Business, Finance & Law Books

Book SynopsisCategorization pervades economic life; products, services, firms and industries are continuously being classified by rivals, clients, experts and critics. A stream of research highlighting the importance of market and product categories for organizations and individuals has grown in importance during the past 40 years. This volume contains ten essays on categorization authored by some of the world’s leading scholars within sociology of markets, organization theory, and strategy research. It opens with revisiting the influential theory of “the categorical imperative”, and moves on to present various accounts of the social processes that form part of categorization and elaboration of their consequences. Together, the different chapters effectively show that categorization is a process, tightly connected to actors involved and their specific acts, the characteristics of the entity being categorized, and the context and timing informing these activities. As such, it complements the earlier cognitive perspectives by discussing the evaluative, social, and political manifestations of categorization.Trade ReviewScholars working in the sociology of markets, organization theory, and strategy research in North America, Europe, and South Korea provide 11 essays on categorization as a cognitive and social process, focusing on categories in the context of markets. They consider categorization as a tool for social evaluation; categorization as politics and strategy, in terms of how technology firms categorize themselves and how analysts categorize those firms, the use of hybrid categories, and how meaning is constructed through discourse in market categorization; how unknown or ambiguous objects are categorized, such as Bitcoin, the information privacy category, and how the Sundance Institute reoriented the value of independent film; and the influence of time and place on the categorization process, in terms of category origins, organizational identity, and category spanning. -- Annotation ©2017 * (protoview.com) *Table of ContentsSECTION I: INTRODUCTION From Categories to Categorization: A Social Perspective on Market Categorization - Rodolphe Durand, Nina Granqvist and Anna Tyllström The Categorical Imperative Revisited: Implications of Categorization as a Theoretical Tool - Ezra W. Zuckerman SECTION II: CATEGORIZATION AS POLITICS AND STRATEGY Strategic Categorization - Elizabeth G. Pontikes and Ruben Kim Hybrid Categories as Political Devices: The Case of Impact Investing in Frontier Markets - Q. C. Quinn and Kamal A. Munir The Discursive Perespective of Market Categorization: Interaction, Power, and Context - Stine Grodal and Steven J. Kahl SECTION III: CATEGORIZING THE UNKNOWN Categorical Anarchy in the UK? The British Media's Classification of Bitcoin and the Limits of Categorization - J. P. Vergne and Gautam Swain Privacy in Public: Translating the Category of Privacy to the Digital Age - Kartikeya Bajpai and Klaus Weber The Importance of Being Independent: The Role of Intermediaries in Creating Market Categories - Mukti Khaire SECTION IV: TIMES AND PLACES OF CATEGORIZATION Things that Last? Category Creation, Imprinting, and Durability - Eunice Y. Rhee, Jade Y. Lo, Mark T. Kennedy, and Peer C. Fiss Forging Concensus: An Integrated View of How Categories Shape the Perception of Organizational Identity - Lionel Paolella and Amanda Sharkey Opportunity, Status, and Similarity: Exploring the Varied Antecedents and Outcomes of Category Spanning Innovation - Tyler Wry and Adam R. Castor Index

