Avoiding Political Talk With Americans: Foreign Travel Guide

It is often said that there are three topics to avoid in conversation if you want to maintain good relationships: religion, money, and politics. While the first two might be easy to sidestep, it can be nearly impossible to avoid political discussions when travelling, especially in the current climate. As soon as people hear an American accent, they often want to know your thoughts on the candidates and the hot-button issues. Some are genuinely curious, some are judging, and others are looking to provoke a reaction. Whatever their intentions, navigating these conversations can be extremely tricky, and it can be hard to avoid offending others, looking stupid, or starting an argument. So, how can you talk politics abroad without causing a fight?

Research the politics of the country you're visiting

Researching the politics of your destination country is a crucial aspect of responsible travel. Even if you don't understand every nuance of the political system, familiarising yourself with the basics can help you navigate conversations with locals and avoid potential pitfalls. Here are some insights to guide you through this process:

Understand the Basics

Start by reading up on the country's political system, including its government structure, key political parties, and any recent elections or significant developments. This foundational knowledge will make it easier to engage in political discussions and show locals that you're making an effort to understand their context.

Know the Local Sensitivities

Different countries have varying levels of comfort when discussing politics. Some cultures may embrace intellectual debate, while others may consider it impolite. Research the cultural norms around political discourse in your destination country. For example, are there any topics that are particularly sensitive or divisive? Understanding these nuances will help you navigate conversations respectfully.

Be Aware of Current Affairs

Stay informed about the current political landscape of the country you're visiting. Keep an eye on local news sources and try to identify any pressing issues, ongoing debates, or controversial topics. This knowledge will help you understand the context of any political discussions you may encounter and allow you to contribute thoughtfully.

Learn from Multiple Sources

Diversify your sources of information to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the country's politics. Consult news outlets, books, academic articles, and even entertainment media to grasp the complexities of the political situation. By consuming a variety of perspectives, you can form a more well-rounded opinion.

Consider Historical Context

Politics are often shaped by a country's history. Take the time to learn about the country's political history, including significant events, influential leaders, and any long-standing conflicts or tensions. This historical context will help you better interpret the present political landscape and the views of the locals.

Evaluate Your Own Biases

Before engaging in political discussions, take an honest look at your own biases and assumptions. Recognise that your perspective is shaped by your personal experiences and cultural background. Be open to learning from others and be prepared to respectfully disagree or acknowledge differing viewpoints.

Remember, researching the politics of your destination country is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about developing cultural sensitivity and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations with locals. By doing so, you'll not only enhance your travel experience but also foster mutual understanding and respect.

Understand how US politics are connected to the country you're visiting

When travelling abroad, it is important to understand how US politics are connected to the country you're visiting. This knowledge will help you navigate political conversations with locals and avoid any potential pitfalls or misunderstandings. Here are some key points to consider:

The Reach of US Policies and Culture

The author of the CNN article, Kim Davis, notes that during her travels, she found that people outside of the US often knew more about American politics than Americans themselves. This is because US policies and culture can directly impact the lives of people abroad, even in mundane ways. For example, someone she met had their entire life savings invested in the US stock market, while another person's livelihood depended on the international appeal of American films in their neighbourhood. Understanding this connection can help you navigate conversations about American politics with locals and show empathy for their perspectives.

Economic and Military Power

The United States is the only truly global power, with its military reach extending to every corner of the globe. Its economic prowess fuels world trade and industry, and its political and cultural appeal is extensive. Most international institutions reflect American interests, and the country's position in the world is unique. This power can breed resentment, even among its allies, so it is important for Americans abroad to be mindful of this and navigate political conversations with sensitivity.

Globalization and Interdependence

Globalization has broadened the reach of American foreign policy, and the country now faces challenges and opportunities that require international cooperation. Issues such as infectious diseases, climate change, and terrorism cannot be addressed by the US alone, and the country must work with other nations to find solutions. At the same time, globalization has also brought new perils, such as terrorism and cyber-attacks, which can directly threaten American power and interests.

Impact on Daily Life

When travelling abroad, it is important to recognize that US policies and actions can have a direct impact on the daily lives of people in other countries. This includes everything from economic policies that affect local businesses to cultural influences that shape local customs and values. Understanding this connection can help you relate to locals on a deeper level and navigate political conversations with empathy and an open mind.

