The Hub Community’s Read / Watch / Listen list for Summer 2023
As the weather continues to warm up (for Dutch standards, at least), and the more and more people turn their minds towards their summer holiday, we wanted to take the opportunity to share some thought-provoking, interesting, fun; or just plain distracting content to enjoy on the beach, by a lake, in your garden or on a long train journey! These books, podcasts, films; documentaries, songs, and more have all been recommended by members of The Hague Humanity Hub community – and cover a wide range of tastes. Check them out below! Got a recommendation yourself? Just reach out via community@humanityhub.net and we’ll include your selection in the coming weeks!
Read
The Choice by Dr. Edith Eva Eger
Suggested by Alex Haas, Haagse Helpers
Dr. Edith Eger is a Holocaust survivor and psychologist, who specialises in helping to treat post-traumatic stress disorders. Her book ‘The Choice’ is a powerful combination of personal account and an introduction into her work with shame, anger, guilt, and healing.
The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
Suggested by Susannah Montgomery, InHolland University of Applied Sciences
“‘The Culture Map’ by Erin Meyer is a compelling exploration of how cultural differences impact international business. Meyer provides a practical framework for understanding and navigating these differences, focusing on eight key areas: communication, persuasion, leadership, decision-making, trust, disagreement, and scheduling. While the book is primarily aimed at business professionals, its insights are equally applicable to understanding cultural differences in my university classroom as well. Overall, “The Culture Map” is a fascinating and insightful read that challenges us to think more deeply about the cultural assumptions we often take for granted.”
Mission Economy by Mariana Mazzucato
Suggested by Jill Wilkinson, The Hague Humanity hub
Economist Mariana Mazzucato took her inspiration from the ‘Moonshot’ pandemic responses when writing ‘Mission Economy’. These combined actions brought together business and the public sector for the common good, and Mazzucato uses these to look at ways to re-orient capitalism to make it ‘inclusive, sustainable, and driven by innovation that tackles concrete problems.’
The Russo-Ukrainian War: The Return of History by Serhii Plosky
Suggested by Simon Tiller, The HALO Trust
“He’s a great historian and attempts to put the shocking events of 2022 into a more considered historical context. It’s early for historians and academics to get involved in events that are yet to be shaped, but this is an excellent review looking through the rear-view mirror.”
Cultural Reads
Suggested by Bernarda Coello, Floyd Davis Finance
Cultural Reads is a great online resource that brings together literature, film, music; and more from across the world. There’s also a newsletter for weekly culture directly into your inbox!
Watch
The Treasures of Crimea / De schatten van de Krim
Suggested by Jasper Schellekens, T.M.C Asser Institute
Released in 2021, this documentary follows staff at the Allard Pearson Museum in Amsterdam in 2014 as they try to put on an exhibition of Crimean Art; right as Russia invades Crimea. The documentary shows staff grappling with questions around what to do with the art once the exhibition is over: should it be returned to the museums in (now-occupied Crimea), or returned to the Ukrainian government?
Ghosts of Moria: Living in the Ashes of Europe’s Largest Migrant Camp
Suggested by Thomas Ansell, The Hague Humanity Hub
A documentary series released by the Guardian that follows two Syrian refugees trying to find ways to survive in the ruins of the Moria Camp on Lesbos, Greece, that burned to the ground in 2020. Ayham and Khalil scavenge scrap metal to survive, and the series not only shows their current reality, but also celebrates their memories of living in a vibrant Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War.
Listen
Outrage + Optimism: Climate Change podcast
Suggested by Jill Wilkinson, The Hague Humanity Hub
Outrage + Optimism is a realistic podcast that looks into both the inaction and inertia around climate action but also the emerging technologies and theoris that could help avert climate crisis. Featuring plenty of guests as well as looking into the intersections of climate, culture, design; and politics!
Asymmetrical Haircuts
Suggested by The Hague Humanity Hub team
Asymmetrical Haircuts is made by Hub members Janet Anderson and Stephanie van den Berg, and takes an informative and entertaining look at international justice. Whilst the big set-piece interviews with (for example) Philippe Sands are fascinating, the shorter ‘Justice Update’ episodes give a great view into how The Hague’s various justice institutions work.
