Comparative politics Books

Book SynopsisNorth Korean Foreign Policy: Security Dilemma and Succession, by Yongho Kim, starts from the point of view that North Korea''s provocations have been motivated more by fear than by her in-born provocative nature. Kim argues that North Korea''s provocative foreign policy reflects its threat perception stemming from various security dilemma, and a very real concern regarding another father-to-son succession. This volume views North Korea''s external and domestic threats as causes and its provocative foreign policy as an effect of the causes. The security dilemma has impelled North Korea to generate and thus portray to the world provocative signals, and the ever-pressing issue of Kim Jong-il''s succession has driven him to prioritize his own political survival over that of North Korea''s state survival. Unless Kim Jong-il''s political survival is guaranteed, North Korea will not be interested in full-scale introduction of capitalist way of economic reform and economic package promised by the United States and South Korea in return for the abandonment of their nuclear program. North Korean Foreign Policy suggests that an effective policy for countries relating to North Korea, whether dovish or hawkish, should deal directly with Kim Jong-il''s political survival, and not with Pyongyang''s failed economy.Trade ReviewThis is a fascinating—and frightening—analysis of the drivers of North Korean foreign policy since 1979. Through close analysis of Pyongyang's words and actions, Kim shows that regime survival is the primary goal in a cold-eyed calculus of provocation and threats. Only reliable guarantees of the regime's security or—more likely—regime collapse will produce the conditions for a multilateral solution to the Korean problem. -- Andrew J. Nathan, Columbia UniversityThis volume presents a timely, up-to-date, balanced, and in-depth analysis of succession politics, security dilemma, and foreign policy of North Korea. This is a must-read for all those who are interested in North Korean affairs. -- Chung-in Moon, Distinguished University Professor, Yonsei UniversityFor any specialist in North Korean studies the book will provide very useful background knowledge, so it clearly should be read and, occasionally, re-read. * Pacific Affairs *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Part 2 Part 1: Introduction Chapter 3 Chapter 1: Security Dilemma & the Succession Chapter 4 Chapter 2: Levels of Analysis & the Study of North Korea's Foreign Policy Part 5 Part II. Security Dilemma and the Launch of the Succession Chapter 6 Chapter 3:The Sino-American Normalization & the Official Launch of the Succession from Kim Il Sung to Kim Jong-il, 1978–1981 Chapter 7 Chapter 4:Getting Approval for the Succession, 1982–1984 Chapter 8 Chapter 5: North Korea Siding with the Former Soviet Union, 1985–1989 Chapter 9 Chapter 6: Nuclear Program & Kim Il Sung's Death Part 10 Part III. North Korea's Nuclear Diplomacy & the Surrounding Countries Chapter 11 Chapter 7: Provocations & Signals: Variations between Verbal & Actual Provocations Chapter 12 Chapter 8:Risk-Taking vis-à-vis the United States: The Second Nuclear Crisis Chapter 13 Chapter 9:China in the North Korean Nuclear Quagmire: Is China Influential? Chapter 14 Chapter 10:Russia in North Korea's Foreign Policy Chapter 15 Chapter 11:Japan in North Korea's Foreign Policy Chapter 16 Chapter 12:South Korea in North Korea's Foreign Policy Part 17 Part IV. Prospect Chapter 18 Chapter 13:The Future of North Korea's Foreign Policy Chapter 19 Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThe New Minorities of Europe: Social Cohesion in the European Union argues that while the EU currently faces economic issues, it is pressed with larger questions and potential problems due to the backlash against those who move freely inside the union. It uses the intra-EU migrants, particularly the Polish community who moved post-2004 into Britain and to a lesser extent Ireland, as the case through which to examine these issues. The book argues that the traditional definitions of minorities and migrants are no longer valid in the EU and we should look at all groups collectively through a continuum of social cohesion based on their ability to access rights. The book traces the development of free movement in the EU, the movement of the intra-EU migrants, and the challenges and growing chilly climate they and other non-EU immigrants face across Europe. The book concludes with a proposal for the development of a High Commission on Social Cohesion in the European Union similar to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities who could use Quiet Diplomacy to try to work with minority groups in all their forms and the EU member states to address these issues.Trade ReviewJohns deals with migration into and within the European Community and its economic and social consequences. After summarizing the phases of European integration, he discusses the challenges of immigration to European society. He distinguishes between indigenous and 'new' minorities, and between 'internal' and external immigrants, the former coming from member countries of the EU, and the latter from elsewhere. This mixture presents a challenge to 'social cohesion,' which is defined as an approach to bringing these communities together to face common problems. Much of the discussion is focused on the internal immigrants, who have benefited from the freedom of movement provided by the Schengen Agreement and from the fact that they possess rights as European citizens. These minorities include not only immigrants but indigenous ethnic communities, among them autonomist separatists, who are regarded as 'new minorities.' Much attention is devoted to Polish immigrants, including the proverbial 'Polish plumbers,' who compete for jobs with indigenous workers, and to the Roma, who are often subjected to mistreatment. The book discusses a number of issues associated with the presence of these minorities, such as discrimination, xenophobia, and the growth of anti-immigrant extreme-right movements. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate, research, and professional collections. * CHOICE *This is a magisterial study of the challenges of intra-European migration from Eastern to Western Europe since 2004. The EU guarantees free movement and nondiscrimination for the migrants but has no mechanisms for ensuring these outcomes. The threat to social cohesion is as great as that posed by the EU’s economic crisis, yet it is far less recognized. The problems faced by the hundreds of thousands of Poles now working in the UK and Ireland are illustrative. Three options are proposed for remedial EU and national policies. -- Ted Robert Gurr, University of MarylandEuropean Union member-states are host to eleven million migrants who are neither refugees, economic immigrants, nor national minorities. These intra-EU migrants moving in large numbers from east to west appear to enjoy the legal protections and rights accrued by the nationals of a country, but not always do they develop a sense of belonging; this is partly their own choice but more often is a result of surrounding hostility in receiving societies. Michael Johns’ timely book offers an informed, reasoned, structured, and sustained reflection on EU citizens who take advantage of the right to free movement, and on the subtle limitations of this that emerge at a time of crisis. Johns’ judicious assessment never loses sight of the key imperative facing European states—social cohesion matters. -- Ray Taras, Tulane UniversityThis book demonstrates that free movement within Europe creates a new type of minority group that bridges the traditional categories of national minority and international migrant. Pairing historical and conceptual study with an empirical focus on Polish migrants in Britain, Johns convincingly argues that the EU should better protect intra-EU migrants because the Union's future success depends on fostering social cohesion. -- Willem Maas, York UniversityTable of Contents1. Introduction 2. The Development of Free Movement in the EU 3. A Continuum of Social Cohesion 4. The European Union and the Promotion of Social Cohesion 5. Intra-EU Migrants in Europe 6. A Growing Chilly Climate for Intra-EU Migrants 7. What Can the EU Do? 8. Conclusion and Where to Go from Here? Bibliography

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Book SynopsisFull Spectrum Diplomacy and Grand Strategy: Reforming the Structure and Culture of U.S. Foreign Policy, by John Lenczowski, offers a solution to one of the greatest weaknesses in U.S. foreign policy that has exacerbated the unprecedented anti-Americanism of recent yearsthe U.S. Government''s inability to conduct the full spectrum of diplomatic arts and to integrate them with the other arts of statecraft at the level of grand strategy. The analysis presents a critique of how the Department of State''s focus on traditional, government-to-government diplomacy comes at the expense of public diplomacy. Public Diplomacy is defined in the broadest sense as including all those arts that involve relations with, and influence over, foreign publics and opinion leaders, including: cultural diplomacy, exchanges, information policy, strategic communications, psychological strategy, political action, political warfare, and wars of ideas. Author John Lenczowski, one of the first modern advocates for tTrade ReviewIn the long war of our time—against the Islamists' terror and their push for the world-wide imposition of shariah—we have so far failed to organize our government to win the crucial battle for mankind's minds and hearts. John Lenczowski gives us a brilliantly conceived and innovative strategy to win this war just as we won the Cold War. Look out, Muslim Brotherhood-here comes LibForAll. -- R. James Woolsey, former Director of the CIA; Chairman, Woolsey Partners LLCDr. John Lenczowski brings the full force of a distinguished career in foreign policy and academia to the vitally important issues of American diplomacy in our troubled era. With the keen eye of both a practitioner and a grand strategist, he shows how our lack of appreciation for the influence culture that results from using a wide range of diplomatic tools has hindered American interests. But he goes beyond mere complaints to specific solutions—in areas ranging from public diplomacy to counterintelligence to cultural influence, Dr. Lenczowski shows how America and the world could benefit from an integrated strategy. This is must reading for foreign policy professionals and engaged patriots alike. -- Shelby Coffey, III, Trustee, Newseum, and Senior Fellow, Freedom Forum; former President, CNN Business News; Editor-in-Chief, Los Angeles TimesWhen it comes to public diplomacy, John Lenczowski sees the government as all talk and no action. In this book he gets under the hood and leaves nothing to the imagination. He's got the answers and he's tired of waiting. -- Senator Chuck Robb, Former U.S. Senator, VirginiaTable of ContentsChapter 1 Preface and Acknowledgements Chapter 2 Chapter One: The Problem: The Absence of an Influence Culture in U.S. Foreign Policy Chapter 3 Chapter Two: The Problem of Defining the Problem Chapter 4 Chapter Three: Historical Background Chapter 5 Chapter Four: The Knowledge Problem: The Failure to Understand Integrated Strategy and all the Dimensions of Political Influence Chapter 6 Chapter Five: The Structural Problem: The Absence of a Supportive Culture, Strategic Planning, and Interagency Integration for Public Diplomacy Chapter 7 Chapter Six: Solutions: To Build an Influence Culture and an Integrated Strategy Chapter 8 Chapter Seven: Works Cited Chapter 9 Index Chapter 10 About the Author

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Book SynopsisFull Spectrum Diplomacy and Grand Strategy: Reforming the Structure and Culture of U.S. Foreign Policy, by John Lenczowski, offers a solution to one of the greatest weaknesses in U.S. foreign policy that has exacerbated the unprecedented anti-Americanism of recent yearsthe U.S. Government''s inability to conduct the ''full spectrum'' of diplomatic arts and to integrate them with the other arts of statecraft at the level of grand strategy. The analysis presents a critique of how the Department of State''s focus on traditional, government-to-government diplomacy comes at the expense of public diplomacy. ''Public Diplomacy'' is defined in the broadest sense as including all those arts that involve relations with, and influence over, foreign publics and opinion leaders, including: cultural diplomacy, exchanges, information policy, strategic communications, psychological strategy, political action, political warfare, and wars of ideas. Author John Lenczowski, one of the first modern advocatTrade ReviewIn the long war of our time—against the Islamists' terror and their push for the world-wide imposition of shariah—we have so far failed to organize our government to win the crucial battle for mankind's minds and hearts. John Lenczowski gives us a brilliantly conceived and innovative strategy to win this war just as we won the Cold War. Look out, Muslim Brotherhood-here comes LibForAll. -- R. James Woolsey, former Director of the CIA; Chairman, Woolsey Partners LLCDr. John Lenczowski brings the full force of a distinguished career in foreign policy and academia to the vitally important issues of American diplomacy in our troubled era. With the keen eye of both a practitioner and a grand strategist, he shows how our lack of appreciation for the influence culture that results from using a wide range of diplomatic tools has hindered American interests. But he goes beyond mere complaints to specific solutions—in areas ranging from public diplomacy to counterintelligence to cultural influence, Dr. Lenczowski shows how America and the world could benefit from an integrated strategy. This is must reading for foreign policy professionals and engaged patriots alike. -- Shelby Coffey, III, Trustee, Newseum, and Senior Fellow, Freedom Forum; former President, CNN Business News; Editor-in-Chief, Los Angeles TimesWhen it comes to public diplomacy, John Lenczowski sees the government as all talk and no action. In this book he gets under the hood and leaves nothing to the imagination. He's got the answers and he's tired of waiting. -- Senator Chuck Robb, Former U.S. Senator, VirginiaTable of ContentsChapter 1 Preface and Acknowledgements Chapter 2 Chapter One: The Problem: The Absence of an Influence Culture in U.S. Foreign Policy Chapter 3 Chapter Two: The Problem of Defining the Problem Chapter 4 Chapter Three: Historical Background Chapter 5 Chapter Four: The Knowledge Problem: The Failure to Understand Integrated Strategy and all the Dimensions of Political Influence Chapter 6 Chapter Five: The Structural Problem: The Absence of a Supportive Culture, Strategic Planning, and Interagency Integration for Public Diplomacy Chapter 7 Chapter Six: Solutions: To Build an Influence Culture and an Integrated Strategy Chapter 8 Chapter Seven: Works Cited Chapter 9 Index Chapter 10 About the Author

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIn this collection there are some fine individual essays which have important lessons for comparative political thought . . . so too does the volume as a whole. * History of Political Thought *This book draws together an admirably extensive range of contributors to broaden and complicate the 'state of nature,' a concept which plays a pivotal role in Euro-American political theory. Chapters attempt to move beyond simplistic East versus West comparisons, to consider deeper questions in culturally diverse settings about the relationship of politics to conceptions of nature, society, and religion. The arguments in this book are sure to be controversial, but they draw much-needed attention to important political ideas from a diverse set of places and times. -- Leigh Jenco, London School of Economics and Political ScienceThis excellent, timely, and erudite collection of essays successfully demonstrates the significance and necessity of adopting a comparative perspective in western political theory. Thematic focus of the volume, on notions of the natural condition of mankind across cultures and civilizations, presents compelling reasons for political theorists and social scientists alike to revisit, re-contextualize, and renew existing understandings of the political. -- Hassan Bashir, Texas A&M University at QatarTable of ContentsIntroduction: Comparative States of Nature Russell Arben Fox Part One: The State of Nature and Applications in Chinese Thought Chapter 1. Self-Transformation and Civil Society: Lockean vs. Confucian Sungmoon Kim, City University of Hong Kong Chapter 2. Han Feizi’s Philosophical Psychology: Human Nature, Scarcity, and the NeoDarwinian Consensus Owen Flanagan and Jing Hu, Duke University Chapter 3. The Confucian Tradition, Nature, and Civil Education Russell Arben Fox, Friends University Chapter 4. States of Nature: Counter-Confucianism and the Daoist Encounter with Liberalism Eric Goodfield, American University, Beirut Chapter 5. Mozi, Hobbes, Locke and the State of Nature Al Martinich and Siwing Tsoi, University of Texas Chapter 6. Chinese Sage Kings and the Hobbesian State of Nature: Bridging Comparative Political Thought and International Relations Theory Jon D. Carlson, University of California, Merced Part Two: The State of Nature in Islam, India and Beyond Chapter 7. States of Nature and Islands of Politics: Animality, Death, Colonialism Murad Idris, Penn University, Cornell University Chapter 8. Ibn Khaldoun: Writing from the Margin—‘The State of Nature’—To Remain There. Magid Shihade, Birzeit University Chapter 9. The State of Nature and Domesticated Differences in Ancient Indian Political Thought: A Historical-Comparative Approach Stuart Gray, University of California, Santa Barbara, Johns Hopkins University Chapter 10. On Mātsyanyāya: The State of Nature in Indian Thought (from Asian Philosophy) David Slakter, University of Central Oklahoma Chapter 11. I'd Rather Just Devolve, Thank You: Enkidu, Gilgamesh, and an Ambiguous State of Nature Stefan Dolgert, Brock University Chapter 12. The Problem of the State of Nature in Medieval Jewish Political Philosophy Abraham Melamed, University of Haifa Chapter 13. The Nature of the State without the State of Nature: Micronesia and Polynesia Michael Stoil, University of Guam Conclusion. States of Nature: Consilience, Syncretism, and Challenges for Comparative Political Thought Jon D. Carlson, University of California, Merced

