Are you a self-declared political authority?

No.

What are you then?

I’m just an average João, interested in politics and have a natural tendency to reflect on what can be done to improve societies.

I’m from the Netherlands and grew up in the Dutch bible belt. Let’s say the Arkansas of the lowlands. I studied in Amsterdam and afterwards lived and worked in multiple countries. For nearly a decade, I’ve been living in France, and working in Switzerland. My wife is a complex Soviet cocktail, so we also live in her home country, Lithuania, for a few months a year. I’ve worked for international organizations and specialise in multicultural management and design.

Do you live in an echo chamber?

I have three countries I consider home: France, Lithuania, and the Netherlands. My social circle in all these countries is composed of people from various social backgrounds and political ideals.

I consume news from different sources. I read both the Guardian and the Telegraph, Vox and Fox, and do this also for French and Dutch news. I am also subscribed to Ground News.

I try to read books from progressive and conservative authors at the same time, or at least one after the other.

I like to listen to the BBC's Moral Maze and Open to Debate podcasts since they give people with opposing views a platform to debate respectfully.

Despite that, sure... those I consider my best friends come from various continents, but all have a tertiary degree. I am a nerd, and so are they.

Disclaimer

No, I’m not a political scientist. However, I believe I have a reasonable understanding of the world and politics.

Nevertheless:

1. I’m European. I’ve been to the US quite a number of times, but I realise I am not a US specialist. Please point out the mistakes I make in interpreting US policies. There certainly will be a few here and there.

2. I have my own political beliefs, which are impossible to hide. I try to be fairly neutral, but every word a writer chooses, or any data a writer decides to include, is arbitrary. I don’t think objective writing exists. The fact that I unconsciously wrote “I’m European” and not “I’m Dutch” reveals a part of my values and bias.

Do you listen to Death Cab For Cutie?

Do you really think I’d be intelligent to come up with my pseudonym myself?