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Book SynopsisInside Knowledge provides practical guidance for women working in professional service firms who aspire to achieve their full potential in what have traditionally been male working environments. It explores what women can do to achieve careers in professional service firms commensurate with their knowledge, skills, experience and talent. The book draws on the knowledge accumulated during the author’s thirty years of experience working in and for such firms, supplemented by what she has learned from her work with hundreds of professional women and men that she has coached in accountancy, law and consulting firms as well as in award-winning women’s leadership programmes. The practical exercises that appear within the book have been extensively tested and finely honed over time and are designed to build on one another, thereby allowing readers to manage their careers efficiently and effectively. They help the reader to articulate what she wants from her career and what she can offer a professional service firm, ensuring that others understand her ambitions, hopes and dreams as well as her knowledge, skills and expertise. The exercises build to provide guidance for managing office politics, developing business and ultimately obtaining the desired results from appraisals and promotion opportunities.Trade ReviewFor women working as accountants, lawyers, or consultants, this guide explains how to maximize their potential in their firm and get noticed, sponsored, and promoted. Drawing on her work as a coach with women in these firm, the author discusses the context of their work, the predominance of male partners, and the individual, organizational, and societal factors involved in this imbalance; why women should focus on their careers and how they can get the most out of their time and brains; how they can consider what they offer and their ambitions; how to assess feedback and take stock of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; impression management and the role of politics; interactions with the outside world; development networks, sponsors, and role models; how to find equilibrium between career and life; how to understand financial contributions to the firm and develop client relationships; and how to engage with the firm during appraisal and promotion processes. -- Annotation ©2017 * (protoview.com) *Table of ContentsForeword Preface — Why You Need This Book 1. An Analysis of the Uneven Playing Field 2. Why Should You Focus on Your Career Now? A Call to Be Conscious because You Are Important 3. Working to Get the Most Out of Your Time and Your Brain — Your Key Tools for Success 4. What Do You Offer Your Firm? 5. Are You Ambitious? If So What Are You Ambitious for? 6. Where Are You Starting from? Getting Feedback 7. Taking Stock 8. Impression Management — What Do You Do and How Do You Talk about It? 9. Politics — How Do You Get Involved? 10. Stepping Forward 11. Who Knows What You Do — Effective and Efficient Networking 12. Sponsorship: The Sharp End of Your Developmental Network 13. Role Models 14. Finding Your Equilibrium 15. Being Commercial 16. Developing Your Business 17. Making the Most of Your Appraisals 18. Preparing for Promotion Processes Appendix: Questions from Promotion Panels Wider Resources About the Author Index

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Book SynopsisIn our communication, there are three 'elements' used to express a message: verbal content, body language, and the voice. When these elements are not congruent, we often will believe the body language and the voice. For this reason, non-verbal elements are particularly important for communicating feelings and attitudes and in engaging others; in any type of leadership role these aspects are vital in order to be an effective leader. Leading with Presence provides a practical guide as to how and why Presence in everyday interaction is a vital component of impactful leadership. This book explores and teaches about non-verbal communication such as posture, gestures, and the voice to create more awareness and understanding of the signals sent, and explains how to be present and 'in the moment,' how to connect with others, to 'read the room,' to motivate and inspire, to instill trust, to exude confidence and thus strengthen your leadership. Through theory, practical tools and exercises, this book is essential reading for all business professionals in understanding the science behind body language, and exploring, practicing and understanding Leadership Presence.Trade ReviewExecutive presence; we recognize it instantly the moment we are confronted with it... the authors finally succeeded in demystifying the notion of 'presence' and nonverbal behaviour in leadership by establishing a unique connection between vast scientific knowledge and practical tools that will enable leaders to further increase their impact... -- Ronald de Jong, Distinguished Professor of Practice in Business, Tilburg University, Chairman Philips Foundation, Retired Member Executive Committee, Royal PhilipsIn this book a triple synergy comes together; science, experience, and practical applicability, like in the training at RSM and several of their trainings. It is inspiring and reflects where you are. Provides valuable insights and is useful regardless your level of professional experience. -- Kirsten van Benthem, Commerial Manager, Catalyze – Life Science ConsultancyEffective communication is key for successful leadership. Yet respective books and seminars tend to only focus on verbal communication, while reducing non-verbal communication to a side-note. This book is therefore a breath of fresh air. It takes non-verbal communication center-stage by marrying science with practice and presenting concrete exercises and how-to-dos. An accessible read that makes it easy to get better at what matters most as a leader: effective communication. -- Professor Dr. Niels Van Quaquebeke, Kühne Logistics University & University of ExeterLeading with Presence is an invaluable guide for anyone who seeks to ensure that their body and voice contribute to their positive impact. Antonie, Milly and Steffen’s collaboration have resulted in a treasure trove of principles, stories and exercises underpinned by thorough scientific evidence that will make you think about and enhance your non-verbal cues in a whole new way. -- Nicola Kleyn, Professor of Corporate Marketing and Dean of Executive Education at Rotterdam School of ManagementTable of ContentsChapter 1. Setting the Stage Chapter 2. Understanding Presence as a Body-Mind Connection Chapter 3. Emotional Intelligence And Authenticity Chapter 4. The Toolbox Chapter 5. The Voice Chapter 6. Expressiveness Chapter 7. Practicing Presence Chapter 8. Conclusion

