Crossing Borders--Confronting History Intercultural Adjustment in a Post-Cold War World

Crossing Borders describes author Jerry Johnson's personal struggle to adjust to life in Armenia while he was there as a community development consultant from 1995-1997. More than a diary of events, it offers a simple model for successful intercultural adjustment that readers can apply in a variety of settings. It also provides a fascinating, detailed account of the living conditions in Armenia in the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse, the Nagorno-Karabakh War, and the historical tragedies that shape the Armenian collective consciousness. Furthermore, Johnson uses his personal experiences as a backdrop for a broader discussion of contemporary issues such as the lasting effects of the Cold War Era, anti-communist propaganda on America's role in the so-called New World Order, and the preparation of American relief and humanitarian aid workers. Accessible to a wide audience, Crossing Borders will be of great value to those interested in intercultural adjustment, developing cultural competence, foreign travel, or the aftermath of the cold war.

Jerry L. Johnson, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of social work at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.