Global : An Extraordinary guide for ordinary heroes

So in my life as a diplomatic and development geek, I've known and had the privilege to work with some awesome people: Perhaps never more so than when we were standing-up the SecState's "Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction & Stabilization" (S/CRS). That team, by virtue of our mission, had unusual access to the interagency processes of the USG and other governments, the international community and how it worked (or didn't), and a whole host of countries either in or emerging from conflict.Lyla Bashan was an exceptional part of our team back then. She, like the rest of those talented young professionals, have moved on to make good use of the exposure and experience we all gained during that time.And she has written "that book." You all know the book I'm talking about. It's the one that you wish you'd written: The one about stuff that you know a little about, but never quite found the time to research, confirm, write, and then edit and submit for publication. And, to be brutally honest, the one you probably weren't quite capable of writing anyway.Well, she wrote it. The book is $20, and the e-book about half that: Y'all spend that much at Starbucks or the bar!Whether you are personally interested in a career doing interesting things to save the world or - perhaps more likely - you know a young person whose imagination might be fired by the stories and suggestions in the book, buy a copy. It's a fantastic primer for someone thinking about addressing global problems, but uncertain how to get started. Hell, even if you're my age and just want to live vicariously through her experiences, buy a copy.Young passionate people like Lyla are an invaluable resource for our country and our world, an an antidote to the self-centered, cynical, gloomy perspectives so common today. Buy her book and share it with friends and you'll not only be spreading a wholesome and constructive perspective on the world and how to change it (and perhaps planting the seed of greatness in another Lyla, a future Ambassador, SecState, or POTUS) but you'll be supporting Lyla as well.And this grumpy old geek will be grateful!

Global: An Extraordinary Guide for Ordinary Heroes” is a compelling and empowering book that serves as a guiding light for individuals who seek to make a positive impact on a global scale. Authored by Lyla Bashan, this insightful work not only captures the essence of globalism but also inspires readers to take meaningful actions in their daily lives. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate the global landscape with purpose and compassion. Lyla Bashan’s engaging storytelling, coupled with her unwavering commitment to fostering positive change, makes this book an inspiring and invaluable resource for individuals who aspire to become agents of global transformation. It is very easy and enjoyable read. I strongly recommend it.

This book is an important read. In a world that is moving faster, the consequences of our personal and collective decisions are increasing. The impact depends on each individual whether it is staying informed and proactive or choosing a life of service. This is a book that gives a clear and accurate view of a life dedicated to public service. The increased power of democracy worldwide can be directly attributed to the influence of private and government organizations such as USAID. Individuals who immerse themselves into a lifestyle of service have the satisfaction of seeing first hand how they make a difference in a real and measurable way. Lyla Bashan is one of those heroes that has made it possible for communities to thrive and relations between the US and other nations to strengthen. In her book, Lyla reaches out to those who feel the call to global service with her powerful view of the experience. She outlines the path to becoming an extraordinary hero in exciting and practical terms. Those who do not feel the call of a lifestyle of service, but would like to connect how their decisions and participation in the global community relates to the world, can see in this book the larger picture of our smaller world.

My only regret is not reading this book *before* finishing my Master's degree. This was a really fantastic structure for learning about the global system (part 1); some of the biggest issues our world is facing today, e.g. food security, human rights, conflict, and the environment (part 2); and learning about all of the different organizations who are working to improve these problems and how to navigate a career in this field (part 3).Lyla's writing style is personal, engaging, and full of statistics. Having seen her on a book tour, I could feel the passion that I know she exudes for these topics through her writing. While "global politics" may sound dry, understanding the impact of the global system and how you, dear reader, can be involved is anything but. This book will strike your heart and, if you're anything like me, light a fire and set you off on a career path towards for one or many of the problems she describes. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to work in the international development field, or even anyone who wants to serve that greater humanistic purpose with their career.

I've worked in the international development and conservation sphere for twenty years, and in thinking through new opportunities to amplify my impact as our world gets ever more unequal, I came across this book. Though I've learned much of what's in the book on the job, I'm getting new insight even just from how the book is structured - and it's allowing me to catalog my own knowledge in a different way. It also is really valuable to see this information through the lens of someone who comes from the Foreign Service - since we all interface with the same info in somewhat different ways, depending on which institution we work for! Really glad that this guide, which was edifying for me, is here for the next generation!