Roger Cohen

Roger Cohen is a British-born journalist and author who has built a distinguished career at The New York Times and International Herald Tribune. His work spans foreign correspondence, editorial roles, and column writing, with expertise in international affairs and cultural commentary. Cohen's journalism career has included positions as foreign correspondent in fifteen different countries, culminating in his appointment as Paris bureau chief for The New York Times in 2020. His reporting has covered major global events, conflicts, and social transformations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Throughout his career, Cohen has authored several books exploring themes of identity, displacement, and global politics. His personal background as a Jewish Londoner whose father emigrated from South Africa has informed his perspective on migration, belonging, and cultural identity. Born in 1955 and educated at Westminster School and Oxford's Balliol College, Cohen has established himself as a leading voice in international journalism through his extensive reporting and commentary on global affairs. His work consistently examines the intersections of politics, culture, and personal history in the modern world.

Readers praise Cohen's clear, analytical writing style in his journalism but express more varied reactions to his books. His columns draw both appreciation for thoughtful commentary on international affairs and criticism for perceived political biases. What readers liked: - Deep historical context in foreign policy analysis - Personal storytelling woven into broader geopolitical themes - Balanced perspective on complex international issues - Clear explanations of complicated global events What readers disliked: - Books sometimes viewed as overly academic or dense - Opinion pieces seen by some as too focused on personal views - Some readers note repetitive themes across works - Writing style described as dry in longer formats Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.8/5 across all books Amazon: 4.1/5 average rating for opinion collections Guardian reader comments: Mixed, with strong responses to his Israel-Palestine coverage NYT reader feedback: Generally positive on international analysis pieces, more divided on opinion columns One reader noted: "Cohen excels in column format but his books lack the same punch and concision."

Hearts Grown Brutal: Sagas of Sarajevo (1998) A detailed examination of the Bosnian War and its impact on Sarajevo's residents, based on Cohen's firsthand reporting during the conflict and extensive interviews with survivors.

Soldiers and Slaves (2005) Documents the story of 350 American GIs sent to slave labor camps by the Nazis in 1945, interweaving their experiences with those of European Jewish prisoners who were also held captive.

The Girl from Human Street: Ghosts of Memory in a Jewish Family (2015) A memoir tracing Cohen's family history from Lithuania to South Africa, England, and beyond, exploring themes of displacement and Jewish identity across generations.

In the Eye of the Storm: The Lives of Russian Jews in Paris (2019) Chronicles the experiences of Russian Jewish émigrés in Paris, examining their adaptation to French society and the preservation of their cultural heritage.

Thomas L. Friedman writes about globalization and international relations through a combination of reporting and analysis for The New York Times. His work examines how technology and geopolitics reshape the modern world, with particular focus on the Middle East and global economics.

David Remnick covers international politics and cultural shifts as editor of The New Yorker, building on his experience as a Moscow correspondent. His writing connects historical events to contemporary developments while exploring themes of identity and social transformation.

Anne Applebaum reports on European politics and the legacy of totalitarianism, drawing from extensive research in Eastern Europe. Her work examines how historical forces shape current politics and national identity, with focus on democracy and authoritarianism.

Philip Gourevitch writes about aftermath of conflict and political violence through detailed reporting from Rwanda and other regions. His work explores how societies cope with trauma and reconstruction while examining questions of memory and reconciliation.

Ian Buruma analyzes cultural and political dynamics between East and West through his reporting across Asia and Europe. His writing investigates themes of migration, identity, and cross-cultural understanding based on his experiences in multiple societies.