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Book SynopsisA top-to-bottom look at England's national game, from one of the UK's leading business economists.The Premier League is the most commercially successful football league in history, the self-proclaimed 'best league in the world'. But success has come at a cost, unbalancing the English game to a profound and damaging degree.Football's stumbling response to COVID-19 and the European Super League disaster are just the most recent examples. It is estimated that more than two thirds of the country's 92 professional clubs are loss-making; payments to agents each year regularly total more than the combined income of all 44 clubs in Leagues 1 and 2; supporters have been squeezed to the limit; racist incidents are on the rise; grassroots facilities are in a dreadful state; and failed World Cup bids have severely weakened England's standing in the global game. The national team's performance at Euro 2020 can't paper over the cracks.There is an alternative. In this revealing and eye-opening analysis, leading economist Mark Gregory reveals the breadth and depth of the problems facing our national men's game, and shows us a way to bring football home for good.Trade ReviewMark Gregory... knows what he is talking about...you will understand a great deal more about English football and its coming cataclysm than you did before... [a] manifesto for change and returning the game to its roots' -- David Aaronovitch * The Times *

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Book SynopsisChina’s Belt and Road strategy is acknowledged to be the most ambitious geopolitical initiative of the age. Covering almost seventy countries by land and sea, it will affect every element of global society, from shipping to agriculture, digital economy to tourism, politics to culture. Most importantly, it symbolises a new phase in China’s ambitions as a superpower: to remake the world economy and crown Beijing as the new centre of capitalism and globalisation. Bruno Maçães traces this extraordinary initiative’s history, highlighting its achievements to date, and its staggering complexity. He asks whether Belt and Road is about more than power projection and profit. Might it herald a new set of universal political values, to rival those of the West? Is it, in fact, the story of the century?Trade Review'China’s emerging mastery of the Eurasian trade zone is described in visionary, granular detail.'‘Maçães . . . is one of our chaotic times’ most fertile brains . . . across Asia things are on the move, in large part because of Chinese ambition, and he is right to be excited about it.’'Stimulating.'‘A masterful overview of China’s Belt and Road project . . . it’s a fascinating, intriguing and terrifying story, and Maçães tells it superbly.’‘The author has an engaging, animated writing style . . . recommended reading for those who are curious about who will rule the world when the US empire recedes.’'This is a remarkably insightful and comprehensive review of China's Belt and Road Initiative, with all its implications for economic development as well as for the reshaping of the global order. America and Europe: take note! This is essential reading for us all.' -- Stephen Green, former chairman of HSBC'This book shows the impressive and ambitious planning of a project that would redraw the map of the global economy to put China at the centre with a transnational industrial strategy of value chain dominance.''Bruno Macaes writes with great felicity on the expansive Chinese effort to transform the global order. His insights capture a critical moment in the evolution of world politics.'‘Bruno Macaes describes a changing world order with great verve and clarity. 'Belt and Road' is a vital compass for this change, describing how the formation of 'Eurasia' and the creation of world changing trading routes reset the allocation of economic and political influence.’'In Belt and Road, Bruno Maçāes sees the reach and influence of the West diminishing over the next thirty years.' -- The Financial Times'A timely output … It will be helpful to China scholars as well as students who are keen to understand and undertake research in this area.’ -- Asian Affairs Journal