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis edited volume is different from the plethora of studies devoted to democratic transition in many ways. First, it sheds new light on the importance of adding international dimension to the analysis of democratization, a dimension that has been nonchalantly shoved to the margin by many scholars in the field. Second, the contributors take a systematic approach in examining all external influences and effectiveness of foreign policy tools on democratization. The bulk of the discussion centers on two main issues. The first issue is the efficacy of foreign policy tools (i.e., ‘economic aid, economic sanctions, foreign military intervention, and soft power’) in advancing democratization. The second issue is the pervasiveness of EU, the IMF, the UN, and transnational human rights groups in promoting and defending democratic processes and institutions. It is a must read for those interested in understanding the whole processes of democratization, especially in the developing world. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. * CHOICE *The broad approach taken by Peksen is an obvious strength of this book, which is supported by a combination of case studies and a whole range of quantitative data from such sources around the world as USAID, Freedom House, and Polity IV. . . .Liberal Interventionism and Democracy Promotion is a well-researched book that deserves scholarly attention. The book's provocative findings stand in sharp contrast to the preponderance of current scholarship on the topic. * International Social Science Review *Liberal Interventionism and Democracy Promotion is empirically rich collection of well-researched studies that illuminates how various external actors—states, international organizations such as the UN, IMF, and EU, and transnational non-governmental organizations—can further democratization in targeted countries. It addresses some key questions in the vast literature on democratization, offering in many respects an optimistic and occasionally provocative take on the ability of outside actors to promote democracy. It deserves a wide audience among both academics and policy-makers. -- Paul Kubicek, Oakland UniversityThis is a welcome, finely wrought volume about the oft-misunderstood problem of liberal interventionism. Peksen and his analysts have offered an empirical analysis with a broad sweep that reveals some surprising answers to conventional wisdom. This sophisticated treatment sheds light on enduring questions, and opens a variety of new ones. -- KC Morrison, Mississippi State UniversityTable of ContentsChapter 1. Understanding the Domestic and International Sources of Democratization: An Introduction Part I. Foreign Policy Tools and Democracy Promotion Chapter 2. Funding Freedom? The United States and Democracy Aid, 1988-2001 Chapter 3. Economic Sanctions and International Democracy Promotion Chapter 4. Soft Power and the Question of Democratization Part II. Non-State Actors and Democracy Promotion Chapter 5. The International Monetary Fund and the Prospects for Democracy in the Developing World Chapter 6. The European Union Membership and Democracy Promotion: The Case of Turkey Chapter 7. Transnational NGO Activism Outside of Democracies: The Behavior and effect of Human Rights INGOs on Political Repression Chapter 8. The United Nations and Democracy Promotion: Assessing the Effectiveness of the UN's Democracy Fund and Electoral Assistance Division Chapter 9. Concluding Remarks: How Best to Promote Democracy Using Foreign Policy Tools

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Book SynopsisSecuritizing Balance of Power Theory: A Polymorphic Reconceptualization by Ilai Z. Saltzman examines different reactions to changes in the balance of power and the way different states formulate their grand strategies in order to engage these changes. Saltzman offers a neoclassical realist interpretation of the balance of power theory, making the case for a more inclusive theory which considers balance of security as well. The text empirically examines this new theory using two sets of historical cases: the British and Soviet responses to Nazi Germany, and the American and Chinese responses to the rise of Imperialist Japan, both during the interwar period. The second set of cases considers the Russian, North Korean, Chinese, and European Union's response to post-Cold War America.Trade ReviewIlai Saltzman’s Securitizing Balance of Power Theory is placed at the center of the debate on balancing and balance of power theory. Using a neoclassical realist approach and a rich understanding of realism, Saltzman’s balance of security theory presents a cogent argument that a state’s grand strategy is the product of threat perception and resource extractive capacity. This study’s novel and nuanced argument offers a plausible explanation for the divergent grand strategies of Britain, Russia, the Soviet Union, North Korea, the United States, and the European Union. Both international relations scholars and diplomatic historians are sure to enjoy the rich discussion of realism, the historical narrative, and the policy insights. -- Steven E. Lobell, University of UtahTable of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgments Introduction: The Polymorphism of Balancing Chapter 1: Explaining the Polymorphism of Balancing Chapter 2: Buckpassing Chapter 3: Bandwagoning Chapter 4: Hard Balancing Chapter 5: Soft Balancing Chapter 6: Conclusions Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis rare book exemplifies the best in comparative politico-religious analyses to capture differences in violent and pacifist Muslim (Sufi) responses, as tools to negotiate space(s) and resources in Northern Nigeria and Senegal, respectively. Professor Mahmud ably traces these contrasting Muslim experiences to historical junctures— colonial policies and outcomes, leadership, organizational structures of Sufi Brotherhoods, as well as the role of post-colonial states. It is a carefully researched and eloquently written book that reminds us of Islam's non-violent Jihadist tradition — an aspect of Islam too often forgotten or ignored in pursuit of the Global War on Terror. -- Abdoulaye Saine, Miami UniversityThe author must be praised for producing the first comparative study of two important West African Muslim societies. -- Ousmane Kane, Harvard UniversityTable of ContentsPart I. Historical and Theoretical Perspectives on Muslim Politics Chapter 1: Diversity of Muslim Politics Chapter 2: History of Muslim Politics in Northern Nigeria and Senegal Part II. Social Structure, Muslim Organizations and Politics Chapter 3: Nigerian Socio-Political Structure and Muslim Politics in Northern Nigeria Chapter 4: The Social Structure, Muslim Brotherhoods and Politics in Senegal Part III. The State, Political Institutions and Muslim Politics Chapter 5: The Weak State and Muslim Politics in Nigeria Chapter 6: Strong State and Management of Muslim Politics in Senegal Chapter 7: Explaining the Diversity of Muslim Politics

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Book SynopsisThe Militant Song Movement in Latin America examines the history of the militant song movement in Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina, considering their different political stances and musical deportments.Trade ReviewWhen Salvador Allende was elected president of Chile in 1970, a banner proclaimed, 'There is no revolution without songs.' And Latin America was rife with revolutions from the 1950s through the 1970s, especially Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, and parts of Central America. Readers living elsewhere and not caught up in these revolutions are unlikely to know the songs thus spawned, and since many of them were ephemeral and topical, few are heard today. Vila has collected nine chapters by specialists covering Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina. . . .Although some contributors have an intermediate degree in musicology, all specialize in nonmusical areas. Thus, the writers discuss militant songs in relation to complex political movements. Still, this volume is mainly about songs and their meanings, perhaps to paraphrase Mendelssohn, 'songs without music.' The approach is factual and ethnographic, not obscured by postmodern theory, but also extremely detailed and thus challenging for nonspecialists. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty. * CHOICE *Pablo Vila’s introduction to The Militant Song Movement in Latin America: Chile, Uruguay and Argentina succinctly defines the complexities of a movement whose narration differs across the three countries discussed in the book. . . .Drawing upon valuable historical resources, interviews and a vast repertoire of songs, the book is a valuable reference that highlights not only the role of the singers in this enduring movement, but also the political dimension that is allowed to preserve its emotive aspect. A movement that 'has outlived the historical conditions that engendered them,' as Nancy Morris states in her contribution, the relevance of the militant song, epitomised in particular by the Chilean experience of memory in relation to the epoch, needs a constant regeneration to avoid the pitfalls of the political periphery. * The Argentina Independent *Challenging the tendency to treat the musical practices surrounding the dictatorships of the Southern Cone as a single and unified cultural movement, this collection draws its strength from the many analytical and ethnographic perspectives of its contributors. The fact that the book is written in English is of particular value as it offers international audiences a chance to enter the nuanced and even at times contradictory narratives shaping the history of Latin American militant song. . . .The book is a must-read for scholars and students interested in politicized musical movements in Latin America. The collection also offers valuable perspective to anyone interested in the global political movements of the mid-twentieth century, as the addressed themes can be connected in many compelling ways to the political song movements of North America and Europe from the same time period. Through the carefully selected chapters, one gains both an understanding of the global influences informing these song movements and of the unique local contributions that shaped the rich histories of militant song in the Southern Cone. . . .Whether they read through it as a comprehensive and diverse study of politicized song movements in Latin America, consult it as a reference book for scholars of militant song, or use it as a teaching tool, readers will not be disappointed with the contents of Vila’s collection. Each chapter is thoughtfully constructed and the translated chapters are carefully edited to read smoothly. * Journal of Folklore Research *A first-rate team of scholars from a variety of disciplines has produced a comprehensive and insightful collection of essays documenting the role that politically-committed singers and songwriters played in providing a soundtrack for popular left-wing movements in the Southern Cone over the course of several tumultuous decades in the twentieth century. The book will be an invaluable resource for students and scholars interested in exploring the relationship between artistic expression and political action in Latin America. -- David Spener, Trinity UniversityThis collection brings together new scholarship on the fascinating relationship between arts and politics in Latin America's most dramatic period of hope and unrest. It is both a tribute and a contemporary critical reflection on the protagonists and participants of an important cultural movement in the 20th Century Cono Sur. -- Patricia Oliart, Newcastle UniversityThe Militant Song Movement in Latin America addresses a significant gap in the literature on popular song. Previous studies on the music of protest in South America were piecemeal. Now, the prominent scholar of Latin American popular music Pablo Vila has edited a diverse collection of critical essays on militant song in Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina with a focus on the 1950s to the 1980s. It was a period when singing and performing music were integral to the urgent debates and grass roots movements playing out in spaces of terror and of solidarity. This volume breaks new ground in research on the period and should prove indispensable to those interested in Latin America or in popular music more generally. -- Frederick Moehn, King's College LondonTable of ContentsIntroduction – Pablo Vila Chapter 1: New Song in Chile: Half a century of musical activism - Nancy Morris Chapter 2: “Remembrance is not Enough...” (“No basta solo el recuerdo…”): The Cantata Popular Santa María de Iquique 40 Years After its Release - Eileen Karmy Bolton Chapter 3: The Chilean New Song’s cueca larga - Laura Jordán González Chapter 4: Modern Foundations of Uruguayan Popular Music - Abril Trigo Chapter 5: Popular Music and the Avant-garde in Uruguay. The Second Canto Popular generation in the 1970s - Camila Juárez Chapter 6: The Rhythm of Values: Poetry and Music in Uruguay, 1960-85 - María L. Figueredo Chapter 7: Atahualpa Yupanqui: the Latin American Precursor of the Militant Song Movement - Carlos Molinero and Pablo Vila Chapter 8: A Brief History of the Militant Song Movement in Argentina - Carlos Molinero and Pablo Vila Chapter 9: The Revolutionary Patria and Its New (Wo)Men: Gendered Tropes of Political Agency and Popular Identity in Argentine Folk Music of the Long 1960s - Illa Carrillo Rodríguez

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Book SynopsisThis book explores the most important components and contributing factors to the European integration process during the 1950s. It seeks to combine comparative politics and political history to examine core themes such as war experience, national security, military security, economic security, societal security, and research and education in three major European countries, i.e. France, Germany, and Britain. It analyses the references to the ensuing European integration process in national parliamentary debates, analyzing which national needs were thought European integration could cater to, but also which national positions were seen as being compromised by a closer European commitment. The development of a national position on European integration and in turn the evolution of European concepts are considered by using discourse theory on parliamentary debates in France, Germany, and Britain.Parliamentary discourses are shown to be an ideal source for analyzing grand themes, such as EurTrade ReviewThe process of European integration was far from harmonious, and entaled a complex adjustment between mutual misunderstandings and contested assumptions. By his subtle analysis of speeches, Thomas Hoerber offers new insights into the attitudes of France, Germany, and Britain at a crucial stage of European integration, when success could not be predicted—and the nature of any integration remained unclear. At a time when the meanings of European integration are once more contested, not least in Britain, Hoerber offers a nuanced account of the historical roots of national attitudes. -- Martin Daunton, University of CambridgeThis book provides an impressive analysis of post-war thinking about the pros and cons of European integration in Britain, France, and Germany. It shows how convergence among these countries emerged in spite of highly diverging perceptions of the past and visions for the future. A must read in times of crisis and ongoing controversies about the EU. -- Ingeborg Tömmel, Universität OsnabrückA work of great merit, Hoerber's book draws together sources and literature from three distinct national backgrounds into a piece of truly European comparative historiography. -- Stefan Seidendorf, Franco-German InstituteTable of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: War Experience Chapter 3: National Security Chapter 4: Societal Security Chapter 5: Military Security Chapter 6: Research and Education Chapter 7: Economic Security Chapter 8: Conclusions

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Book SynopsisDiscussion of the Chinese Model abounds with the rise of China. This volume analyzes the Chinese case in a theoretical framework, provides an evolutionary perspective, and compares it with other models of development. Instead of focusing on one specific case, the book''s contributors shed light on the application of theories of international relations, comparative politics, and development studies to the topic under deliberation. This book reflects that the uniqueness of the Chinese model should also be put in an historical and evolutionary context. It also provides insights into comparisons with other models of development, such as the East Asian model and experiences of the former Soviet Union. The authors in the book argue that while globalization constrains state power, it may also open new windows of accommodation and adjustments. Linkages between the domestic dynamics of development and external forces of change become pertinent in understanding the Chinese models of development.Trade Review[T]he essays in this volume provide some fruitful material to contemplate as we think about comparing China to other places or experiences, and what makes China’s experience during the post-Mao period unique. * Pacific Affairs *In the light of China's triumphant emergence from the Global Financial Crisis there has been increasing interest in the "Chinese Consensus" or model of development. This collection provides a multifaceted analysis of China's models of development, both national and local, political and economic, from both comparative and international perspectives--a most timely and interesting overview of China's constantly evolving developmental path. -- Lowell Dittmer, University of California, BerkeleyThe outstanding scholarly analyses in this volume place the Chinese model of economic and political development in a valuable comparative perspective. The contributors compare the experience of post-Mao China with the paths of development taken earlier under the leadership of Sun Yat-sen, Chiang Kai-shek, and Mao Zedong, as well as with those subsequently adopted in Taiwan, Russia, and Vietnam. Suggesting that ‘Mainland China has now walked into Taiwan’s past,’ the editors ask whether it will follow Taiwan in evolving into a market democracy or whether it will retain its statist and authoritarian features. Either way, they argue that the success and failures of the Chinese experience will have a significant influence on the development strategies of other emerging economies -- Harry Harding, University of Virginia, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public PolicyPlacing the Chinese model in a historical, evolutionary, and comparative context, this collection of chapters by noted scholars of Chinese and East Asian politics makes a major contribution to our understanding of political development of contemporary China. All chapters are clearly written and original, providing many fresh and unique insights into the ongoing China model debate. -- Suisheng Zhao, Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, and Editor of Journal of Contemporary ChinaTable of ContentsChapter 1: Sources of Regime Legitimacy and the Debate over the Chinese Model Yun-han Chu Chapter 2: All Roads Lead to Rome: Modern Economic Growth and the Chinese Model Xiaoming Huang Chapter 3: Comparing Development Models in Mainland China and Taiwan: A Macro Analytical Framework Yu-Shan Wu Chapter 4: Political Economies of Reform and Reaction: The Russian & Chinese Cases Compared, 1965–2010 Allen C. Lynch Chapter 5: The Sino-Vietnamese Model: Path and Future Brantly Womack Chapter 6: Local Governance and Cultural Industry in China: The Case of Nanjing Tse-Kang Leng Chapter 7: Whither the Local Autonomy under the "China Model"? The Political Economy of China's 2008 Stimulus Package Szu-chien Hsu and Hans H.Tung Chapter 8: China’s Development Model in Comparative Perspective: Hegemony, Power, and History in International Relations David C. Kang Chapter 9: Public Opinion, Nationalism and China’s Cooperative International Behavior Rumi Aoyama Chapter 10: China and the United States Respond to the Crisis: Cooperation or Conflict? Herman Schwartz

