Abstract:

This article aims to highlight James Fenton's exceptional ability to document ongoing events through poetry, earning him the title of a poet-reporter. By incorporating journalistic principles into his exploration of political events, Fenton plays a crucial role in chronicling modern history. Consequently, he can be aptly described as a historical reporter. This study focuses on the concept of journalistic historiography, examining Fenton's work in two key geopolitical regions: Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Special emphasis is placed on the cultural factors that have influenced the political landscapes of these areas. In Southeast Asia, Fenton captures the struggle for independence and the lingering effects of colonialism, including recurring violence. In the Middle East, he examines the cyclical nature of violence, exploring the region's cultural and political tensions. The research ultimately finds that political conflicts, as depicted in Fenton's poems on Southeast Asia, may reach compromise, whereas conflicts rooted in sectarianism or religion, as seen in the Middle East, present greater challenges in achieving universally acceptable resolutions.