In this compelling conversation, Humphrey Hawksley shares his transformative experiences—from the remote reaches of Alaska to the intricate world of global geopolitics. Blending personal anecdotes with sharp insights, Hawksley discusses the deep effects of trauma, both personal and national, and its lasting impact on leadership and international relations. He explores the power of storytelling to illuminate complex issues like national victimhood, the legacies of colonization, and the interplay between culture, history, and national behavior. With a career spanning journalism and fiction writing, Hawksley reveals how his diverse experiences shape his writing, including his Ray Kozena series, and why curiosity is essential to understanding world affairs.