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Book SynopsisIndigenous Conflict Management Strategies in West Africa: Beyond Right and Wrong expands the discourse on indigenous knowledge. With several examples and case histories, the work defines, characterizes, and explains indigenous conflict management strategies in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. The book critically evaluates indigenous conflict management strategies with a view to determining their effectiveness in the context of the societies' history and culture, and the relevance and adaptability of these strategies in contemporary contexts. This book takes a scholarly approach, avoiding romanticizing or idealizing indigenous conflict management strategies in West Africa. It advocates a set of mechanisms by which the best elements of indigenous knowledge and skills in conflict management may be deployed to settle contemporary disputes, and made portable for adoption and adaptation by other complex societies in the region and beyond.Trade ReviewBeginning with its title, Indigenous Conflict Management Strategies in West Africa: Beyond Right and Wrong captures the rich spirit of indigenous conflict management attitudes and strategies in West Africa and beyond. It digs deep into the layers of understanding rolled up in traditional practices and examines their relation—often but not necessarily conflictual—with modern practice. This solid volume is built on conceptual developments and many cases that provide the basis for insight into traditional society and introspection into modern ways. -- I. William Zartman, The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins UniversityIndigenous Conflict Management Strategies in West Africa: Beyond Right and Wrong offers a wonderfully far-ranging, yet in-depth, discussion of conflict resolution and prevention in West Africa, with a particular focus on Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. With careful attention to the cultural and institutional contexts in which conflict takes place, the chapters demonstrate the need to take indigienous norms seriously in an age when international actors promote 'best practices' without always taking these norms into account. The resulting combination of critical commentary with descriptions of indigenous conflict management strategies will be useful to scholars and practitioners alike. Indigenous Conflict Management Strategies in West Africa: Beyond Right and Wrong is an extremely important and very welcome addition to the literature on conflict resolution in West Africa. -- Niklas Hultin, George Mason UniversityTable of ContentsChapter One: Introduction: Reconciliation and Conflict Management in West Africa through Cultural Traditions Brandon D. Lundy and Joseph Kingsley Adjei General and Conceptual Frameworks Chapter Two: Conflicts in Africa: Negotiating Space for Indigenous Conflict Management Strategies in the Contemporary Age Olutayo C. Adesina Chapter Three: Exploring Indigenous Mechanisms for Peacemaking in West Africa Serwaa Brewoo and Mustapha Abdallah Chapter Four: Border Disputes in Africa and Traditional Approaches to Resolving Them Joan Mbagwu Chapter Five: “. . . in the Name of the Son”: the ‘Son’ as Scapegoat in African Literature. Kolawole Olaiya Ghana Chapter Six: The Role of the Chieftaincy Institution in Ensuring Peace in Ghana from Precolonial Times to the Present Joseph Kingsley Adjei Chapter Seven: Colonial Justice and Conflict Management: The Case of Chief Seniagya and the Ashanti Golden Stool Joseph Kingsley Adjei and Akanmu G. Adebayo Chapter Eight: Homegrown Crises, Homegrown Solutions? The Efficacy of Indigenous Conflict Resolution/Management Approaches in Ghana Sarah Okaebea Danso and Joana Ama Osei-Tutu Nigeria Chapter Nine: Women’s Involvement in Indigenous Conflict Management: An Analysis of the Role of Umuada in Conflict Management in Traditional Igbo Society of Southeastern Nigeria Felix Chinwe Asogwa Chapter Ten: The Role of the Umunna and Age Grades in Traditional Conflict Management in Igboland Luke Amadi and James E. Agena Chapter Eleven: Communication and Conflict Management in Traditional Igbo Society Emmanuel J. C. Duru, Silk Ugwu Ogbu, and Ifeanyi F. Didiugwu Chapter Twelve: Ilepa Among the Yoruba of Western Nigeria: What Do the Dead Have to Do With Peace and Conflict? Olutayo C. Adesina Chapter Thirteen: Indigenous Methods in Conflict Resolution: The Example of Yorùbá Society Lérè Adéyẹmí Chapter Fourteen: Sparks of Resistance, Flames of Change: Orature in Reconciliation and Conflict Management among the Yorùbá Olusola George Ajibade Chapter Fifteen: The Challenges of Conflict Transformation: Amnesty in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria in Retrospect Willie Eselebor Chapter Sixteen: From Militancy to Amnesty: An Exploration of Nigeria’s Indigenous Conflict Management Strategy in the Niger Delta Region Severus Ifeanyi Odoziobodo and Ifeanyi F. Dididugwu Chapter Seventeen: Alternative Dispute Resolution Strategies, Undergraduate Student Union Leaders, and Conflict Management in Selected Tertiary Institutions in Ibadan Clement O. O. Kolawole and Toluwalope Olajumoke Kolawole Cameroon Chapter Eighteen: Beitonghekeh: Peoples’ Power and Conflict Resolution in Cameroon Henry Kam Kah Chapter Nineteen: Indigenous Peacemaking among the Banso People of Cameroon: Bonyang as a Conflict Resolution System Solomon Losha and Stephen Ojong Agbor Chapter Twenty: Bekem in Peacemaking in Nweh Society Achankeng Fonkem Chapter Twenty One: Conclusion: Implications of Epistemic Diversity for Conflict Management in West Africa and the World Jesse J. Benjamin and Akanmu G. Adebayo

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a variety of perspectives on the phenomenon of political and economic corruptionâand the link between themâthrough focused and theoretical analysis. While grounded in the intellectual tradition of classical writers such as Edmund Burke, the volume presents an updated profile of corrupted practices in the contemporary world.Trade ReviewCorruption has for a long time been notoriously hard to define. What it is perceived to be is not necessarily what it is. It is congruous and sometimes fuses with notions such as extortion and redistribution of wealth or even welfare benefits. Can it be eradicated? Should it be embraced as an acceptable way of running political systems and institutions? These questions raise the intricate issue of the tenuous line which separates the political sphere from the economic or the public spheres. The contributions gathered in this opus by Mendilow and Peleg take us on a journey to the heart of the matter: from Burke’s ideas to the reality on the ground, from ancient Greece to modern Italy, Austria, or China. We shall take a close look at the solemn workings of the U.S. Supreme Court as well as the successive waves of the Arab Spring which were backed by angry mobs. Very promising explorations indeed! -- Eric Phélippeau, University Paris Ouest - Nanterre la DéfenseCorruption is liable to become an emotionally charged indicator of academic and public discourse in future global discussions, and this book promotes the issue of corruption to the very forefront of the global public debate. This book explores understanding the phenomenon of corruption, which could lead to constructive and successful actions being taken to combat, prevent, and understand corruption through the different cases of countries analyzed. This book should be a must read for all the public officials, business environments, academic representatives, students, NGOs, and all who want to dive into deep analyses and understanding of corruption phenomenon. -- Olga Guzhva, V.N. Karazin Kharkov National UniversityTable of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction: Edmund’s Burke’s Concept of Corruption and Beyond Jonathan Mendilow and Ilan Peleg Chapter 2: The Meaning of Corruption in World Opinion Frank Louis Rusciano Chapter 3: The Shifting Landscape of Corruption in America: Legal Corruption, Systemic Corruption or a New Form Barry Seldes Chapter 4: Can Public Funding and Citizen United Coexist? Robert G. Boatright Chapter 5: Corruption and the Arab Spring: Comparing the Pre- and Post-Spring Situation Ilan Peleg and Jonathan Mendilow Chapter 6:Ancient Democracy and the Modern Era: Why is Corruption so Common These Days? Rebecca R. Fiske Chapter 7: The Austrian Way: Neo-Corporatism and Neoliberal Corruption Barbara Franz and Jürgen Pfeffer Chapter 8: Corruptible Competition: Power Nodes, Corruption, and Sleaze Michael J. Brogan Chapter 9: Tackling Corruption, finally? How Domestic and Supranational Factors have Led to Incremental Policy Change in Italy Daniela R. Piccio, Fabrizio Di Mascio, and Alessandro Natalini Chapter 10: Corruption Perception and Collective Action: The Case of Spain Manuel Villoria, Fernando Jiménez-Sánchez and Ana Revuelta Chapter 11: State Capitalism and Corruption: The Case of China Jacob Sprague White Chapter 12: Anthropological Approaches to Corruption: Globalizing Processes & Case Studies Roberta Fiske-Rusciano

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Book SynopsisThis book deals with large-scale, systemic corruption, a phenomenon that it identifies as part of the political landscape in most, if not all, societies of the contemporary world. While the analysis is grounded in the political thought of earlier thinkers, especially Edmund Burke, and integrates the insights of several modern analysts of corruption, the volume offers a new, updated theoretical perspective on the topic. This perspective reflects deep concerns with corruption in a world facing accelerated social transition, increased economic polarization, and growing distrust toward political elites in many countries. This book approaches corrupt practices both theoretically and empirically, offering the perspectives of scholars who come to the topic from different traditions and cultures. It contains the collective efforts of members of the Research Committee on Political Finance and Public Corruption of the International Political Science Association. In formulating a comprehensive apTrade ReviewCorruption has for a long time been notoriously hard to define. What it is perceived to be is not necessarily what it is. It is congruous and sometimes fuses with notions such as extortion and redistribution of wealth or even welfare benefits. Can it be eradicated? Should it be embraced as an acceptable way of running political systems and institutions? These questions raise the intricate issue of the tenuous line which separates the political sphere from the economic or the public spheres. The contributions gathered in this opus by Mendilow and Peleg take us on a journey to the heart of the matter: from Burke’s ideas to the reality on the ground, from ancient Greece to modern Italy, Austria, or China. We shall take a close look at the solemn workings of the U.S. Supreme Court as well as the successive waves of the Arab Spring which were backed by angry mobs. Very promising explorations indeed! -- Eric Phélippeau, University Paris Ouest - Nanterre la DéfenseCorruption is liable to become an emotionally charged indicator of academic and public discourse in future global discussions, and this book promotes the issue of corruption to the very forefront of the global public debate. This book explores understanding the phenomenon of corruption, which could lead to constructive and successful actions being taken to combat, prevent, and understand corruption through the different cases of countries analyzed. This book should be a must read for all the public officials, business environments, academic representatives, students, NGOs, and all who want to dive into deep analyses and understanding of corruption phenomenon. -- Olga Guzhva, V.N. Karazin Kharkov National UniversityTable of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction: Edmund’s Burke’s Concept of Corruption and Beyond Jonathan Mendilow and Ilan Peleg Chapter 2: The Meaning of Corruption in World Opinion Frank Louis Rusciano Chapter 3: The Shifting Landscape of Corruption in America: Legal Corruption, Systemic Corruption or a New Form Barry Seldes Chapter 4: Can Public Funding and Citizen United Coexist? Robert G. Boatright Chapter 5: Corruption and the Arab Spring: Comparing the Pre- and Post-Spring Situation Ilan Peleg and Jonathan Mendilow Chapter 6:Ancient Democracy and the Modern Era: Why is Corruption so Common These Days? Rebecca R. Fiske Chapter 7: The Austrian Way: Neo-Corporatism and Neoliberal Corruption Barbara Franz and Jürgen Pfeffer Chapter 8: Corruptible Competition: Power Nodes, Corruption, and Sleaze Michael J. Brogan Chapter 9: Tackling Corruption, finally? How Domestic and Supranational Factors have Led to Incremental Policy Change in Italy Daniela R. Piccio, Fabrizio Di Mascio, and Alessandro Natalini Chapter 10: Corruption Perception and Collective Action: The Case of Spain Manuel Villoria, Fernando Jiménez-Sánchez and Ana Revuelta Chapter 11: State Capitalism and Corruption: The Case of China Jacob Sprague White Chapter 12: Anthropological Approaches to Corruption: Globalizing Processes & Case Studies Roberta Fiske-Rusciano

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Book SynopsisThis book describes the major security challenges that face the Americas in the twenty-first century including terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, migration, and continually evolving geopolitical realities. It appeals to those interested in international relations, security studies, comparative politics, and Latin American studies.Trade ReviewStates is not the least interested in turning to violence to liquidate Venezuela's 'revolution.' Nobody is going to invade Venezuela. What is generally ignored is why Obama has taken this contradictory step that only serves to give Maduro a pretext for nationalism, increase repression and stir the Latin American hornet's nest. And yet, there are good reasons behind the move. Venezuela is indeed a risk to the security of the United States, not because it violated the democrats' human rights – that was the excuse – but because of three activities that are codified in the doctrinary definition that indicates where the danger to U.S. society begins or intensifies. Whoever wants to know the vision that prevails in Washington on this issue should read the book Reconceptualizing Security in the Americas in the 21st Century, with special attention to the chapter titles Venezuela: Trends in Organized Crime. * The Miami Herald *While Latin America currently does not present a threat to global security, a number of important security issues within the Americas result in pervasive threats to people’s lives…. This informative volume, which brings together contributions from all over the Americas, picks up on these diagnoses. It is a valuable addition to an increasing literature on nontraditional security issues in the Americas, which so far has concentrated mainly on citizen security, violence, and illicit activities like drug trafficking. * International Studies Review *One is hard-pressed to find comprehensive studies on what is likely the number one challenge facing the region and U.S. policy: security. The editors of this book have filled an important academic and policy gap, providing in-depth analysis of the region's security agenda, with special focus on citizen security, violence and non-traditional issues such as energy, health, and migration. The depth and breadth of this issue and country-focused book is sure to be of great interest to scholars and policy-makers alike. -- Frank O. Mora, Florida International UniversityTable of ContentsSection 1: Reconceptualizing Security Chapter 1: The Hemisphere and Declining U.S. Hegemony—Hanna Kassab Chapter 2: Reconceptualizing Security Priorities of the Hemisphere—Hanna Kassab Chapter 3: Desecuritization: Reestablishing Priorities of the Hemisphere—Alberto Lozano-Vázquez Section 2: Terrorism, Insurgency and Challenges to the State Chapter 4: In the Name of Vindice: Latin America’s ‘Endemic Pattern’ of Violence: A Conceptual Analysis—Bradford R. McGuinn Chapter 5: Colombia: Prospects for Peace in the 21st Century: Past Failures, Present Challenges and Future Opportunities—Lilian Yaffe Chapter 6: Mexico: Violence in Mexico: In Search of an Explanation—Jorge Chabat Section 3: Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Chapter 7: Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking: Trends and Supply Chains—Juan Carlos Garzón Vergara Chapter 8: Venezuela: Trends in Organized Crime—Joseph M. Humire Chapter 9: Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime in Colombia: Major Challenges for the Santos Administration—Adam Isacson Chapter 10: A ‘Full-Cycle-Country’: How Argentina’s New role Within the Political Economy of Illicit Drugs is Transforming the Structure of Organized Crime—Sebastían Antonio Cutrona Chapter 11: The Evolution of Peru’s Shining Path and the New Security Priorities in the Hemisphere—Barnett S. Koven and Cynthia McClintock Section 4: The New Security Agenda Chapter 12: The Rise of China in the Americas—R. Evan Ellis Chapter 13: Development and Inequality in the Americas—Ali R. Bustamante Chapter 14: Resource Security: Energy and Environment—Rémi Piet Chapter 15 Health Security Challenges in the Americas: Newly Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases—Sherri L. Porcelain Chapter 16: Environmental Security of Coastal Resources in Latin America—Daniel Suman Chapter 17: Migration in the Americas—Roberto Zepeda Martínez

