Reifying one's understanding of large geosocial phenomena

 __TRAVELLER__

"How do I find something firm to latch my feelings and understanding to, on the [ war in Iran ]* ?"

( Where * can be replaced with any complex geosocial phenomena. )

__GUIDE__

There are some separate "planes". You can cluster your study of each plane, then combine them. 

Plane 1.

Abstract concepts in : sociology / psychology / anthropology : such as "The Clash of Civilisations", someone mentioned ( in chat ).

Plane 2. 

Linear narrative of time's arrow of geopolitics : today, Google gives great bullet point summaries, and links to wikis or academic literature. ( Evaluating academic sources is a separate question, which can spin off to a new chat. )

Plane 3.

Lens of each tribe ( non-linear time, the subjective experience ). Or the effect of 2 upon the fabric of 1. Reading method can be similar to 2. 

__PROMPT EXAMPLES__

Plane 2 :

"Who are the main groups of stakeholders, and actors, in [ the current war in Iran ]*"

ANSWER : ABC; now you have to keep your own notes! So ...

Plane 3 :

"What is the history of A's view on topic-X. List major events and shifts in perspective over the last 2000 and 200 years."

ANSWER : DEF

"Tell me more about the details of D." 

ANSWER : HGI

__MAP-REDUCE__

So ... your reading will be this huge cube of :

( parties : A+B+C )

* ( Abstract Issues : X+Y+Z )

* ( ( Concrete events : D + E + F ) + ( Details : H+G+I ) )

__APPROACH__

No need to rush. Understanding people takes time.