters.
Here’s the English translation:
I notice that everyday life in America is becoming increasingly technological, or more precisely, increasingly connected with various IT technologies. Perhaps this doesn’t apply to everyone, but in the last couple of weeks, I’ve had to download about 10 mobile applications – ranging from door locks to university system registration. Just wait and see what’s next!
Just published yesterday’s conversation with the brilliant Professor Dr. William Zartman on the Diplomatic Nexus channel. At 90 years old, he continues to inspire us with his attitude toward scholarship, diligence, productivity, and his endless curiosity for discovering the new around us. Let’s wish him good health, a long and fulfilling life, creative breakthroughs, successes in his work, more books and articles, and engaging questions and answers!
Think differently. Think unexpectedly. Think strategically.
Act confidently. Act respectfully. Act constructively.
In America, I have repeatedly noticed how the word “professional” is perceived. First, it is used very broadly, encompassing an entire class of occupations such as doctors, lawyers, business consultants, teachers, professors, and other white-collar workers. Of course, you might hear phrases like “professional boxer” or “professional dancer,” but in most cases, the term “professional” refers to people engaged in intellectual activities and working within certain standards.
Second, professionalism is closely linked to specific behavior and appearance. To “look and act professionally” means dressing neatly, conservatively, and formally, as well as demonstrating politeness, attentiveness, and proper speech while avoiding slang or informal expressions. Writing professionally is also an important aspect, particularly in emails, where clarity, proper formatting, and polite, concise language are expected norms.
Third, telling someone that they look or act professionally is indeed high praise. Such a remark pertains not only to appearance but also to the overall impression a person makes: neatness, reliability, respect for others, and adherence to expectations—all these are associated with professionalism in American culture.
This approach to professionalism stands out when compared to other cultures, where the emphasis might be more on experience or expertise rather than appearance or behavioral aspects. In the U.S., professionalism is not only about skills but also about the ability to meet high standards of self-presentation.
I am happy to be this Spring semester at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University, New Jersey, as a Visiting Scholar/Professor of Practice. Great university, wonderful school – one of the best in the world.
In the photo: First day in my new office.
Alisher Faizullaev 