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Book SynopsisThis book describes the major security challenges that face the Americas in the twenty-first century including terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, migration, and continually evolving geopolitical realities. It appeals to those interested in international relations, security studies, comparative politics, and Latin American studies.Trade ReviewStates is not the least interested in turning to violence to liquidate Venezuela's 'revolution.' Nobody is going to invade Venezuela. What is generally ignored is why Obama has taken this contradictory step that only serves to give Maduro a pretext for nationalism, increase repression and stir the Latin American hornet's nest. And yet, there are good reasons behind the move. Venezuela is indeed a risk to the security of the United States, not because it violated the democrats' human rights – that was the excuse – but because of three activities that are codified in the doctrinary definition that indicates where the danger to U.S. society begins or intensifies. Whoever wants to know the vision that prevails in Washington on this issue should read the book Reconceptualizing Security in the Americas in the 21st Century, with special attention to the chapter titles Venezuela: Trends in Organized Crime. * The Miami Herald *While Latin America currently does not present a threat to global security, a number of important security issues within the Americas result in pervasive threats to people’s lives…. This informative volume, which brings together contributions from all over the Americas, picks up on these diagnoses. It is a valuable addition to an increasing literature on nontraditional security issues in the Americas, which so far has concentrated mainly on citizen security, violence, and illicit activities like drug trafficking. * International Studies Review *One is hard-pressed to find comprehensive studies on what is likely the number one challenge facing the region and U.S. policy: security. The editors of this book have filled an important academic and policy gap, providing in-depth analysis of the region's security agenda, with special focus on citizen security, violence and non-traditional issues such as energy, health, and migration. The depth and breadth of this issue and country-focused book is sure to be of great interest to scholars and policy-makers alike. -- Frank O. Mora, Florida International UniversityTable of ContentsSection 1: Reconceptualizing Security Chapter 1: The Hemisphere and Declining U.S. Hegemony—Hanna Kassab Chapter 2: Reconceptualizing Security Priorities of the Hemisphere—Hanna Kassab Chapter 3: Desecuritization: Reestablishing Priorities of the Hemisphere—Alberto Lozano-Vázquez Section 2: Terrorism, Insurgency and Challenges to the State Chapter 4: In the Name of Vindice: Latin America’s ‘Endemic Pattern’ of Violence: A Conceptual Analysis—Bradford R. McGuinn Chapter 5: Colombia: Prospects for Peace in the 21st Century: Past Failures, Present Challenges and Future Opportunities—Lilian Yaffe Chapter 6: Mexico: Violence in Mexico: In Search of an Explanation—Jorge Chabat Section 3: Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Chapter 7: Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking: Trends and Supply Chains—Juan Carlos Garzón Vergara Chapter 8: Venezuela: Trends in Organized Crime—Joseph M. Humire Chapter 9: Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime in Colombia: Major Challenges for the Santos Administration—Adam Isacson Chapter 10: A ‘Full-Cycle-Country’: How Argentina’s New role Within the Political Economy of Illicit Drugs is Transforming the Structure of Organized Crime—Sebastían Antonio Cutrona Chapter 11: The Evolution of Peru’s Shining Path and the New Security Priorities in the Hemisphere—Barnett S. Koven and Cynthia McClintock Section 4: The New Security Agenda Chapter 12: The Rise of China in the Americas—R. Evan Ellis Chapter 13: Development and Inequality in the Americas—Ali R. Bustamante Chapter 14: Resource Security: Energy and Environment—Rémi Piet Chapter 15 Health Security Challenges in the Americas: Newly Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases—Sherri L. Porcelain Chapter 16: Environmental Security of Coastal Resources in Latin America—Daniel Suman Chapter 17: Migration in the Americas—Roberto Zepeda Martínez

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Book SynopsisPolitics of the European Union in Bosnia-Herzegovina: Between Conflict and Democracy, by Doga Ulas Eralp, evaluates the European Union''s ability to transform the escalating political tensions at a period where the postconflict balance of the Dayton Peace Agreement is turning increasingly unsustainable. Eralp questions whether reforms integral to the EU membership process and existing European crisis management mechanisms can liberate Bosnian politics from the help of ethno-nationalism and plant the seeds for a successful liberal democracy.Eralp''s text captures the tools and history of the EU''s accession strategy for Bosnia-Herzegovina and the challenges of the Dayton system as two interrelated narratives, both exploring the realities of Bosnian politics and analyzing the overall quality of Bosnian democracy. Bosnia''s consociational system, the role of the international community, and the intervention of the European Union are all put under the spotlight as the institutional and polTrade ReviewThe guns have been silent for nearly two decades in Bosnia yet the country remains divided and dysfunctional. This book explains why, and how the European Union is not an effective force for conflict transformation. It is a necessary antidote for those who believe in the miraculous power of the EU in the Balkans. -- Gerard Toal, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityTwenty years on from the outbreak of war in the former Yugoslavia, and with the EU intent on strengthening its common foreign and security policy, this is a timely look at the EU's capacity for managing and transforming conflict on its very own doorstep. Eralp's crisp analysis, crticial eye and clear conclusions highlight many of the deficiencies of the EU's approach to peace-building; making this book an indispensable contribution to the on-going debate about whether or not the EU can become an effective global actor. -- Ian Bancroft, Co-founder and executive director of TransConflictEralp (consultant, World Bank Group) has published articles and book chapters on the Western Balkans, Cyprus, the EU, and Turkey, and has been a consultant to international organizations and think tanks in various countries. This book evaluates the EU's effectiveness in executing its responsibility for peace building in Bosnia-Herzegovina against the backdrop of the bloody 1992-95 war there, which was officially ended with the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement in late 1995. Since then, Bosnia-Herzegovina's political system and economy have remained stagnant. All the while, Bosnia-Herzegovina has strained to build a viable constitutional democracy in the face of persistent internecine conflict among its Muslim, Catholic Croatian, and Orthodox Serbian communities. Examined closely by the author are the historical and institutional constraints associated with the EU's peace-building role. Well written and readable, the book will appeal mostly to academics and professional scholars keyed to Balkan affairs, supranational organizations, conflictive nationalisms, and the challenge of conflict resolution. This case study could have been strengthened, had it drawn from the substantial social science literature on conflict theory and conflict resolution. Summing Up: Recommended. * CHOICE *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Conditions for Liberal Democracy in Bosnia Chapter Three: The Dayton System Chapter Four: EU Membership Perspective for Bosnia Chapter Five: The European Union's Crisis Management Mechanisms Chapter Six: Conclusion Bibliography About the Author Index

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Book SynopsisEurope matters, but in different ways in different countries. The European Union affects the policy fabric of all member states, but that impact is differential rather than convergent. In some instances, new policy goals have been added to national agendas and fresh policy instruments are applied, while old ones become less important or are openly challenged. In other instances, when European and national policy objectives are concurrent, national practices may be reinforced, or even redirected, by EU policies. In all instances, however, state actors reconsider national policy practices wherever the EU extends it activities. This innovative study solves the differential puzzle by developing a sophisticated theoretical and conceptual framework for studying the impact of European policies on member states. Focusing especially on transport policy, the authors employ extensive interviews and archival research in an empirically rich set of case studies (Britain, France, Germany, Italy, anTrade ReviewOffers an excellent research framework and detailed case studies, with important insights into the interaction between domestic and regional policy processes. An excellent addition to our understanding of the impacts of European integration and will certainly generate research in other policy areas. * Governance *One of the great strengths of this book is the systematic and focused approach to its subject. They draw sound and well-supported comparative and theoretical conclusions on the basis of their framework and the evidence developed in the country chapters. * American Political Science Review *Table of ContentsChapter 1: Differential Europe: New Opportunities and Restrictions for Policymaking in the Member States Chapter 2: The Dynamics of the EC Common Transport Policy Chapter 3: Reforming Transport Policy in Britain: Concurrence with Europe but Separate Development Chapter 4: Strengthening the Opposition and Pushing Change: The Paradoxical Impact of Europe on the Reform of French Transport Chapter 5: Regulatory Reforms in the German Transport Sector: How to Overcome Multiple Veto Points Chapter 6: Going through the Motions: The Modest Impact of Europe on Italian Transport Policy Chapter 7: From Regulation to Stimulation: Dutch Transport Policy in Europe Chapter 8: Differential Responses to European Policies: A Comparison

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Book SynopsisThis challenging book argues convincingly that research on European integration has lagged behind important theoretical developments in the fields of international relations, international political economy, and international organization. The contributors contend that prevailing theories of integrationdespite their considerable differencesall suffer from an excessive focus on institutions and ideas, while overlooking the ways in which these institutions and ideas have promoted a neoliberal agenda during the last decade. To overcome these weaknesses, this volume draws on one of the key strands of theoretical innovationcritical political economy or transnational historical materialismto develop a more comprehensive and consistent analysis of processes of European integration. Although not claiming that states have ceded their role as masters of the treaties, the contributors develop innovative case studies of national and transnational processes to illustrate the salience of trans-EuropTrade ReviewTheoretically ambitious and innovative, this absolutely first-rate volume opens fresh ways of thinking and will serve equally well both specialists and students. -- Peter J. Katzenstein, Cornell UniversityTable of ContentsIntroduction: The Study of European Integration in the Neoliberal Era Alan W. Cafruny and Magnus Ryner Part I: The European Union and Neoliberal Hegemony Chapter 1: Theories of European Integration: A Critique Bastiaan van Appeldoorn, Henk Overbeek, and Magnus Ryner Chapter 2: A Neo-Gramscian Approach to European Integration Stephen Gill Chapter 3: Structure and Process in Transnational European Business Otto Holman and Kees van der Pijl Chapter 4: The Geopolitics of U.S. Hegemony in Europe: From the Breakup of Yugoslavia to the War in Iraq Alan W. Cafruny Part II: Neoliberal Hegemony and the State Chapter 5: The Political Economy of Exchange Rate Commitments: Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Process of European Monetary Integration Leila Simona Talani Chapter 6: Diminishing Expectations: The Strategic Discourse of Globalization in the Political Economy of New Labour Colin Hay and Matthew Watson Chapter 7: The Changing Political Economy of France: Dirigisme Under Duress Ben Clift Chapter 8: Disciplinary Neoliberalism, Regionalization, and the Social Market in German Restructuring Magnus Ryner Part III: The European Union beyond Neoliberalism? Chapter 9: "Competitive Restructuring" and Industrial Relations within the European Union: Corporatist Involvement and Beyond Hans-Jürgen Bieling and Thorsten Schulten Chapter 10: Cultural Policy and Citizenship in the European Union: An Answer to the Legitimation Problem? Giles Scott-Smith Chapter 11: Europe, the United States, and Neoliberal (Dis)Order: Is There a Coming Crisis of the Euro? Alan W. Cafruny

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Book SynopsisThis timely book examines post-communist developments in Russia, central Europe, and the Balkans, emphasizing foreign and security policies and their domestic linkages. Framed around the concepts of globalization and regime change, the rich set of case studies traces the repercussions for politicians and institutions forced to adjust to the disappearance of the East from the Cold War's East-West polarity. The contributors explore how each country has grappled with such questions as how to change from one party to many, how to create viable market economies, and how to restructure security alliances. They conclude by considering the prospects for further regime change from democracies to hybrid systems and the implications for the future of the European Union.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis is a very timely book that examines governance and democracy in the European Union. . . . This study is valuable for students and observers of EU politics, as well as for those interested in social justice, democratization, and the civil society movements. Recommended. * CHOICE *This is a book well worth reading both for its contributions to EU studies and research on contentious activity. It raises important questions of political action in systems of complex governance. . . . European Governance and Democracy represents the fusion of two distinct research areas: the politics of the European Union (EU) and how social movements/interest groups attempt to influence the political process. This fusion offers new opportunities to study processes of political mobilization in a multilevel, complex system of governance. It also illustrates the challenges of studying mobilization processes in such an environment. The book is well-rooted in both literatures. * Mobilization *This book, by two leading French scholars of collective political action, offers a bold and comprehensive study of interest group and protest politics at the European level. The combination of a cross-national structural analysis with a longitudinal comparison of a selected set of policymaking processes allows the authors to uncover the fundamental dynamics of European decision making. They show the complex multilevel mix of these processes, their sectoral compartmentalization, and, most importantly, their politicization. If European decision making now reaches beyond the arcane bureaucracies to which it was originally confined, the analysis, however, also points out that it keeps favoring those groups who already have a long-established record of influence at the national level. -- Hanspeter Kriesi, University of ZurichEuropean institutions and traditional forms of democratic participation have attracted a lot of scholars' attention, while collective action and social movements directed against the EU, with a few exceptions, have suffered from benign neglect. This book sheds new light on the European dream (for some) or nightmare (for others). The disconnection of EU regulatory powers from distributive or redistributive policies is a powerful trigger for political mobilization. This division of tasks has been a comfortable buffer for the Brussels elite for some time. In the long run it could become 'the kiss of death.' -- Yves Mény, European University InstituteA gem. The book crisply sets out the relationship between European governance structures and collective political action and explores the implications of this relationship for the future of democracy in Europe. I don't know of any other work that takes on these important questions so comprehensively or successfully. It will quickly become a well-thumbed reference to European democracy. -- Doug Imig, University of MemphisTable of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Approaching Collective Action Chapter 2: Collective Action and Civil Society in Europe Chapter 3: The Making of a Polity: Interests' Mobilization around European Institutions Chapter 4: European Integration and Varieties of Capitalism: The Brussels Consensus Chapter 5: The European Burden: Unemployment and Political Behavior Chapter 6: Beyond State Building: Centers and Peripheries in the European Union Chapter 7: Collective Action and New Rights Chapter 8: Interests' Mobilization in the Constitutionalization of Europe Chapter 9: The Regulation of Interest Groups in the European Union Conclusion: European Democracy and Social Justice Bibliography

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Book SynopsisConsidering the future of European integration, this clear and compelling study explores the interplay between collective action and democracy in the European Union and its member states. Richard Balme and Didier Chabanet analyze the influence of supranational governance on democratization through a wealth of case studies on a broad range of civil society interests, including regional policy, unemployment and poverty, women''s rights, migration policy, and environmental protection. The authors trace the evolving relationship between citizens and European institutions over the past decades, especially as public support for deepening and widening integration has waned. This trend culminated in a deep institutional crisis precipitated by the rejection of the draft constitutional treaty in France and the Netherlands in 2005. At least two truisms were proven wrong during this tumultuous period: that European citizens have little interest in European integration and that citizens have littTrade ReviewThis is a very timely book that examines governance and democracy in the European Union. . . . This study is valuable for students and observers of EU politics, as well as for those interested in social justice, democratization, and the civil society movements. Recommended. * CHOICE *This is a book well worth reading both for its contributions to EU studies and research on contentious activity. It raises important questions of political action in systems of complex governance. . . . European Governance and Democracy represents the fusion of two distinct research areas: the politics of the European Union (EU) and how social movements/interest groups attempt to influence the political process. This fusion offers new opportunities to study processes of political mobilization in a multilevel, complex system of governance. It also illustrates the challenges of studying mobilization processes in such an environment. The book is well-rooted in both literatures. * Mobilization *This book, by two leading French scholars of collective political action, offers a bold and comprehensive study of interest group and protest politics at the European level. The combination of a cross-national structural analysis with a longitudinal comparison of a selected set of policymaking processes allows the authors to uncover the fundamental dynamics of European decision making. They show the complex multilevel mix of these processes, their sectoral compartmentalization, and, most importantly, their politicization. If European decision making now reaches beyond the arcane bureaucracies to which it was originally confined, the analysis, however, also points out that it keeps favoring those groups who already have a long-established record of influence at the national level. -- Hanspeter Kriesi, University of ZurichEuropean institutions and traditional forms of democratic participation have attracted a lot of scholars' attention, while collective action and social movements directed against the EU, with a few exceptions, have suffered from benign neglect. This book sheds new light on the European dream (for some) or nightmare (for others). The disconnection of EU regulatory powers from distributive or redistributive policies is a powerful trigger for political mobilization. This division of tasks has been a comfortable buffer for the Brussels elite for some time. In the long run it could become 'the kiss of death.' -- Yves Mény, European University InstituteA gem. The book crisply sets out the relationship between European governance structures and collective political action and explores the implications of this relationship for the future of democracy in Europe. I don't know of any other work that takes on these important questions so comprehensively or successfully. It will quickly become a well-thumbed reference to European democracy. -- Doug Imig, University of MemphisTable of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Approaching Collective Action Chapter 2: Collective Action and Civil Society in Europe Chapter 3: The Making of a Polity: Interests' Mobilization around European Institutions Chapter 4: European Integration and Varieties of Capitalism: The Brussels Consensus Chapter 5: The European Burden: Unemployment and Political Behavior Chapter 6: Beyond State Building: Centers and Peripheries in the European Union Chapter 7: Collective Action and New Rights Chapter 8: Interests' Mobilization in the Constitutionalization of Europe Chapter 9: The Regulation of Interest Groups in the European Union Conclusion: European Democracy and Social Justice Bibliography

