Upheaval: Turning Points for Nations in Crisis

“That’s because this book instead had to accomplish the task of identifying, by a narrative study, hypotheses and variables for a subsequent quantitative study to test.”

In this work, Diamond is developing an original theory about the applicability of Parallels Between Personal Therapy and Collective Adaptation. His sample size is too small and biased to draw definitive conclusions. However, he hopes to create a theory that others can then test with larger samples and more quantitative rigor.

“[A] situation in which you found yourself facing an important challenge that felt insurmountable by your usual methods of coping and problem-solving. You struggled to develop new coping methods. As I did, you questioned your identity, your values, and your view of the world.”

Describing what a personal crisis is, Diamond highlights the need for intentional change in the definition. Crises, both personal and national, require selective changes. No one or no nation can completely change. Understanding what should be retained and what should be changed is critical to The Successful Navigation of National Crises.

“Hence we expect some relationships between how individuals cope with individual problems, and how nations composed of many individuals cope with national problems.”

Diamond’s thesis is that coping mechanisms developed for individuals in crisis apply to nations as well, invoking Parallels Between Personal Therapy and Collective Adaptation. Here he acknowledges that there will not be a perfect fit, given the differences between individuals and nations. However, he expects this framework to have significant applicability.