Diplomatic Relations and Development Efforts

The US Department of State engages with other countries through diplomatic relations and development efforts. This includes government-to-government negotiations on issues such as cooperative development, health projects, and human rights. The US also provides direct assistance to countries through agencies like the US Agency for International Development (USAID), working to improve food security, reduce poverty, and empower women and girls. These efforts can have a significant impact on the countries involved and shape their relationship with the US.

Let the other person talk first

When travelling abroad, it can be difficult to avoid political conversations, especially as an American. However, it is important to be mindful of the intentions of the person you are speaking to. Some people are genuinely interested in having a conversation, some are sizing you up to judge you, and others are just looking to provoke a reaction.

Before you share your opinions, it is best to determine whether this is someone you want to engage with. A good way to do this is to let the other person talk first. This can help prevent uncomfortable situations and give you time to craft your thoughts and decide if you want to engage.

If someone asks for your opinion on a political personality, you can respond with an open-ended question such as "They're definitely very interesting. What do people here think of them?". People are usually eager to share their thoughts and feelings, and these types of questions allow you to read the room before deciding if you want to enter the conversation.

Listening to the other person's beliefs first can also help you navigate the conversation more effectively. It can give you a sense of their intentions and help you determine if the conversation is likely to be productive or not.

For example, if someone asks for your thoughts on a controversial issue, you could respond with "That's an interesting topic. What do people here think about it?". This allows you to understand their perspective and the local context before sharing your own opinions.

By letting the other person talk first, you can avoid uncomfortable situations, gather information, and make a more informed decision about how to engage in the conversation.

Adapt your conversational style

Adapting Your Conversational Style When Talking Politics Abroad

When travelling, one of the most fascinating aspects of visiting a new place is discovering the different ways people engage with one another. Whether it's the bolder and animated style of some Mediterranean regions or the more restrained approach found in parts of Asia, there is no right or wrong way to communicate. However, if you want to talk about politics abroad, it is worth considering how the locals communicate and adapting your style accordingly.

Pull, Don't Push

When engaging in political conversations abroad, it is often better to pull information out of others rather than push your own ideas. Think of the conversation as a fact-finding mission rather than a debate. This approach, common in some parts of Europe, can lead to conversations that carry less judgment and where people are more open to changing their minds about sensitive subjects.

Turn Down the Volume

While it is important to stay true to yourself, consider adapting your style by adjusting the volume, just as you would adjust the volume on a radio. Keep the same song playing, but change the level of intensity. This allows you to express yourself passionately while also respecting the local conversational style.

Be Open to Learning

Embrace the opportunity to learn from others by asking questions and actively listening to their responses. This not only helps you understand their perspective but also gives you insight into the local culture and communication style. Remember, there is no single "right" way to communicate, and adapting your style can make it easier to navigate political conversations abroad.

Put yourself in the other person's shoes

Put Yourself in Their Shoes

When talking politics with people from other countries, it's important to remember that they don't get a vote in American elections. However, US policies can directly affect their lives. Therefore, it might be important for them to feel like they have a voice and that their desires are heard through you.

Asking people from other cultures about their perceptions of American politics, and how US policies might have impacted them, can lead to a meaningful exchange of ideas. Their unique perspectives may surprise you and cause you to consider things you hadn't thought of before.

Showing empathy helps to nurture unity and keep the conversation pleasant. Remember that politicians all over the world do and say things that can bring grief and shame to their constituents. These stories can be extremely amusing to people outside of the country who may not have any emotional connection to the antics. It's helpful to take a step back and not get offended by others making fun of US politicians when you're travelling internationally.

Tips for Putting Yourself in Their Shoes

• Ask open-ended questions to encourage the other person to share their thoughts and feelings first. This will help you to understand their perspective and decide if you want to engage further in the conversation.
• Be respectful and avoid dismissive or absolute words that may devalue what the other person is saying.
• Avoid sweeping generalizations and instead, share personal stories and experiences that formed your beliefs. This will make you more authentic and relatable.
• Critique ideas and policies, but avoid personal attacks.

Frequently asked questions