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Book SynopsisTrade Review[Black] highlights some interesting but neglected source material and, in doing so, provides an important counterbalance to the western-based analyses that dominate foreign thinking about Russia. More generally, his detailed description of events, policy statements, and international agreements offers a good reference base to scholars in the field. * International Affairs *Black's book is the most massively detailed examination of the foreign policy of Putin available, as far as I know, anywhere. * The Virginia Quarterly Review *Professor Black gives us the Russian view of the world by examining the first years of the Putin presidency. The book is, first, detailed history of the regime's foreign policy from December 1999 to May 2002. Second, it presents an analysis of the main areas of foreign policy concern. The sources are almost entirely Russian, which provides the reader with invaluable insights into the political mind of the Russian leadership, particularly that of Putin….Splendid book. -- J. Frank Harrison, St. Xavier University * International Journal, Spring 2005 *Black presents the results of extensive research in the Russian press on key issues in Russian foreign policy from early 2000 through the middle of 2002. Recommended. * CHOICE *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: Where We Were in January 2000 Part 2 Part I: Two and a Half Years of Foreign Policy Experimenting Chapter 3 Yeltsin's Legacy 1999 Chapter 4 Setting the Stage Chapter 5 Summitry and Beyond Chapter 6 Negotiating from Strength Chapter 7 The Mandate Revisited Chapter 8 From Axis of Evil to Vladimir and George Chapter 9 Wind Down Part 10 Part II: The Two-Headed Eagle Looks east and West Chapter 11 Debating Security and Defense Chapter 12 The Caucasus Vortex Chapter 13 Ukraine and Belarus Chapter 14 Reintegrating Eurasia: The CIS and Central Asia Chapter 15 Reintegrating Eurasia: Courting China and India Chapter 16 The Rogue States Chapter 17 Conclusion: Where We Were in May 2002

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Book SynopsisAttempting to portray events as seen from the Russian perspective, Black (Russian and Soviet history, Carleton U., Canada) explores the development of Russian foreign policy from Vladimir Putin's 1999 appointment as acting president to the May 2002 summit between him and George W. Bush. He first offTrade Review[Black] highlights some interesting but neglected source material and, in doing so, provides an important counterbalance to the western-based analyses that dominate foreign thinking about Russia. More generally, his detailed description of events, policy statements, and international agreements offers a good reference base to scholars in the field. * International Affairs *Black's book is the most massively detailed examination of the foreign policy of Putin available, as far as I know, anywhere. * The Virginia Quarterly Review *Professor Black gives us the Russian view of the world by examining the first years of the Putin presidency. The book is, first, detailed history of the regime's foreign policy from December 1999 to May 2002. Second, it presents an analysis of the main areas of foreign policy concern. The sources are almost entirely Russian, which provides the reader with invaluable insights into the political mind of the Russian leadership, particularly that of Putin….Splendid book. -- J. Frank Harrison, St. Xavier University * International Journal, Spring 2005 *Black presents the results of extensive research in the Russian press on key issues in Russian foreign policy from early 2000 through the middle of 2002. Recommended. * CHOICE *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: Where We Were in January 2000 Part 2 Part I: Two and a Half Years of Foreign Policy Experimenting Chapter 3 Yeltsin's Legacy 1999 Chapter 4 Setting the Stage Chapter 5 Summitry and Beyond Chapter 6 Negotiating from Strength Chapter 7 The Mandate Revisited Chapter 8 From Axis of Evil to Vladimir and George Chapter 9 Wind Down Part 10 Part II: The Two-Headed Eagle Looks east and West Chapter 11 Debating Security and Defense Chapter 12 The Caucasus Vortex Chapter 13 Ukraine and Belarus Chapter 14 Reintegrating Eurasia: The CIS and Central Asia Chapter 15 Reintegrating Eurasia: Courting China and India Chapter 16 The Rogue States Chapter 17 Conclusion: Where We Were in May 2002

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Book SynopsisBeginning with an introduction to the field of comparative politics, this clear and complete text moves on to explore new, innovative directions in the field. Leading scholar Howard J. Wiarda explores its main approaches, including political development, political culture, dependency theory, corporatism, indigenous theories of change, state-society relations, rational choice, and the new institutionalism. Wiarda addresses many hot issues in the field: Can democracy and human rights be transplanted from one culture to another? Is civil society exportable? What works in the effort to develop the poorer nations and what doesn''t? Where are we headed with such frontier research issues as comparative environmental policy, women''s rights, and gay rights? The book concludes with a stimulating discussion of whether the great systems debates of the past (socialism vs. capitalism, democracy vs. authoritarianism) are now over and points to some of the next important study and research frontiers.Trade ReviewHoward Wiarda is without question one of the leading experts in the field of comparative politics. With this book he presents the issues and debates that are at the core of comparative politics. In his usual straightforward and occasionally provocative manner, Wiarda challenges the reader to think through many of the questions about governing in today's world. From the problems with democratization in the less developed world to some of the new directions of study such as environmentalism and gay rights, Wiarda is always at the cutting edge. This is an essential text that students of comparative politics should have on their reading list. -- Michael J. Kryzanek, Bridgewater State CollegeHoward Wiarda does a masterful job in presenting the panoply of approaches and hot issues in comparative politics. His focus—and rightly so—is on how we do comparative politics. For students, Comparative Politics: Approaches and Issues provides an array of questions to ask as they read about, and directly experience, countries around the world. -- Joel S. Migdal, University of WashingtonTable of ContentsPart I: The Field of Comparative Politics Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: New Directions in Comparative Politics Part II: Approaches to the Field Chapter 3: Political Development Chapter 4: Political Culture and Comparative Politics Chapter 5: Corporatism and Comparative Politics Chapter 6: Indigenous Theories of Change Chapter 7: Political Development Revisited—and Its Alternatives Part III: Hot Issues Chapter 8: Comparative Democracy and Democratization Chapter 9: Is Civil Society Exportable? Chapter 10: The Developing Nations: What Works in Development—and What Doesn't Chapter 11: Frontiers of Research in Comparative Politics Part IV: Comparative Politics: Toward New Frontiers Chapter 12: The End of the Great Systems Debate? Implications for Comparative Politics Conclusion

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Book SynopsisIn Breaking the Real Axis of Evil, ambassador Mark Palmer has the gumption to argue what diplomats and political leaders dare not speak: that global peace will not be achieved until democracies replace the world''s remaining dictatorships. We know that these dictators are at the root of terrorism and war. Under their stony gaze, millions have gone to their deaths, a great tidal wave of refugees has swept across the planet, and nations have been driven into poverty, famine, and despair. Drawing on over 25 years of extensive diplomatic experience, Ambassador Palmer asks us to embrace a bold vision of a world made safe by democracy. This is the story of the last 46 dictators, the strategy and tactics to oust them, and the need to empower the people of every nation to control their own destinies.Trade ReviewAmbassador Palmer is 'Mr. Human Rights.' This can be the Age of Democracy if we heed the lessons of his book. -- Max Kampelman, foreign policy advisor to three U. S. PresidentsOpen societies provide only the basis for a more peaceful, prosperous world. Mark Palmer is at the cutting edge of change in the right direction. -- George Soros, investor and philanthropistMark Palmer's vision of a 100% democratic world is bold and important. I urge anyone interested in supporting the struggle of Chinese, Arab, African, and Cuban democrats to read this book! -- Bill Richardson, former Secretary of Energy, ambassador to the United Nations, congressman, and now Governor of New MexicoDuring and after the three world wars (two hot, one cold) of the twentieth century we and our allies have freed much of the world. Mark Palmer shows us how to finish the job. Bravo. -- R. James Woolsey, former Director of the CIA; Chairman, Woolsey Partners LLCI watched Ambassador Palmer in action in Budapest as he helped galvanize and even march with Hungarian democrats. I recommend his book to my colleagues in the Congress and in democratic parliaments around the world. -- Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader and highest ranking woman in the history of the U. S. CongressAmbassador Mark Palmer's democracy manifesto is a radical blueprint for democratic change everywhere dictators oppress their people, and an impassioned call for a foreign policy true to America's founding principles. -- Senator John McCainMark Palmer's prescription for the "End of Dicatatorships" is a fundamental contribution to the debate about the world's future. He has extensively researched what works in dumping dictators peacefully, looked at each of the remaining rogue regimes and developed a new foreign policy paradigm. -- Professor Francis Fukuyama, Johns Hopkins University, author of "The End of History and the Last Man."The only problem with President Bush's axis of evil label is that it doesn't extend far enough, argues Palmer, in this primer to promoting democracy around the world. Palmer, the U.S. ambassador to Hungary when communism collapsed more than a decade ago, builds on his experience there to provide a list of what government, diplomats, non-governmental organizations and the media can do to unseat dictators. * Publishers Weekly *This work offers a welcome alternative to some of the mailed-fist policies of today. * Library Journal *One of the best but least noticed books among all tomes addressing the quest for peace in the post-September 11 era. . . . An invaluable foreign policy guide. * The Wall Street Journal *Palmer makes an excellent case that the spirit is strong and that it must be sustained with international help. * The World Today *If the United States under George W. Bush (or his successors) is to be an affective agitator for democracy worldwide, then Mark Palmer's Breaking the Real Axis of Evil must become required reading for U.S. diplomats-in-training at the Foreign Service Institute, and ought to be read at think tanks, universities, and national-security establishments throughout the democratic world. * Journal of Democracy *Palmer, former U.S. ambassador to Hungary, argues that global peace cannot be achieved until democracies replace the world's last remaining dictators. * Bi-Monthly *Palmer provides a practical handbook for how to put into effect a pro-democratic foreign policy for a U.S. government that is so minded. * Middle East Quarterly *...should be required reading for every member of Congress and recommended for every citizen -- Tammy Drennan * Chattanooga Times Free Press *...a wonderful book—a moral and intellectual tour de force. * Book Review Digest *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Part 2 The Real Axis of Evil Chapter 3 The Future with Dictators Chapter 4 A Democratic World Part 5 Ousting the Last Forty-Five Chapter 6 Power in the Modern World Chapter 7 Sanction Dictators, Not Peoples Part 8 Communities of Democracies and Democrats Chapter 9 The New Architecture of International Power Chapter 10 Freedom Caucuses Chapter 11 Global Security Alliance and Coalitions of the Willing Chapter 12 International Criminal Tribunals Chapter 13 International Parliamentary Cooperation Chapter 14 Monarchs for Democracy Chapter 15 The Nongovernmental Dimension Chapter 16 The Stakes Part 17 Opening Closed Societies Chapter 18 Presidential Leadership Chapter 19 Outsiders' Toolbox for Promoting Democracy in Dictatorships Part 20 Democracy Development Plans and Action Programs Chapter 21 Stages of Democratic Growth Chapter 22 Who Will Conduct: The International Dictatorship-to-Democracy Center Chapter 23 Why Engage? Part 24 Embassies as Freedom Houses, Ambassadors as Freedom Fighters Chapter 25 Extraordinary Opportunity for Creativity Chapter 26 Dealing Directly with Dictators Chapter 27 Ambassadors in Action Part 28 The Use of Nonviolent Force Chapter 29 Two-Stage Campaigns to Oust Dictators Chapter 30 People Power: Two Battlegrounds Chapter 31 Appendix: The Methods of Nonviolent Action Part 32 The Forty-Five Least Wanted Chapter 33 Personalistic Dictatorships Chapter 34 Monarch Dictatorships Chapter 35 Military Dictators Chapter 36 Communist Dictators Chapter 37 Dominant-Party Dictators Chapter 38 Theocratic Dictator Part 39 Out by 2025 Chapter 40 Asia Chapter 41 The "Stans", the Middle East, and North Africa: The Heart of Democratic Darkness Chapter 42 Sub-Saharan Africa Chapter 43 The Last Dictators in Europe and the Americas Part 44 Epilogue and Action Agendas

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Book SynopsisWith the removal of not only Saddam Hussein but also Jean-Betrand Aristide, as well as the ongoing civil war in against Charles Taylor in Liberia, much has changed in the world of dictators since the first publication of this work less than a year ago. With his colleagues in diplomacy and politics shying away from bold solutions to this ever-present problem, Ambassador Mark Palmer has once again set out to persuade everyone that the only way to achieve global peace is through the removal of dictators with democracy as their replacements. Drawing on his 25 years of extensive diplomatic experience, Ambassador Palmer asks us to embrace a bold vision of a world made safe by democracy. This is the story of the remaining dictators, the strategy and tactics to oust them, and the need to empower the people of every nation to control their own destinies. We know that these dictators are at the root of terrorism and war. Under their leadership and instruction, millions have gone to their deathTrade ReviewThis is a confident book, written by a confident man. * Times Higher Education *Table of ContentsChapter 1 The Real Axis of Evil Part 2 The Future with Dictators Part 3 A Democratic World Chapter 4 Ousting the Last Forty-Five Part 5 Power in the Modern World Part 6 Sanction Dictators, Not Peoples Chapter 7 Communities of Democracies and Democrats Part 8 The New Architecture of International Power Part 9 Freedom Caucuses Part 10 Global Security Alliance and Coalitions of the Willing Part 11 International Criminal Tribunals Part 12 International Parliamentary Cooperation Part 13 Monarchs for Democracy Part 14 The Nongovernmental Dimension Part 15 The Stakes Chapter 16 Opening Closed Societies Part 17 Presidential Leadership Part 18 Outsiders' Toolbox for Promoting Democracy in Dictatorships Chapter 19 Democracy Development Plans and Action Programs Part 20 Stages of Economic Growth Part 21 Who Will Conduct: The International Dictatorship-to-Democracy Center Part 22 Why Engage? Chapter 23 Embassies as Freedom Houses, Ambassadors as Freedom Fighters Part 24 Extraordinary Opportunity for Creativity Part 25 Dealing Directly with Dictators Part 26 Ambassadors in Action Chapter 27 The Use of Nonviolent Force Part 28 Two-Stage Campaigns to Oust Dictators Part 29 People Power: Two Battlegrounds Part 30 Appendix: The Methods of Nonviolent Action Chapter 31 The Forty-Five Least Wanted Part 32 Personalistic Dictatorships Part 33 Monarch Dictators Part 34 Military Dictators Part 35 Communist Dictators Part 36 Dominant-Party Dictators Part 37 Theocratic Dictator: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran Chapter 38 Out by 2025 Part 39 Asia Part 40 The "Stans," the Middle East, and North Africa: The Heart Part 41 Sub-Saharan Africa Part 42 The Last Dictators in Europe and the Americas Part 43 Afterword Part 44 Epilogue and Action Agenda

