A visionary fusion of scholarship, technology, and visual storytelling brings international relations into the digital age with 135 original educational videos.
Acclaimed international studies scholar V. Kubálková announces the release of ORBIS PICTUS: World Affairs in the Visual Digital Era, an ambitious and transformative “videobook” that challenges centuries-old approaches to learning and teaching global affairs. Created over nearly a decade and featuring 135 original educational videos, the project combines rigorous academic insight with immersive visual media to make international relations more engaging, accessible, and intellectually dynamic for modern audiences.
Developed in collaboration with Steve Jones, President of Domainate Inc., who designed the project’s digital platform and video access system, ORBIS PICTUS represents a major evolution in educational publishing, one that moves beyond the limitations of traditional print into an interactive, visual-first learning environment.
“Humanity has entered a profoundly visual and digital era,” said Kubálková. “Yet much of higher education still relies on methods shaped centuries ago. ORBIS PICTUS was created to bridge that gap, to help students not only read about world affairs, but to see, experience, and better understand them.”
Inspired by the pioneering 17th-century educational work Orbis Pictus by Czech philosopher and educator John Amos Comenius, the videobook honors the enduring belief that visual learning can deepen understanding and expand intellectual curiosity. Kubálková also dedicates the work to her late grandfather, Professor Josef Kubálek, a celebrated Czech pedagogue whose lifelong commitment to education profoundly influenced the project’s vision.
The videobook explores major themes in international relations, political transformation, global systems, diplomacy, conflict, ideology, and the evolution of world order, all presented through visually driven educational storytelling designed for today’s digital learners.
At a time when educators worldwide are seeking more engaging and effective teaching tools, ORBIS PICTUS offers a bold alternative to conventional academic texts. The project is specifically designed for:
• Universities and international relations programs • Political science and global studies courses • Hybrid and online classrooms • Independent learners and educators • Students raised in visual and digital environments
The integrated video format allows instructors to incorporate dynamic multimedia directly into coursework, creating a more interactive classroom experience while improving accessibility and retention.
Early support for the project came from distinguished scholars, including Professor Peter Katzenstein of Cornell University, who incorporated Kubálková’s early videos into his courses and encouraged the continued development of the initiative.
More than a textbook, ORBIS PICTUS is a pioneering educational platform that blends:
• Academic scholarship • Original visual media • Digital learning tools • Interactive teaching methods • Accessible storytelling
The result is a resource designed not only to inform, but to transform how complex global issues are communicated and understood.
As universities continue adapting to rapidly changing technologies and learning styles, ORBIS PICTUS positions itself at the forefront of a new educational movement, one where visual engagement and intellectual rigor work hand in hand.
About the Authors
V. Kubálková is a Professor of International Studies and creator of all 135 videos featured in ORBIS PICTUS. Her work spans international relations theory, global politics, and educational innovation.
Steve Jones is the President of Domainate Inc. and led the development of the project’s website infrastructure, digital access systems, and online presentation strategy.
Global Book Network – Dr. Vendulka Kubalkova, Author of Orbis Pictus: World in Digital Visual Age
Media ContactCompany Name: Global Book NetworkContact Person: Henry ZaneEmail: Send EmailCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.globalbooknetwork.tv/