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Book SynopsisThe global financial sector is increasingly vulnerable to penetration by criminal money-launderers, terrorist financiers, and proliferators of weapons of mass destruction. At the same time, it offers instruments that can be usefully employed to pursue foreign and security policy objectives. It is thus hardly surprising that finance has emerged as an arena of intense competition, if not conflict, between those seeking to exploit or attack this vital element of state power and those tasked with defending its integrity or harnessing it for legal purposes. Navias assesses the key threats to financial systems and shows how the public and private sectors are co-operating to contain them. He analyses the main characteristics of criminal money-laundering and terrorist financing, and reviews major multilateral and national regimes locked in the perpetual battle to shore up the financial sector against these constantly evolving security challenges. He also considers the uses of finance in support of key sanctions, counter-proliferation, and arms embargo policies. Uniquely, Finance and Security views these financial threats and weapons through a security and war studies prism. It will be equally invaluable to scholars of security and international relations and to professionals working in the legal, banking and compliance professions.Trade Review‘A valuable addition to the literature on this clandestine universe.’ -- CHOICE‘This detailed work … studies the growth of illegal financial activities across borders, including the money laundering of drug dealers, human traffickers, and terrorist financers. [Finance and Security] is a necessary handbook for anyone doing international business who wants to stay within the law.’ -- Foreign Affairs'Don’t fall for the idea that finance is dry; the stories Navias tells are as dramatic and famous as any of our time – of Osama bin Laden; Mexican and Colombian cartels; and the London property market.' -- Professional Security Magazine'A careful analysis of the vulnerability of global financial systems to international terrorism and other criminal activity.' -- African Business‘Finance and Security expertly goes into the money laundering and financial crime risks that are threatening to undermine global financial systems.’ -- Michael Harris, LexisNexis'Martin Navias provides a comprehensive, detailed, and empirically rich introduction to money laundering, terrorist finance, and the various tools and instruments through which they are countered. A must read for practitioners of finance and security alike!' -- Peter R. Neumann, Professor of Security Studies at King’s College London, and author of 'Bluster: Donald Trump’s War on Terror''This is a well written and useful introduction to issues of Finance and Security.' -- Michael Levi, Professor of Criminology at Cardiff University

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Book SynopsisChina’s Belt and Road strategy is acknowledged to be the most ambitious geopolitical initiative of the age. Covering almost seventy countries by land and sea, it will affect every element of global society, from shipping to agriculture, digital economy to tourism, politics to culture. Most importantly, it symbolises a new phase in China’s ambitions as a superpower: to remake the world economy and crown Beijing as the new centre of capitalism and globalisation. Bruno Maçães traces this extraordinary initiative’s history, highlighting its achievements to date, and its staggering complexity. He asks whether Belt and Road is about more than power projection and profit. Might it herald a new set of universal political values, to rival those of the West? Is it, in fact, the story of the century?Trade Review'China’s emerging mastery of the Eurasian trade zone is described in visionary, granular detail.'‘Maçães . . . is one of our chaotic times’ most fertile brains . . . across Asia things are on the move, in large part because of Chinese ambition, and he is right to be excited about it.’'Stimulating.'‘A masterful overview of China’s Belt and Road project . . . it’s a fascinating, intriguing and terrifying story, and Maçães tells it superbly.’‘The author has an engaging, animated writing style . . . recommended reading for those who are curious about who will rule the world when the US empire recedes.’'This is a remarkably insightful and comprehensive review of China's Belt and Road Initiative, with all its implications for economic development as well as for the reshaping of the global order. America and Europe: take note! This is essential reading for us all.' -- Stephen Green, former chairman of HSBC'This book shows the impressive and ambitious planning of a project that would redraw the map of the global economy to put China at the centre with a transnational industrial strategy of value chain dominance.''Bruno Macaes writes with great felicity on the expansive Chinese effort to transform the global order. His insights capture a critical moment in the evolution of world politics.'‘Bruno Macaes describes a changing world order with great verve and clarity. 'Belt and Road' is a vital compass for this change, describing how the formation of 'Eurasia' and the creation of world changing trading routes reset the allocation of economic and political influence.’'In Belt and Road, Bruno Maçāes sees the reach and influence of the West diminishing over the next thirty years.' -- The Financial Times'A timely output … It will be helpful to China scholars as well as students who are keen to understand and undertake research in this area.’ -- Asian Affairs Journal