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Book SynopsisWhat and where and who is Europe? This unique collection contends that Europe cannot be defined as simply a particular geographic location or a group of citizens who inhabit the same place and share a culture. Instead, Europe is a question to be answered by the teachers and students who study it. A collaborative and multidisciplinary collection, Engaging Europe explores Europe through history, literature, philosophy, music, and ethical narratives. A set of imaginative contributors investigates European identity through a variety of cases, including Greece and Rome, the Bible, the Enlightenment, and the Shoah. Scholars of literature, history, and classics, as well as a composer, grapple with students'' doubts about Europe''s future relevance. The complexity of the topic leads to creativity in each chapter, from a musical composition in words to poetry to a dialogue between Baudelaire and Adam Smith. Engaging Europe is a major part of an experiment that hopes to find more intellectually Trade ReviewTaking a welcome interdisciplinary approach, this brief yet insightful book succeeds in its stated ambition of making readers contemplate 'rethinking a changing continent.' Highly recommended. * CHOICE *This is a delightful volume. Fascinating, illuminating, always intelligent, it collects together a variety of thoughtful reflections that probe the 'Europe' of our history, science, imagination, hopes, fears, dreams, values, and, above all, of our minds. If it is true that one cannot go home again, apparently one can still return for the first time. -- Richard A. Cohen, author of Out of Control: Confrontations between Spinoza and LevinasThis lively, wide-ranging, splendid assortment of essays highlights Europe's grand intellectual traditions, its tragic passions and moral dramas. It casts European history and its future as both a deeply familiar and a de-familiarized, largely uncharted terrain—a space of the mind and a riddle to try to solve. -- Giuseppe Mazzotta, Yale UniversityAn interesting, novel, and stimulating scholarly contribution to our way of conceptualizing the European experience. -- Ulf Hedetoft, Aalborg University, DenmarkTable of ContentsChapter 1: The Idea of Europe: A Collaborative Pedagogical Project Part I: What Is Europe? Chapter 2: A Story of Europe Chapter 3: The Idea of Europe, Levinas, and Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice Part II: Where Is Europe? Chapter 4: Relocating Europe Chapter 5: Idea of Rome, Idea of Europe Chapter 6: Provincia Gallia Narbonensis Part III: Testimony and Witness Chapter 7: Listening and the Art of Survival Chapter 8: Primo Levi's Testimony, or Philosophy between Poetry and Science Chapter 9: Europe in the Wake of the Shoah Part IV: Disciplines, Borders, Crossings Chapter 10: Autonomy and the Mistress Discipline in European Thought Chapter 11: Does Baudelaire Read Adam Smith? Chapter 12: On Charting Europeanness Further Reading: A Bibliographical Essay

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Book SynopsisEuropeanization has become a major theme within European studies in recent years, emphasizing the domestic effects of the EU on its member and applicant states. At the same time, multilevel governance has emerged as an important concept, highlighting shifts both in horizontal relations between state and society and in vertical links between actors at different territorial levels. In this state-of-the-art study, Ian Bache traces the relationship between these two key elements, considering the extent to which Europeanization advances multilevel governance within member states through the requirements of EU cohesion policy.Bache focuses especially on Britain, a member state whose political system has been increasingly characterized by multilevel governance since it became an EU member. Comparing Britain''s case to that of ten other member states, the author distinguishes between the EU''s effects in simple politiesin which voice, influence, and power are diffused through multiple levels aTrade Review[Bache's] deep understanding and prolonged focus upon the British dimension of the phenomenon grants him a solid vantage point to qualitatively assess change. . . . Written concisely and accessibly. * CHOICE *A strong volume that combines an elaborate theoretical framework with a careful empirical analysis. . . . This is a well-written study that will be of interest to scholars of both EU and British politics. * West European Politics *The book delivers valuable, refined theoretical insight, applicable for policy analysis in other domains. The authoritative examination of key developments in policy, from the creation of ERDF in 1975, through the Thatcher, Major and Blair administrations, deepens our understanding of the broader, ongoing process of British institutional reform. * Journal of Common Market Studies *Subtle yet concise. In-depth analysis . . . comparative framework. Rich empirical work cited. * Political Studies Review *This book injects some welcome realism and clarity into the discussion, by providing through careful theoretical argument and empirical case studies an authoritative and detailed assessment of the process of Europeanization and its impact on multilevel governance in Britain and elsewhere. It will be an important reference point in all future debates on the nature of contemporary governance. -- Andrew Gamble, University of CambridgeThe empirical backbone of this conceptually thoughtful book consists of multiple case studies of EU cohesion policy’s effect on Britain’s polity. These are enriched by broad-ranging East-West comparisons. Ian Bache suggests provocatively that, perhaps, the most profound impact of EU-induced multilevel governance is on state preferences. -- Liesbet Hooghe, University of North Carolina, Chapel HillTable of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Europeanization: A Framework for Analysis Chapter 2: Multilevel Governance and Policy Networks Chapter 3: EU Cohesion Policy Chapter 4: EU Cohesion Policy and Domestic Governance Chapter 5: The Changing Nature of British Governance Chapter 6: Cohesion Policy and Governance in Britain: 1989–1997 Chapter 7: Cohesion Policy and Governance in Britain: 1997–2006 Conclusions

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewMezey has produced a broadly-informed study that speaks to all interested in representative democracy. Furthermore, it is an accessible and appropriate text for teaching undergraduates, especially for courses on Congress, comparative legislatures, or democratic governance. * APSA Legislative Studies Section Newsletter, Book Notes *Mezey displays his treasure of scholarly talents in this concise yet inclusive book on representation. He gives order and meaning to a wide array of existing empirical and normative literature on the concept of representation across a range of representative institutions, blending an emphasis on the U.S. Congress with findings from non-American legislatures that make the reader keenly sensitive to contextual variation. -- Bruce Oppenheimer, Vanderbilt UniversityMichael Mezey has written a comprehensive analysis of the complex relationship between constituents and legislators in the United States, and in comparative perspective. It is based on his astonishing command of the relevant literature. Far more than a textbook, it makes a valuable contribution to all scholars in this field by offering an overview that integrates and organizes the accumulated findings of three decades of legislative research. -- Gerhard Loewenberg, University of Iowa * University Of Iowa *Mezey has written a well-documented and clearly laid out book. A]n appropriate text for upper-division undergraduate or survey graduate courses that examine legislative politics and/or political representation... [I]t draws together key components of representation in a valuable manner.... * Political Science Quarterly, Fall 2009 *I can think of no one more qualified than Mezey to write a synthetic treatment of representative institutions since he combines a theoretician's reflectiveness with an empiricist's analytical acumen; a comparativist's breadth of perspective with a Congress scholar's utilization of an impressively wide range of data. The chapter on "Earmarks and Errands" alone is worth the purchase price. -- John R. Hibbing, University of NebraskaMezey has written a well-documented and clearly laid out book. A]n appropriate text for upper-division undergraduate or survey graduate courses that examine legislative politics and/or political representation... [I]t draws together key components of representation in a valuable manner. * Political Science Quarterly, Fall 2009 *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Representation and Democracy Chapter 2 Representation: A Theoretical Discussion Chapter 3 Constituencies and Interests Chapter 4 Earmarks and Errands Chapter 5 Representation and Public Policy Chapter 6 Interest Groups and Representation Chapter 7 Representative Government and its Critics Chapter 8 Appendix: 30 Questions for Discussion

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewMezey has produced a broadly-informed study that speaks to all interested in representative democracy. Furthermore, it is an accessible and appropriate text for teaching undergraduates, especially for courses on Congress, comparative legislatures, or democratic governance. * APSA Legislative Studies Section Newsletter, Book Notes *Mezey displays his treasure of scholarly talents in this concise yet inclusive book on representation. He gives order and meaning to a wide array of existing empirical and normative literature on the concept of representation across a range of representative institutions, blending an emphasis on the U.S. Congress with findings from non-American legislatures that make the reader keenly sensitive to contextual variation. -- Bruce Oppenheimer, Vanderbilt UniversityMichael Mezey has written a comprehensive analysis of the complex relationship between constituents and legislators in the United States, and in comparative perspective. It is based on his astonishing command of the relevant literature. Far more than a textbook, it makes a valuable contribution to all scholars in this field by offering an overview that integrates and organizes the accumulated findings of three decades of legislative research. -- Gerhard Loewenberg, University of Iowa * University Of Iowa *Mezey has written a well-documented and clearly laid out book. A]n appropriate text for upper-division undergraduate or survey graduate courses that examine legislative politics and/or political representation... [I]t draws together key components of representation in a valuable manner.... * Political Science Quarterly, Fall 2009 *I can think of no one more qualified than Mezey to write a synthetic treatment of representative institutions since he combines a theoretician's reflectiveness with an empiricist's analytical acumen; a comparativist's breadth of perspective with a Congress scholar's utilization of an impressively wide range of data. The chapter on "Earmarks and Errands" alone is worth the purchase price. -- John R. Hibbing, University of NebraskaMezey has written a well-documented and clearly laid out book. A]n appropriate text for upper-division undergraduate or survey graduate courses that examine legislative politics and/or political representation... [I]t draws together key components of representation in a valuable manner. * Political Science Quarterly, Fall 2009 *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Representation and Democracy Chapter 2 Representation: A Theoretical Discussion Chapter 3 Constituencies and Interests Chapter 4 Earmarks and Errands Chapter 5 Representation and Public Policy Chapter 6 Interest Groups and Representation Chapter 7 Representative Government and its Critics Chapter 8 Appendix: 30 Questions for Discussion

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Book SynopsisIs Europe indeed uniting or instead falling apart as a result of anti-immigrant prejudices, a massive Islamic influx, and ancient intra-European hatreds? This innovative and engaging book explores this key question by examining the national and religious phobias and prejudices, antipathies and sympathies, stereotypes and heterotypes of Europe west and east. Considering the sources of Europe's culture-based divide, Ray Taras argues that the idea of two Europes is grounded both in reality and myth. The accession process that brought a dozen new members into the European Union after 2004 highlighted the persisting gulf between old and new Europe. While many concrete borders between east and west were removed (commercial, legal, passport regimes), many remained (absence of a single Euro currency zone, labor market, and security community). Virtual borders too were invented or re-imagined: the postmaterialist, inclusionary, tolerant values supposedly found in old Europe versus the materialiTrade ReviewThis book does not opt for a facile definition of old versus new, choosing instead to explore the conflicting experiences of political elites and ordinary citizens and what constitutes 'belonging’ from these different perspectives. * International Affairs *For a student of literature it is eminently gratifying to see a prominent political scientist factor works of the literary imagination into his riveting account of contemporary Europe’s intricate negotiation of its multi-layered, old/new identity. As it panoramically canvasses the sea changes overtaking the continent, this timely book bridges not only disparate scholarly fields and academic disciplines but also different research methodologies, evaluative criteria, conflicting narratives, and alternative strategies of identity formation. -- Muhammad Siddiq, University of California, BerkeleyHow do Europeans see each other and those immigrants who have come from other parts of the world? And how do persistent negative images affect the project of European integration? Digging deeply into a broad repertoire of academic writing, political discourse, survey data, and contemporary novels, Ray Taras does a very good job in gathering and presenting the evidence. What he finds is sobering for Europhiles as well as Eurosceptics. -- Rainer Bauböck, European University InstituteTaras presents a wide-ranging and engaging analysis of the condition of contemporary Europe. Using a combination of historical, cultural, and political approaches, he deals with its institutions and policies, its hopes and uncertainties. He explores the differences between Atlanticist and post-Communist Europe and the role of the European Union in bridging them; the tensions between traditional and globalizing Europe; and the challenges of immigration, integration, and socioeconomic change to national identities. -- William Safran, University of Colorado, BoulderTable of ContentsIntroduction: Old Europe and New Chapter 1: Europe's Institutions and Millennial Expansion Chapter 2: Quarreling Over Institutions in an Enlarging EU Chapter 3: Metacultural Presumptions of European Elites Chapter 4: The Politics of Phobias Chapter 5: European Publics and their Phobias Chapter 6: Ethnic Hierarchies Chapter 7: Narrations of Home Across Borders Chapter 8: Narrating Europe's Phobias Conclusion

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Book SynopsisFor an additional chapter on health and human security: Click Here.For suggested resources for each chapter in the book: Click Here.For additional resources on ecological and social issues: Click Here.For additional resources on indigenous peoples: Click Here.Comprehensive and interdisciplinary, this thoroughly updated and revised second edition is an engaging critical analysis of the major political, economic, social, and ecological conditions in Latin America and the Caribbean. Genuinely regional in scope, this textbook examines the hemispheric and global context of these conditions as well as the relations among Latin American and Caribbean states and their relations with the United States. Expert contributors describe and analyze the economies and trading relations, politics and state policies, social inequalities and social injustices, indigenous communities, gender relations, influence of religion, wide array of social movements, and social ecology of the societies in this importTrade ReviewRecommended. * CHOICE *The essays written by a host of recognized professionals in Latin America studies focus on rural transformation, underdevelopment, economic restructuring, Pan-American perspectives on governing, economic, and social systems, gender, identity, theology, ecology, globalization and regionalism, and other subjects. Their analysis of such subjects goes beyond causes and consequences. In many ways, their conclusions border on a prophetic view of Latin American's future. This book, while structured for classroom use, is recommended to readers interested in the subject. * Colonial Latin American Historical Review *Together, all the eleven chapters in this book provide a general comparative framework for a deep analysis of Latin America and the Caribbean, demonstrating that Marxism still stands as a comprehensive and prosperous field for the development of a critical science, in particular if it is based on the integrative concepts of capital, power, and inequality. The multidimensional researches of the historical context and the contemporary structures of capital, power and inequality address an interdisciplinary texture of economic, political, and social changes in Latin America and the Caribbean that converts this must-read book into a valuable source for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for a broader public concerned with this region. * European Review of Latin American and Caribbean Studies *The editors of this collection have brought together leading critical scholars with a wealth of experience behind them to provide an up-to-date survey of the main economic, political, and social aspects of contemporary Latin America. Recommended. -- Ronaldo Munck, Dublin City UniversityProvocative analyses that invert current orthodoxies. Reshapes how we think about social movements, rural societies, working class struggles, and indigenous peoples. -- Elizabeth Dore, University of SouthamptonThe first edition of Capital, Power, and Inequality in Latin America was prophetic, and this revision is even more important, especially in light of the pace and space of globalization. In the spirit of Andre Gunder Frank, it examines Latin America and globalization: the diverse alliances of women's organizations and the growth of new social movements, political parties, indigenous movements, and environmentalist groups. While it is clearly written and appropriate for undergraduates, its analytical focus will appeal to all scholars. -- Pat Lauderdale, Arizona State UniversityTable of ContentsChapter 1: Capital, Power, and Inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean Chapter 2: Rural Transformation: Unequal Development and Persistent Poverty Chapter 3: Dependency, Underdevelopment, and Neoliberalism Chapter 4: Economic Restructuring, Neoliberalism, and the Working Class Chapter 5: Insecurity, Development, and Democracy: A Pan-American Perspective Chapter 6: The New Social Movements in Latin America and the Caribbean Chapter 7: Women in the Social, Political, and Economic Transformation of Latin America and the Caribbean Chapter 8: Indigenous Peoples: Changing Identities and Forms of Resistance Chapter 9: Liberation Theology, Christian Base Communities, and Solidarity Movements: A Historical Reflection Chapter 10: Ecological Crisis, Sustainable Development, and Capitalism Chapter 11: Globalization and Regionalization in the Americas

