Barbara Crossette: A Career in International Journalism
Barbara Crossette is a distinguished American journalist and author who has spent decades documenting the complexities of international affairs. Born on July 12, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Crossette has established herself as a prominent voice in global reporting, specializing in the geopolitical landscapes of Asia and the diplomatic workings of the United Nations.
Throughout her career, she has held prestigious roles, including serving as a long-time writer on international affairs for The New York Times. Currently, she serves as the United Nations correspondent for The Nation. Her expertise is further recognized through her affiliations with the Council on Foreign Relations, the Foreign Policy Association's editorial advisory board, and her role as a trustee of the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs.
Key Facts
- Born: July 12, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Current Role: United Nations correspondent for The Nation.
- Major Affiliations: Council on Foreign Relations and Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs.
- Notable Awards: George Polk Award (1992), Fulbright Prize (2008), and Shorenstein Prize (2010).
- Specialization: International affairs, with a heavy focus on Asia and India.
Professional Achievements and Awards
Crossette's reporting has been recognized by some of the most prestigious institutions in journalism and academia. In 1992, she received a George Polk award for her coverage of the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. Her commitment to fostering international understanding earned her a Fulbright Prize in 2008.
In 2010, she was honored with the Shorenstein Prize for her writings on Asia. This award was presented jointly by the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and the Asia–Pacific Research Center at Stanford University.
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Literary Contributions
Beyond her journalism, Crossette is an accomplished author. Her books often blend travelogue with political analysis, focusing on the cultural and political shifts within Asia. Her 1998 work, The Great Hill Stations of Asia, was notably recognized as a New York Times notable book of the year.
| Year | Title | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | India Facing the 21st Century | Indiana University Press |
| 1995 | So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas | Alfred A. Knopf |
| 1998 | The Great Hill Stations of Asia | Basic Books |
| 2000 | India: Old Civilization in a New World | Foreign Policy Association |
Criticism and Controversies
Despite her accolades, Crossette's extensive work on India has been a source of significant controversy. Some critics have accused her of harboring Indophobic bias—a prejudice against India and its people.
Vamsee Juluri, a Professor of Media Studies at the University of San Francisco, has argued that Crossette's writing employs a racist postcolonial discourse. Juluri specifically pointed to her use of terms such as "rogue nation," "petulant," and "intransigent" to describe India, suggesting these descriptions defame a secular, pluralistic democracy.
Further friction arose following a 2010 article in Foreign Policy magazine, where Crossette described India as a country that often gives global governance its "biggest headache." This piece was met with a rebuttal from journalist Nitin Pai, who characterized the article as biased and factually incorrect. Additionally, Crossette's views regarding India's support for Bangladeshi independence have been criticized for lacking a deep understanding of the region's international politics and history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barbara Crossette's current professional role?
She currently serves as the United Nations correspondent for The Nation.
Which major awards has Barbara Crossette won?
She has won the George Polk award (1992), the Fulbright Prize (2008), and the Shorenstein Prize (2010).
What are some of her most notable books?
Her notable works include The Great Hill Stations of Asia, So Close to Heaven, and India Facing the 21st Century.
Why has her work on India been criticized?
Critics, including Professor Vamsee Juluri and journalist Nitin Pai, have accused her of Indophobic bias and using neocolonial discourse to describe India's political nature and global governance role.
What organizations is she affiliated with?
She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a trustee of the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, and a member of the editorial advisory board of the Foreign Policy Association.