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Book SynopsisBorrowing is a crucial source of financing for governments all over the world. If they get it wrong, then debt crises can bring progress to a halt. But if it's done right, investment happens and conditions improve. African countries are seeking calmer capital, to raise living standards and give their economies a competitive edge. The African debt landscape has changed radically in the first two decades of the twenty-first century. Since the clean slate of extensive debt relief, states have sought new borrowing opportunities from international capital markets and emerging global powers like China. The new debt composition has increased risk, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic: richer countries borrowed at rock-bottom interest rates, while Africa faced an expensive jump in indebtedness. The escalating debt burden has provoked calls by the G20 for suspension of debt payments. But Africa's debt today is highly complex, and owed to a wider range of lenders. A new approach is needed, and could turn crisis into opportunity. Urgent action by both lenders and borrowers can reduce risk, while carefully preserving market access; and smart deployment of private finance can provide the scale of investment needed to achieve development goals and tackle the climate emergency.Trade Review‘[Smith] provides an excellent introduction to the current debt crisis and the policy issues involved.’ -- Foreign Affairs'A very readable, in-depth look at the history and trends of government-issued sovereign debt in Africa, giving policy recommendations on how African governments can make the best of use of debt.' -- African Business'The essential guide on Africa's biggest financial problem-how to borrow without tears.' -- Joseph Cotterill, Financial Times'The book’s commonsense approach and engaging style draw in the reader […] a valuable addition to the literature and well worth reading for those interested in African debt issues.' -- International Monetary Fund'Africa's debt burden is again at the centre of a global debate over repayment suspension or cancellation. In "Where Credit is Due", Gregory Smith succinctly reviews the mistakes of the past and shows that lessons can be learned and African solutions must take centre stage. This is an important book for anyone seeking fresh thinking on how to turn this crisis into a longer term opportunity to scale up investment for post-Covid19 economic recovery and achieve the development goals.' -- Alex Vines OBE, Director, Africa Programme, Chatham House and Assistant Professor, Coventry University'This fluent study brings together many insights on Africa debt. Just as debt used wisely is an essential tool for African development, this book is invaluable to understanding its pitfalls and Africa's policy choices.' -- Former President of Nigeria and Chairperson of the African Union Olusegun Obasanjo'Gregory Smith's book is an extensively researched and well-argued analysis of how Africa can access and make best use of debt financing. The comprehensive country breakdowns give a timely reminder that Africa is not a generic investment destination. The book will be of interest to policymakers, investors and academics in Africa and globally.' -- David Whitehouse, business editor, The Africa Report