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Book SynopsisFor an additional chapter on health and human security: Click Here.For suggested resources for each chapter in the book: Click Here.For additional resources on ecological and social issues: Click Here.For additional resources on indigenous peoples: Click Here.Comprehensive and interdisciplinary, this thoroughly updated and revised second edition is an engaging critical analysis of the major political, economic, social, and ecological conditions in Latin America and the Caribbean. Genuinely regional in scope, this textbook examines the hemispheric and global context of these conditions as well as the relations among Latin American and Caribbean states and their relations with the United States. Expert contributors describe and analyze the economies and trading relations, politics and state policies, social inequalities and social injustices, indigenous communities, gender relations, influence of religion, wide array of social movements, and social ecology of the societies in this importTrade ReviewRecommended. * CHOICE *The essays written by a host of recognized professionals in Latin America studies focus on rural transformation, underdevelopment, economic restructuring, Pan-American perspectives on governing, economic, and social systems, gender, identity, theology, ecology, globalization and regionalism, and other subjects. Their analysis of such subjects goes beyond causes and consequences. In many ways, their conclusions border on a prophetic view of Latin American's future. This book, while structured for classroom use, is recommended to readers interested in the subject. * Colonial Latin American Historical Review *Together, all the eleven chapters in this book provide a general comparative framework for a deep analysis of Latin America and the Caribbean, demonstrating that Marxism still stands as a comprehensive and prosperous field for the development of a critical science, in particular if it is based on the integrative concepts of capital, power, and inequality. The multidimensional researches of the historical context and the contemporary structures of capital, power and inequality address an interdisciplinary texture of economic, political, and social changes in Latin America and the Caribbean that converts this must-read book into a valuable source for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for a broader public concerned with this region. * European Review of Latin American and Caribbean Studies *The editors of this collection have brought together leading critical scholars with a wealth of experience behind them to provide an up-to-date survey of the main economic, political, and social aspects of contemporary Latin America. Recommended. -- Ronaldo Munck, Dublin City UniversityProvocative analyses that invert current orthodoxies. Reshapes how we think about social movements, rural societies, working class struggles, and indigenous peoples. -- Elizabeth Dore, University of SouthamptonThe first edition of Capital, Power, and Inequality in Latin America was prophetic, and this revision is even more important, especially in light of the pace and space of globalization. In the spirit of Andre Gunder Frank, it examines Latin America and globalization: the diverse alliances of women's organizations and the growth of new social movements, political parties, indigenous movements, and environmentalist groups. While it is clearly written and appropriate for undergraduates, its analytical focus will appeal to all scholars. -- Pat Lauderdale, Arizona State UniversityTable of ContentsChapter 1: Capital, Power, and Inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean Chapter 2: Rural Transformation: Unequal Development and Persistent Poverty Chapter 3: Dependency, Underdevelopment, and Neoliberalism Chapter 4: Economic Restructuring, Neoliberalism, and the Working Class Chapter 5: Insecurity, Development, and Democracy: A Pan-American Perspective Chapter 6: The New Social Movements in Latin America and the Caribbean Chapter 7: Women in the Social, Political, and Economic Transformation of Latin America and the Caribbean Chapter 8: Indigenous Peoples: Changing Identities and Forms of Resistance Chapter 9: Liberation Theology, Christian Base Communities, and Solidarity Movements: A Historical Reflection Chapter 10: Ecological Crisis, Sustainable Development, and Capitalism Chapter 11: Globalization and Regionalization in the Americas

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Book SynopsisPresents a study of the unfinished nation-building in Belarus. This work draws on the author's two dozen research trips to the country to trace Belarus' history, geography, political situation, society, and economy. It provides the reader a deeper understanding of Belarus, its relationship with Russia, and its national identity.Trade ReviewThe scholarly component in this volume is impressively high, making it perhaps the best study in English of a little-known and under-researched country. . . . [Ioffe] bears an immense knowledge of things Belarusian . . . [and] he sheds much needed light on the polity, economy, and society actually obtaining in [Belarus]. * Eurasian Geography and Economics *An important and timely book, articulating topical and emerging issues in Belarusian studies. . . . [Ioffe] takes a critical look at the established views on such issues as Belarusian identity, language use (Belarusian versus Russian), relations with Russia (unification versus independence), Aliaksandar Lukashenka as a political figure (the reasons behind his genuine popularity among his people and his rejection by the west, despite the west’s acceptance of some much less democratic Central Asian leaders), the growth of the Belarusian economy . . . and, finally, the projections for the opposition. . . . [A] carefully researched and significant book that tries 'to understand Belarus on its own terms.’ * Slavic Review *Effortlessly captivates a much broader audience and essentially calls 'well-known truths’ about the country into question. Understanding Belarus is a book about challenging facts, challenging qualifications and polemic conclusions, a book that touches one personally. . . . It craftily weaves together Belarus’ complicated domestics with its foreign relations, in addition to critically assessing the logic of international society. . . . Ioffe successfully manages to turn Belarus’ regime 'inside-out’ to expose its sui generis logic of survival that responds to the often inflexible politics of great powers. * Nationalities Papers *Grigory Ioffe's thorough and extremely insightful study . . . provides a balanced, well-structured and information introduction to the nature of nation-building and the political regime in contemporary Belarus. * Europe-Asia Studies *Grigory Ioffe’s Understanding Belarus and How Western Foreign Policy Misses the Mark is a profound, learned book that will force the reader to question the conventional dogmas about the meaning of democracy in post-Soviet space. Lucidly written, carefully researched, and extraordinarily insightful about the unique dynamics of emerging Belarusian nationalism, this book is a must-read for any scholar of Belarus or post-Soviet countries. -- Ilya Prizel, University of PittsburghGrigory Ioffe set as his goal to create a 'less ideological and more open approach' to an understanding of the history, politics, social system, and economy of Belarus. He has succeeded in producing a persuasive alternative to the well-known earlier interpretations by Jan Zaprudnik and David Marples. Ioffe’s main focus is on the search for Belarusian identity and an explanation of its peculiar relationship to Russia both historically and contemporaneously. Belarus remains for most of us dimly illuminated and something of an enigma. Good policy toward Belarus needs to be founded on a solid understanding, which Grigory Ioffe has provided in this very useful volume. -- James R. Millar, The George Washington UniversityGrigory Ioffe is perhaps our most insightful analyst of contemporary Belarus, and this is a distinguished study that brings together the insights of first-hand experience and the wider concerns of social science. In particular, this is a study that allows him to explore at length the complex nature of the identity of a small European nation that has historically been torn between East and West. All who are interested in the future of European politics as well as the development of the former Soviet republics will want to read this rich and provocative analysis. -- Stephen White, University of GlasgowTable of ContentsChapter 1: Questions of Language Chapter 2: A Search for Identity Chapter 3: Culture Wars, Soul Searching, and Belarusian Identity Chapter 4: Belarusian Economy Chapter 5: Belarusian Political Landscape Chapter 6: Alexander Lukashenka and His Detractors Chapter 7: Opinion Polls and Presidential Elections in Belarus Conclusion

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Book SynopsisBased on an analytical evaluation of both the weaknesses and strengths of the Italian political system, this book describes Italy's contribution to European Union policy-making across a range of policies. It presents a nuanced picture of Italy's role in the EU and a study of the EU as it has been transformed by subsequent waves of enlargement.Trade ReviewA fine collection of scholarship, well grounded in empirical reality. It clarifies important questions about Italian public policy and adds to our understanding of European integration without getting lost in its more sterile theoretical corners. -- David Hine, Oxford UniversityThis edited collection by Fabbrini and Piattoni provides us with an excellent contribution to the comparative politics and European studies literature. Focusing on the neglected role of Italy in Europeanization, and illustrated by case studies in areas of political economy, diplomacy and security, and social welfare, the authors assess arguments about state influence and preferences in shaping European governance. At the same time, by highlighting the heterogeneity of Italian influence in shaping European policymaking, and by illustrating how much Italian influence is constrained by larger institutional and political factors, the book provides key insights into the offensive and defensive solutions that Italy has used to shape market rules, promote valued national ideas, and foster public support for the European project. -- Michelle Egan, American UniversityItaly in the European Union, coedited by Sergio Fabbrini and Simona Piattoni, is an important book and is especially noteworthy in two ways. First, the editors and authors consistently dispel the myth that Italy "punches under its weight" in the EU. Indeed, they convincingly attack the twin metaphors of "giant" versus "pygmy" as metaphorically misleading and lacking in analytical leverage. Second, their task is not so much to show that Italy is a major player as it is to shift the terms of debate to ask about the conditions under which specific actors (national, supranational, transnational) exert influence. This shift of focus implies that influence is not always or even usually best understood at the level of the member state. The editors and contributors move the discussion forward by elaborating several levels of analysis (not the conventional Waltzian ones) and substituting the pliable concept of policy preference for the blunt notion of an undifferentiated national interest. They are able to show that certain Italian policy actors, working within well-specified institutional contexts, are able to exert influence (or not) in accordance with theoretically predictable characteristics of these sectors, their institutional contexts, and the strategies and cognitive repertoires of the actors. This is an important book, for both its empirical and theoretical contributions. -- James A. Caporaso, University of WashingtonTable of ContentsIntroduction: Italy in the EU Chapter 1: Italy and Agricultural Policy Chapter 2: Italy and Regional Policy Chapter 3: Italy and Regulatory Policy Chapter 4: Italy and Food Safety Policy Chapter 5: Italy and Equality Policy Chapter 6: Italy and Macroeconomic Policy Chapter 7: Italy and Social Policy Chapter 8: Italy and Defense and Security Policy Chapter 9: Italy and Foreign Aid Policy Chapter 10: Italy and the Strategy of Political Appointment Chapter 11: Italy and Constitutional Policy Conclusion: A Post-National Interest Paradigm?

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Book SynopsisBased on an analytical evaluation of both the weaknesses and strengths of the Italian political system, Italy in the European Union is the first book to offer a detailed and comprehensive description of Italy''s contribution to European Union policy-making. The contributors to this volume systematically explore the role played by Italian institutional and noninstitutional actors in several decision-making processes. They show how Italian institutional actors define and promote national policy preferences that are compatible with those of the other European member states. However, the book functions on two levels: it is both a nuanced picture of Italy''s role in the EU and a study of the EU as it has been transformed by subsequent waves of enlargement. In a compound polity of twenty-seven member states the formation of stable hegemonic coalitions is implausiblethe concept of national interest, which still informs much of the literature on the EU, is logically and empirically unusable in many EU policy realms. Combining empirical investigation and theoretical analysis, this book is indispensable for scholars, students, and practitioners who study or observe Italian politics. It is also necessary for those who want to understand the transformation of European politics and the European Union''s increasing development as a compound polity.Contributions by: Marco Brunazzo, Maurizio Carbone, Sabrina Cavatorto, Vincent Della Sala, Alessia Donà, Sergio Fabbrini, Paolo Foradori, Giorgio Giraudi, Renata Lizzi, Simona Piattoni, Paolo Rosa, Stefano Sacchi, Alberta M. Sbragia, Daniela Sicurelli, and Luca VerzichelliTrade ReviewA fine collection of scholarship, well grounded in empirical reality. It clarifies important questions about Italian public policy and adds to our understanding of European integration without getting lost in its more sterile theoretical corners. -- David Hine, Oxford UniversityThis edited collection by Fabbrini and Piattoni provides us with an excellent contribution to the comparative politics and European studies literature. Focusing on the neglected role of Italy in Europeanization, and illustrated by case studies in areas of political economy, diplomacy and security, and social welfare, the authors assess arguments about state influence and preferences in shaping European governance. At the same time, by highlighting the heterogeneity of Italian influence in shaping European policymaking, and by illustrating how much Italian influence is constrained by larger institutional and political factors, the book provides key insights into the offensive and defensive solutions that Italy has used to shape market rules, promote valued national ideas, and foster public support for the European project. -- Michelle Egan, American UniversityItaly in the European Union, coedited by Sergio Fabbrini and Simona Piattoni, is an important book and is especially noteworthy in two ways. First, the editors and authors consistently dispel the myth that Italy "punches under its weight" in the EU. Indeed, they convincingly attack the twin metaphors of "giant" versus "pygmy" as metaphorically misleading and lacking in analytical leverage. Second, their task is not so much to show that Italy is a major player as it is to shift the terms of debate to ask about the conditions under which specific actors (national, supranational, transnational) exert influence. This shift of focus implies that influence is not always or even usually best understood at the level of the member state. The editors and contributors move the discussion forward by elaborating several levels of analysis (not the conventional Waltzian ones) and substituting the pliable concept of policy preference for the blunt notion of an undifferentiated national interest. They are able to show that certain Italian policy actors, working within well-specified institutional contexts, are able to exert influence (or not) in accordance with theoretically predictable characteristics of these sectors, their institutional contexts, and the strategies and cognitive repertoires of the actors. This is an important book, for both its empirical and theoretical contributions. -- James A. Caporaso, University of WashingtonTable of ContentsIntroduction: Italy in the EU Chapter 1: Italy and Agricultural Policy Chapter 2: Italy and Regional Policy Chapter 3: Italy and Regulatory Policy Chapter 4: Italy and Food Safety Policy Chapter 5: Italy and Equality Policy Chapter 6: Italy and Macroeconomic Policy Chapter 7: Italy and Social Policy Chapter 8: Italy and Defense and Security Policy Chapter 9: Italy and Foreign Aid Policy Chapter 10: Italy and the Strategy of Political Appointment Chapter 11: Italy and Constitutional Policy Conclusion: A Post-National Interest Paradigm?

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis volume provides a valuable focus on intraleft dynamics—the ever-shifting relations between party leaders and their allies in civil society. As a whole, the essays provide informed and in-depth analysis of such dynamics. . . .Overall, the book’s focus, critical stance, and extensive coverage make it a good candidate for classroom adoption. For instructors seeking to make contemporary Latin American politics come to life, the ground-level perspective of these essays provides a good start. * Latin American Politics and Society *This is a densely argued text demonstrating high-quality research. . . . Many of the contributors provide valuable historical backgrounds, making it a highly useful teaching aid. * Bulletin of Latin American Research *The resurgence of the Left in Latin America has shifted the entire political landscape in the hemisphere and, indeed, worldwide. The new Latin American Left has challenged the neoliberal order and placed socialism back on the agenda. In the process, it has raised fundamental questions over political struggle and social change in this age of global capitalism. Webber and Carr have assembled an expert interdisciplinary team on the theory and practice of the twenty-first-century Latin American Left. The contributions take up a variety of theoretical issues, ranging from political strategy to neoliberal class formation and the prospects of revolution, as well as cutting-edge case studies, among them the burgeoning social movements of the indigenous, the landless, workers and the poor, to Argentina's experience, the Mexican Left, and Venezuela's experiment in twenty-first-century socialism. This volume is must reading for all those who wish to understand the political thunder emanating from Latin America and the insights it offers for transformative possibilities around the world in this new century. -- William I. Robinson, University of California, Santa Barbara; author of Latin America and Global CapitalismThis important book systematically and thoroughly addresses the question of just how left are the leftist governments that have come to power in Latin America at the outset of the twenty-first century. Individual chapters offer different assessments. The chapters on Venezuela and Nicaragua recognize significant breakthroughs even while the governments of both nations face considerable problems, some of their own making. At the other extreme, Chile and Argentina are characterized as 'the authorized Left' in that they fail to break in any significant way with the established structures and are therefore accepted by Washington policymakers as legitimate. The conclusions challenge the simplistic thesis of the 'good Left' (e.g., Lula) and the 'bad Left' (e.g., Chávez). Extending the debate regarding the twenty-first-century Left to new territory, this groundbreaking collection thus represents a welcome contribution to the study of contemporary Latin American politics. -- Steve Ellner, author of Rethinking Venezuelan Politics: Class, Conflict, and the Chávez PhenomenonTable of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction: The Latin American Left in Theory and Practice Jeffery R. Webber and Barry Carr Part I: Theoretical Issues Chapter 2: Socialist Strategies in Latin America Claudio Katz Chapter 3: The Latin American Left in the Face of the New Imperialism Henry Veltmeyer Chapter 4: Neoliberal Class Formation(s): The Informal Proletariat and “New” Workers’ Organizations in Latin America Susan Spronk Chapter 5: Revolution in Times of Neoliberal Hegemony: The Political Strategy of the MST in Brazil and the EZLN in Mexico Leandro Vergara-Camus Chapter 6: Barrio Women and Popular Politics in Chávez’s Venezuela Sujatha Fernandes Part II: Case Studies of the New Latin American Left Chapter 7: From Left-Indigenous Insurrection to Reconstituted Neoliberalism in Bolivia: Political Economy, Indigenous Liberation, and Class Struggle, 2000–2011 Jeffery R. Webber Chapter 8: Venezuela: An Electoral Road to Twenty-First-Century Socialism? Gregory Wilpert Chapter 9: Ecuador: Indigenous Struggles and the Ambiguities of Electoral Power Marc Becker Chapter 10: Crisis and Recomposition in Argentina Emilia Castorina Chapter 11: Trade Unions, Social Conflict, and the Political Left in Present-Day Brazil: Between Breach and Compromise Ricardo Antunes Chapter 12: Neoliberal Authoritarianism, the “Democratic Transition,” and the Mexican Left Richard Roman and Edur Velasco Arregui Chapter 13: The Chilean Left after 1990: An Izquierda Permitida Championing Transnational Capital, A Historical Left Ensnared in the Past, and a New Radical Left in Gestation Fernando Leiva Chapter 14: From Guerrillas to Government: The Continued Relevance of the Central American Left Héctor Perla Jr., Marco Mojica, and Jared Bibler Chapter 15: The Overthrow of a Moderate and the Birth of a Radicalizing Resistance: The Coup against Manuel Zelaya and the History of Imperialism and Popular Struggle in Honduras Todd Gordon and Jeffery R. Webber

