Sounds like this guy could have some kind of special need. I've taught and worked with a few. If his communication skills are strong you should be able to simply explain how you feel because this can turn into harassment without his knowledge.
If you have no training in special education or those with exceptionalities I'd seek professional help, but this all depends on your comfort level. Hope that helps.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.