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Book SynopsisIn the last thirty years, the developing world has undergone tremendous changes. Overall, poverty has fallen, people live longer and healthier lives, and economies have been transformed. And yet many countries have simply missed the boat. Why have some countries prospered, while others have failed? Stefan Dercon argues that the answer lies not in a specific set of policies, but rather in a key 'development bargain', whereby a country's elites shift from protecting their own positions to gambling on a growth-based future. Despite the imperfections of such bargains, China is among the most striking recent success stories, along with Indonesia and more unlikely places, such as Bangladesh, Ghana and Ethiopia. Gambling on Development is about these winning efforts, in contrast to countries stuck in elite bargains leading nowhere. Building on three decades' experience across forty-odd countries, Dercon winds his narrative through Ebola in Sierra Leone, scandals in Malawi, beer factories in the DRC, mobile phone licences in Mozambique, and relief programmes behind enemy lines in South Sudan. Weaving together conversations with prime ministers, civil servants and ordinary people, this is a probing look at how development has been achieved across the world, and how to assist such successes.Trade Review'[An] urgent and important book.' -- Financial Times'A brilliant, well written and important book. Thoroughly recommended.' -- LSE Review of Books'Dercon uses his decades of experience as a well-travelled academician and policy advisor to the British government to provide an experiential look at the widely discussed question of why some countries grow while others lag behind.' -- Choice Reviews‘Dercon’s skilful review of the past 20 years’ most important books is a useful primer for anyone unfamiliar with development studies. His elaborations draw on all of them. He is a development scholar who clearly deserves attention.’ -- Development and Cooperation'This book, written by one of the greatest living development economists, is full of hard-won insights and provocative observations. Dercon's radical modesty, fierce intelligence and deep commitment to describing what actually occurs in the field--in all its hypocrisy, comedy, tragedy, mystery and idealism--distinguishes him in a field too often defined by naive optimism and snake oil solutions.' -- Rory Stewart, former UK Secretary of State for International Development'A challenging, informed and insightful book. Dercon brings expertise, humility and humanity to the vital question of what makes countries poor and what can help them prosper.' -- David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, and a former UK Foreign Secretary'Dercon's message is sobering: there is no silver bullet for development. But any success must rest on the foundation of a bargain among elites, who commit to development and are willing to learn. This should and will be a classic in international development.' -- Yuen Yuen Ang, author of How China Escaped the Poverty Trap and China's Gilded Age'The most important book on international development in a decade. An intensely political story of economic development--one that could only be written by someone with Dercon's unusual mix of scholarship and statesmanship.' -- Christopher Blattman, author of Why We Fight'Why is there persistent divergence in development outcomes around the world? The focus has been on policies, but this insightful book proposes we focus instead on implicit contracts or bargains among political and entrepreneurial elites. Superbly incisive, engaging and timely.' -- Leonard Wantchekon, James Madison Professor of Political Economy and Professor of Politics and International Affairs, Princeton University'An ambitious and uncompromising analysis of the challenge of economic development across the world, from China and India, to Kenya and Ghana. It dissects failures and successes, drawing on diverse methodologies and Dercon's own experience of living and working in all corners of the world. Peppered with data and direct observation, the book is fascinating to read.' -- Kaushik Basu, Professor of Economics and Carl Marks Professor of International Studies, Cornell University, former Chief Economist of the World Bank'Solving the problems of poverty in the world requires combining a command of what social scientists know with a mastery of the politics involved in turning that knowledge into practical policy. But scientists don't understand politics, and politicians don't understand science. Stefan Dercon understands both. This book is a unique achievement.' -- James Robinson, University Professor, Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago, and co-author of Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity and Poverty

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Book SynopsisWinner of the 2022 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing As the world's second-largest economy, China is extending its influence across the globe with the complicity of democratic nations. Joanna Chiu has spent a decade tracking China's propulsive rise, from the political aspects of the multi-billion-dollar "New Silk Road" global investment project to a growing sway on foreign countries and multilateral institutions through "United Front" efforts. For too long, Western societies have mishandled or simply ignored Beijing's actions out of narrow self-interest. Decades of willful misinterpretation have over time become complicity in the toxic diplomacy, human rights abuses and foreign interference seen from China today, Chiu argues. Engaging chapters transport readers to a frozen lake in Russia, protests in Hong Kong, underground churches in Beijing, and exile Uyghur communities in Turkey, exposing Beijing's high-tech surveillance and aggressive measures resulting in human rights violations against those who challenge its power. The new world disorder documented in China Unbound lays out the disturbing implications for global stability, prosperity, and civil rights everywhere.Trade Review'An eye-opening global tour of the growing influence of the new superpower. A fascinating, illuminating book.' -- Rob Gifford, Senior Editor, The Economist'Provides a powerful, heartfelt account of Chinese immigrants and their fraught encounters with Beijing’s United Front Work Department … Chiu tells gripping stories of influence operations in such disparate places as Australia, Canada, the US, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Russia.' -- The New York Review of Books'In a world characterised by information overload and the manipulation and outright fabrication of 'truth' by the state, it is very easy to lose sight of the facts. Chiu's contribution is therefore twofold: it serves as an accurate historical record while also starting a thought-provoking discussion amongst scholars and possibly policymakers on less explored subjects.' -- Europe-Asia Studies'A devastating analysis of the Chinese police state gone global. "China Unbound" is essential to understanding the fragility of peace in the twenty-first century.' -- Jan Wong, author of 'Red China Blues: My Long March from Mao to Now''In this thought-provoking book, journalist Joanna Chiu argues persuasively that the United States, Canada, and other democracies -- whether out of economic self-interest or sheer ineptitude -- have enabled Beijing's efforts to expand its influence around the world. A sweeping, timely, and nuanced read for anyone who cares about the global rise of authoritarianism.' -- Leta Hong Fincher, author of 'Betraying Big Brother: The Feminist Awakening in China''A vivid, perspicacious, and ultimately disillusioned book about the current direction of China that explores a rising China's fitful relations with a wide range of countries, and reveals what's left of its domestic reforms as being driven by an obsession with ever greater control. "China Unbound" delivers urgent and much-needed caution against xenophobia toward Chinese people at a time of growing tensions with a new superpower.' -- Howard W. French, former New York Times foreign correspondent, and author of 'Everything Under the Heavens: How the Past Helps Shape China's Push for Global Power''A timely and fascinating book looking at China's rise and the impacts on the current global order. A much-needed account at a time of fast geopolitical change, with smart analysis and engaging writing.' -- Karoline Kan, author of 'Under Red Skies: The Life and Times of a Chinese Millennial''By taking the China story global, Chiu shows how an increasingly powerful China is challenging not only our economies, but our institutions, our principles, and our communities. Reporting from the frontlines of China's influence, from Australia, Canada, and the US to Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Russia, Chiu reveals embattled diasporas and critics under pressure as hypocrisy runs rampant in business and government, and a new world order begins to form. A vital, illuminating read.' -- Madeleine O'Dea, author of 'The Phoenix Years: Art, Resistance, and the Making of Modern China''Drawing on a decade of professional experience, Joanna Chiu offers a passionate and powerful account of the challenges we face in dealing with China today -- challenges rooted in the West as much as those born in Beijing. A critical voice we need to hear.' -- Timothy Cheek, Institute of Asian Research, University of British Columbia, author of 'Living with Reform: China since 1989'

