In this Q&A, Diploma Programme History Teacher Olella Nyiendo shares why history remains deeply relevant in an age shaped by global conflict, rapid technological change, and the growing challenge of distinguishing truth from misinformation.

What makes learning history at CIS different?

In one way it is not “different” at all! – at CIS we do history according to the best methodologies in the discipline. In another key way, though, we are “different”. CIS is an IB-school, and among our six core institutional values are inclusion and integrity. So, our students learn international, multicultural history. This is faithful to the reality that human history has always been one of keen global economic and cultural exchange. This also promotes the knowledge-context, social intelligence and international mindset needed to meet the opportunities and challenges of today. We delve into content from diverse times and places, using concepts of cause/consequence, change/continuity, and similarity/difference, to produce a deep and coherent understanding of modern history. This makes students sharp critical thinkers, as well as creative and responsible world citizens.

How do you explain to students why history matters in their daily lives?

Students desire to know “why” things happen. Sure, history reports on change: volcanoes and conquerors annihilate civilisations; individuals invent ideas and tools that had not existed before, or put to use existing ones in new ways. But history also reveals numerous continuities in human experience. By tracing causes, consequences, and patterns, the historical record shows not only what has happened, but how we have understood our own experience over time.

Moreover, history depends on sources, and on judging their value and limits. That skill is crucial today, when misinformation, and disinformation make determining truth harder than ever.

Can you share an example of a historical event that directly connects to something we see today?

One historical event that connects to today is what Thucydides reported happened when the warring Athenian empire demanded the capitulation and absorption of the neutral island of Melos in 416 BCE. When the Melians resisted, the Athenians declared: “The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must,” before proceeding to murder the men of Melos, enslave the women and children, and colonise the emptied island.

The lesson in Thucydides is that, when applied without wisdom, power destroys others and also itself. This implosion happened to ancient Athens in 404 BCE at the end of its decades-long war, and in numerous other examples in history. This lesson can help us know how to handle power wisely as we consider the serious interstate conflicts of today.

In what ways is historical knowledge useful in modern careers?

History is essential for any work in culture, public policy, the law, politics and diplomacy, journalism, and academia in the human sciences. And it is essential for work in the Arts as well – how could Shakespeare have written Macbeth otherwise? How could Toni Morrison have written Beloved, or the musical Hamilton have been produced? How could Bob Dylan have written Blowin’ in the Wind, if he had not tapped into deeply resonant knowledge about humanity that history provides?

In science too history is important. Progress in science rests on knowledge of the work of predecessors. History also makes us wise about the intersection between science and ethics. From the exploitive use of Henrietta Lacks’ tissue without her knowledge or consent, to enactment of better safety protocols and backup systems at nuclear power plants after Chernobyl and Fukushima, we use historical knowledge to ethically guide our ongoing inquiry and action in diverse scientific endeavors.

How can history help people understand social or political issues today?

I would say that sociopolitical issues tend to revisit us repeatedly. Thucydides’ question about wise use of power is one perennial issue. So too are the questions of security versus freedom, balancing private interest with public good, and many more. History shows we don’t really “solve” these thorny issues so much as manage them differently over time. Sometimes we do well; other times poorly. So, in my view, as long as there are humans who want to act responsibly in the world, history is relevant as it helps us learn from both the mistakes and the genius of those who came before us.