History Club Discusses Historical Context with Stanford Professor

The History Club had the opportunity to speak remotely with Robert D. Crews, a Stanford University Professor and historian, who is also a relative of sophomore Ian Crews.
 
Professor Crews, whose research and teaching focuses on Afghanistan, Central and South Asia, Russia, Islam, and Global History, discussed with students how understanding history can inform their comprehension and understanding of current events. Well versed in his field, he is also the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Afghanistan published by The American Institute of Afghanistan Studies/Edinburgh University Press.
 
Providing historical context for the Ukraine invasion through the lens of Russian/Soviet history and US military involvement around the globe in the decades following 9/11, Professor Crews explained how political leaders use history in an effort to shape and alter the narrative of current events. An important point he emphasized to the students was that by studying history, they can better judge for themselves whether or not these narratives are accurate. 
 
The lyceum, a public setting for discussion that occurs regularly at Episcopal, provides a space for students to actively engage in civil discourse, a core focus of the School that is integrated into students' everyday conversations and highlighted through recurring McCain-Ravenel Center programming such as its Civil Dialogue series. 
 
After his presentation, Professor Crews engaged the students in a Q&A session, primarily focusing on the events happening in Ukraine.
 
History club founder and president Walter Liu ’24 said, “We appreciate and enjoy the opportunity when history experts like Professor Crews come speak to the student body, enriching our knowledge on current events.”
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