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Book SynopsisTrade Makes States highlights how trade and the circulation of goods are central to Somali societies, economies and politics. Drawing on multi-site research from across East Africa's Somali-inhabited economic space--which includes areas of Kenya, Djibouti, Uganda and Ethiopia--this volume highlights the interconnection between trade and state-building after state collapse. It scrutinises the 'politics of circulation' between competing public administrations, which seek to generate revenue and to control infrastructures along major trade corridors. Connecting classic debates on state formation with recent scholarship on logistics and cross-border trading, Trade Makes States argues that the facilitation and capture of commodity flows have been instrumental in making and unmaking states across the Somali territories. Aspiring state-builders are thus confronted with the challenge of governing the flow of goods in order to rule over lands and peoples. The contributors to this volume draw attention to the ingenuities of transnational Somali markets, which often appear to be self-governed. Their dynamism and everyday administration by a host of actors provide important insights into contemporary state formation on the margins of global supply-chain capitalism.Trade Review‘[The book] offers interesting perspectives on social infrastructure of trade, how commodity trading and marketplaces are governed, the movement of commodities across borders, the significance of ports on state formation, and the political economy of taxation.’ -- Wardheer News'A strong scholarly contribution written by a world-class team of researchers. Trade Makes States is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand Somalia's economy and politics.' -- Aisha S. Ahmad, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Toronto, and author of 'Jihad & Co.: Black Markets and Islamist Power''An impressive corpus of research exploring the link between commercial activities and state formation in the broadly understood "Somali economic space". Compelling and refreshingly ambitious.' -- José-María Muñoz, Senior Lecturer in African Studies and International Development, University of Edinburgh'Riffing on Tilly’s famous aphorism, the authors argue that "trade makes states". A trade corridor lens provides an original perspective on state formation in fragile regions by examining how government officials, informal traders, militias, local businessmen, international investors and donors feed into systems of regulatory control in Somalia’s fragmented political terrain.' -- Kate Meagher, Associate Professor in Development Studies, London School of Economics'A richly researched and important addition to literature on governance and economy in Somalia with implications for many other contexts.' -- Jatin Dua, Associate Professor of Anthropology, University of Michigan

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Book SynopsisCapitalism represents the greatest engine of material well-being that the world has ever seen. But scepticism about its viability has grown across the political spectrum, on the back of rising inequalities, climate change and digital disruptions. This book joins the debate about the crisis of capitalism—not by blindly defending the system, but by advocating concrete proposals to put it on a more socially and environmentally sustainable path. Too often, conversations about the future of capitalism consider it as a homogeneous socio-economic system whose features vary little from one location to another; this commonly leads to one-size-fits-all recommendations to address capitalism’s flaws. The contributors to this book, by contrast, look at the transition needed from the perspective of capitalism’s multi-faceted nature, in response to challenges including the green transition, the digital revolution and spiralling inequalities. These present difficult trade-offs in terms of growth, efficiency and stability, which each capitalist model will solve differently.

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Book SynopsisWhat do cacao beans, cowrie shells, paper cards, cigarettes and digital databases all have in common? At some time, they have been used as a form of money. Money is an essential aspect of everyday life and something that we usually take for granted until it all goes wrong. This book traces the role, growth and impact of money and finance on individuals, human civilisation and the type of economy we live in. The financial history of the world reads like a fascinating novel with innumerable twists and turns. We strive for financial stability and security, yet this often proves surprisingly ephemeral. Just as we hope we have reached a new plateau of prosperity, the financial system has a habit of throwing a spanner in the works, forcing us to change and adapt to new circumstances. This book traces the financial system from its birth as a credit system in ancient Mesopotamia, to the financial revolutions of the 20th and 21st centuries. This is the story of money, finance and economics but also its interaction with people, governments and society. Why did the American forces desperately try to destroy money during the American Revolution? Why do we tend to succumb to boom and busts? And if inflation is bad, why is deflation even worse? Also, the book looks at the effect money has on ourselves. Does money make us irrational? Is money really the root of all evil, or should we celebrate money for its potential to create prosperity and overcome poverty? Table of ContentsBefore money - barter/credit/gift economies/debt • The first currencies - how money evolved coins, notes, banks • How money transformed the world - how money facilitated trade, companies, economic growth • Behavioural theory of money - how people relate to money • The industrial revolution, free market economics, stock markets, modern banks, central banks • Finance and economics in the Twentieth Century • Debt throughout history - personal, company and government debt • Financial crash of 2007, Bitcoin, cashless societies • Different views on the financial system • Financial crashes.

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Book SynopsisWhere does wealth come from? How is it different from money? Does government intervention prevent or create crises? What is the most effective way to protect the environment? In Economics Without the Boring Bits, Oxford-trained economist Tejvan Pettinger takes readers on an enlightening tour of the powerful, counter-intuitive and frequently startling insights of economic research, showing us that middlemen are good, recycling is bad (sometimes) and why some people get rich and others don't.This clear, compelling and engaging book breathes life into big concepts such as debt, finance, trade, money, taxation, supply, demand and all the other economic issues that worry us all yet relatively few truly understand.This is your guide to understanding economics – without the boring bits.Table of ContentsECONOMIC ERRORS: Lump of labour fallacy • Luddite Fallacy • Broken window fallacy • Sunk cost fallacy • Fallacy of composition • Zero-sum games • This time it's different (why bubbles reoccur) POLITICAL QUANDRIES: Tax cuts • Government debt • Immigration • Presidents responsibility • Trickle-down • Inflation • Exchange rates • Bail-outs • Recessions WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT…: Division of labour • Raw materials • Economic forecasting • Farming and agriculture • Rational consumers • Deflation • Free riders • Monetary policy ECONOMISTS: Adam Smith • John Maynard Keynes • Milton Friedman • Gary Becker • Paul Krugman YOU'LL NEVER GET RICH BY INDULGING IN…: Fighting wars • Trade wars and trade retaliation • Propping up farming or heavy industry • Cutting inflation too much • Acquiring lots of money • Free trade • Eating too much chocolate cake ECO BOMBSHELLS: Nature • Shared resources • Air travel • Markets and global warming • Fat taxes are fair • Protecting the environment will create jobs, not destroy them • Recycling is good BUSINESS MYTHS: Ticket touts are bad • There is greater value on diamonds than fresh water • Workers are only motivated by money • It is unfair that airlines keep changing the price of tickets • The UK and US economies should be more balanced • Consumer boycotts of sweatshop factories • Are multinationals the great wealth creators?

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