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis volume provides a valuable focus on intraleft dynamics—the ever-shifting relations between party leaders and their allies in civil society. As a whole, the essays provide informed and in-depth analysis of such dynamics. . . .Overall, the book’s focus, critical stance, and extensive coverage make it a good candidate for classroom adoption. For instructors seeking to make contemporary Latin American politics come to life, the ground-level perspective of these essays provides a good start. * Latin American Politics and Society *This is a densely argued text demonstrating high-quality research. . . . Many of the contributors provide valuable historical backgrounds, making it a highly useful teaching aid. * Bulletin of Latin American Research *The resurgence of the Left in Latin America has shifted the entire political landscape in the hemisphere and, indeed, worldwide. The new Latin American Left has challenged the neoliberal order and placed socialism back on the agenda. In the process, it has raised fundamental questions over political struggle and social change in this age of global capitalism. Webber and Carr have assembled an expert interdisciplinary team on the theory and practice of the twenty-first-century Latin American Left. The contributions take up a variety of theoretical issues, ranging from political strategy to neoliberal class formation and the prospects of revolution, as well as cutting-edge case studies, among them the burgeoning social movements of the indigenous, the landless, workers and the poor, to Argentina's experience, the Mexican Left, and Venezuela's experiment in twenty-first-century socialism. This volume is must reading for all those who wish to understand the political thunder emanating from Latin America and the insights it offers for transformative possibilities around the world in this new century. -- William I. Robinson, University of California, Santa Barbara; author of Latin America and Global CapitalismThis important book systematically and thoroughly addresses the question of just how left are the leftist governments that have come to power in Latin America at the outset of the twenty-first century. Individual chapters offer different assessments. The chapters on Venezuela and Nicaragua recognize significant breakthroughs even while the governments of both nations face considerable problems, some of their own making. At the other extreme, Chile and Argentina are characterized as 'the authorized Left' in that they fail to break in any significant way with the established structures and are therefore accepted by Washington policymakers as legitimate. The conclusions challenge the simplistic thesis of the 'good Left' (e.g., Lula) and the 'bad Left' (e.g., Chávez). Extending the debate regarding the twenty-first-century Left to new territory, this groundbreaking collection thus represents a welcome contribution to the study of contemporary Latin American politics. -- Steve Ellner, author of Rethinking Venezuelan Politics: Class, Conflict, and the Chávez PhenomenonTable of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction: The Latin American Left in Theory and Practice Jeffery R. Webber and Barry Carr Part I: Theoretical Issues Chapter 2: Socialist Strategies in Latin America Claudio Katz Chapter 3: The Latin American Left in the Face of the New Imperialism Henry Veltmeyer Chapter 4: Neoliberal Class Formation(s): The Informal Proletariat and “New” Workers’ Organizations in Latin America Susan Spronk Chapter 5: Revolution in Times of Neoliberal Hegemony: The Political Strategy of the MST in Brazil and the EZLN in Mexico Leandro Vergara-Camus Chapter 6: Barrio Women and Popular Politics in Chávez’s Venezuela Sujatha Fernandes Part II: Case Studies of the New Latin American Left Chapter 7: From Left-Indigenous Insurrection to Reconstituted Neoliberalism in Bolivia: Political Economy, Indigenous Liberation, and Class Struggle, 2000–2011 Jeffery R. Webber Chapter 8: Venezuela: An Electoral Road to Twenty-First-Century Socialism? Gregory Wilpert Chapter 9: Ecuador: Indigenous Struggles and the Ambiguities of Electoral Power Marc Becker Chapter 10: Crisis and Recomposition in Argentina Emilia Castorina Chapter 11: Trade Unions, Social Conflict, and the Political Left in Present-Day Brazil: Between Breach and Compromise Ricardo Antunes Chapter 12: Neoliberal Authoritarianism, the “Democratic Transition,” and the Mexican Left Richard Roman and Edur Velasco Arregui Chapter 13: The Chilean Left after 1990: An Izquierda Permitida Championing Transnational Capital, A Historical Left Ensnared in the Past, and a New Radical Left in Gestation Fernando Leiva Chapter 14: From Guerrillas to Government: The Continued Relevance of the Central American Left Héctor Perla Jr., Marco Mojica, and Jared Bibler Chapter 15: The Overthrow of a Moderate and the Birth of a Radicalizing Resistance: The Coup against Manuel Zelaya and the History of Imperialism and Popular Struggle in Honduras Todd Gordon and Jeffery R. Webber

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Book SynopsisFrom the evangelical South to Catholic New England to the ''unchurched'' Pacific Northwest, regional religious differences have a dramatic impact on public life not only in the regions themselves but also in the United States as a whole. As the interplay between religion and politics continues to dominate public discussion, understanding regional similarities and differences is key to understanding the debate around such national issues as health care, immigration, and the environment. For the first time, One Nation, Divisible shows how geographical religious diversity has shaped public culture in eight distinctive regions of the country and how regional differences influence national politics. Examining each region in turn, Mark Silk and Andrew Walsh provide historical context, stories that reveal the current cultural dynamics, and analyses of current politics to create rounded portraits of each region. They then present a compelling new account of the evolution of national religious politics since World War II. In doing so, they suggest that the regional religious forces that have fueled recent culture wars may be giving way to a less confrontational style rooted in different regional realities.Trade ReviewFor the past several years, Mark Silk and Andrew Walsh have presided over an ambitious, richly textured study of religion and regional variations in the United States. Their findings, which are nicely distilled in this summary volume, point out the importance of geography and regional cultures in decoding both the nation's religious life and its political behavior. I commend this book to anyone seeking to understand the complex mosaic of religious life in America. -- Randall Balmer, Columbia UniversityThis book not only confirms what we already suspect, but goes much further in detailing regional religious differences and how they influence American politics. For general readers, the message is clear: Beware broad generalizations about religion and politics in the United States. For politicians, preachers, and pundits seeking to mobilize the populace one way or another, the message is crucial: Overlook regional views of religion and of its relation to politics at your peril. -- Wade Clark Roof, University of California, Santa BarbaraWith the clarity of its analyses and its demonstration of how important the nation's diverse religious regions are—for social mores, for politics, for religion itself—One Nation, Divisible is a splendid and much-welcomed study. -- Mark Noll, University of Notre DameThe authors create a most compelling mosaic of this phenomenon through their use of history and personal stories. Excellent notes, bibliography, index. Recommended. * CHOICE *Includes a fascinating final chapter that revisits American history through the prism of regional religious affiliation. This scholarly work will appeal mostly to historians and political scientists, but it will also inform citizens and officials who want to gain insight into the often ignored role of religion in American society. * Foreword Reviews *One Nation, Divisible is a masterful account of the potent nexus of religion and region in the United States. Silk and Walsh offer an insightful retelling of the American national story through the lenses of piety and place. -- John C. Green, University of AkronIt doesn't happen very often but on occasion books surprise and even delight you for their perspicuity, and the persuasive nature of their argument. Mark Silk and Andrew Walsh's One Nation, Divisible: How Regional Religious Differences Shape American Politics does just that. Regional differences in religion and politics matter in America, but showing it and doing it with data, interpretation and occasional pithiness is welcome. I found Silk and Walsh's analysis fresh, unique, and determinative for the case that they make: regional differences matter, both in terms of religious majorities in each region and the unique regional and cultural ecologies. * Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion *Mark Silk and Andrew Walsh's excellent One Nation, Divisible presents a valuable corrective should any of us forget the reality and importance of regionalism in American religion or regionalism's consequences for religion and politics and politicians. The authors' regionalist perspective is fascinating, and it is a pleasure to read how fully and skillfully these articulate authors develop this theme in their book. -- Robert Booth Fowler, University of Wisconsin, Madison * Politics and Religion *Table of ContentsChapter 1: Preface Chapter 2: Religion by Region Chapter 3: The Middle Atlantic: Fount of Diversity Chapter 4: New England: Steady Habits, Changing Slowly Chapter 5: The South: In the Evangelical Mode Chapter 6: The Southern Crossroads: Showdown States Chapter 7: The Pacific: Fluid Identities Chapter 8: The Pacific Northwest: The "None" Zone Chapter 9: The Mountain West: Sacred Landscapes in Tension Chapter 10: The Midwest: The Common Denominator? Chapter 11: Retelling the National Story

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Book SynopsisFrom the evangelical South to Catholic New England to the 'unchurched' Pacific Northwest, regional religious differences have a dramatic impact on public life not only in the regions themselves but also in the United States as a whole. As the interplay between religion and politics continues to dominate public discussion, understanding regional similarities and differences is key to understanding the debate around such national issues as health care, immigration, and the environment. For the first time, One Nation, Divisible shows how geographical religious diversity has shaped public culture in eight distinctive regions of the country and how regional differences influence national politics. Examining each region in turn, Mark Silk and Andrew Walsh provide historical context, stories that reveal the current cultural dynamics, and analyses of current politics to create rounded portraits of each region. They then present a compelling new account of the evolution of national religious politics since World War II. In doing so, they suggest that the regional religious forces that have fueled recent culture wars may be giving way to a less confrontational style rooted in different regional realities. The paperback edition features new material on regional religious differences in the 2008 election, the 2010 mid-terms, and during Barack Obama's presidency.Trade ReviewFor the past several years, Mark Silk and Andrew Walsh have presided over an ambitious, richly textured study of religion and regional variations in the United States. Their findings, which are nicely distilled in this summary volume, point out the importance of geography and regional cultures in decoding both the nation's religious life and its political behavior. I commend this book to anyone seeking to understand the complex mosaic of religious life in America. -- Randall Balmer, Columbia UniversityThis book not only confirms what we already suspect, but goes much further in detailing regional religious differences and how they influence American politics. For general readers, the message is clear: Beware broad generalizations about religion and politics in the United States. For politicians, preachers, and pundits seeking to mobilize the populace one way or another, the message is crucial: Overlook regional views of religion and of its relation to politics at your peril. -- Wade Clark Roof, University of California, Santa BarbaraWith the clarity of its analyses and its demonstration of how important the nation's diverse religious regions are—for social mores, for politics, for religion itself—One Nation, Divisible is a splendid and much-welcomed study. -- Mark Noll, University of Notre DameThe authors create a most compelling mosaic of this phenomenon through their use of history and personal stories. Excellent notes, bibliography, index. Recommended. * CHOICE, January 2009 *Includes a fascinating final chapter that revisits American history through the prism of regional religious affiliation. This scholarly work will appeal mostly to historians and political scientists, but it will also inform citizens and officials who want to gain insight into the often ignored role of religion in American society. * Foreword Reviews, November 2008 *One Nation, Divisible is a masterful account of the potent nexus of religion and region in the United States. Silk and Walsh offer an insightful retelling of the American national story through the lenses of piety and place. -- John C. Green, University of AkronIt doesn't happen very often but on occasion books surprise and even delight you for their perspicuity, and the persuasive nature of their argument. Mark Silk and Andrew Walsh's One Nation, Divisible: How Regional Religious Differences Shape American Politics does just that. Regional differences in religion and politics matter in America, but showing it and doing it with data, interpretation and occasional pithiness is welcome. I found Silk and Walsh's analysis fresh, unique, and determinative for the case that they make: regional differences matter, both in terms of religious majorities in each region and the unique regional and cultural ecologies. * Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion *Mark Silk and Andrew Walsh's excellent One Nation, Divisible presents a valuable corrective should any of us forget the reality and importance of regionalism in American religion or regionalism's consequences for religion and politics and politicians. The authors' regionalist perspective is fascinating, and it is a pleasure to read how fully and skillfully these articulate authors develop this theme in their book. -- Robert Booth Fowler, University of Wisconsin, Madison * Politics and Religion *Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Religion by Region Chapter 3 The Middle Atlantic: Fount of Diversity Chapter 4 New England: Steady Habits, Changing Slowly Chapter 5 The South: In the Evangelical Mode Chapter 6 The Southern Crossroads: Showdown States Chapter 7 The Pacific: Fluid Identities Chapter 8 The Pacific Northwest: The "None" Zone Chapter 9 The Mountain West: Sacred Landscapes in Tension Chapter 10 The Midwest: The Common Denominator? Chapter 11 Retelling the National Story

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsPart 2 Introduction Part 3 Country Reports Part 4 Related and Disputed Territory Reports Part 5 Survey Methodology Part 6 Tables and Ratings Chapter 7 Table of Independent Countries Chapter 8 Table of Disputed Territories Chapter 9 Table of Related Territories Chapter 10 Combined Average Ratings: Independent Countries Chapter 11 Combined Average Ratings: Related and Disputed Territories Chapter 12 Table of Electoral Democracies Part 13 The Survey Team Part 14 Selected Sources Part 15 Freedom House Board of Trustees Part 16 About Freedom House

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewCurrently, the EU is confronted with dramatic financial challenges testing the endurance of its foundations. While some may question the prospects of a stable EU and even foresee disintegration, the logic underpinning its regional integration endures. Ginsberg offers a comprehensive overview of the EU along with a wealth of informative charts and tables as well as thought-provoking study questions that ultimately underscore the enduring logic of regional integration in this easily accessible, detailed-oriented second edition of a textbook designed for students taking courses on European integration. Bound by shared geography, history, religions, economy, and civilization, the EU is not an accident of history but a history of dialectical unity and disunity. Accordingly, the comprehensive overview begins with a historical perspective of the EU that spans 2,000 years and then turns to the political thought and political theory associated with European integration. In addition to examining the legal and economic foundations of the EU, the volume, from a policy-making perspective, continues with a detailed explanation of the decision-making processes and the relevant political institutions and concludes with a discussion and assessment of policy outcomes. Recommended. * CHOICE *Table of ContentsIntroduction Part I: Foundations Chapter 1: Unity and Disunity Chapter 2: Theory and Practice of Modern European Integration Chapter 3: The Economic and Legal Foundations of the European Community Part II: The European Union in Practice Chapter 4: The Contexts and Actors of EU Governmental Decisionmaking Chapter 5: Inside EU Governmental Decisionmaking Chapter 6: The Outputs of EU Governmental Decisionmaking Chapter 7: European Union Foreign Policy Part III: Evaluating European Integration Chapter 8: The Internal Dimension of European Integration Chapter 9: The External Dimension of European Integration Chapter 10: Conclusions

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisHow media and government across the globe manipulate our understanding of ChinaTrade Review'Mobo Gao is one of the most creative and stimulating thinkers on contemporary Chinese issues today. This splendid book on fundamental questions about what China is maintains his ability to target key questions which might often be asked, but seldom treated in such elegantly provocative fashion' -- Kerry Brown, Professor of Chinese Studies and Director, Lau China Institute'Mobo Gao intervenes in the increasingly tense ideological exchange that has accompanied China's challenge to the global hegemony of the West. Intimately familiar with the intellectual terrain in both worlds, Gao offers unique insights, at once indignant and introspective' -- Joel Andreas, John Hopkins University, author of Rise of the Red Engineers: The Cultural Revolution and the Origins of China's New Class'A bold, revisionist account citing much historical evidence and presenting interpretations that challenge mainstream views of China ...Gao makes a provocative case that will spark vigourous debate about the country and its leaders' motives' -- Dorothy J. Solinger, Professor Emerita, University of California, Irvine'This book engages a fundamental question in politics and history concerning discursive power. It is forcefully argued and highly stimulating. The compelling case Mobo Gao makes deserves broad attention for its significance and urgency in debating the hegemonic ascendance of revisionist historiography' -- Lin Chun, author of China and Global Capitalism: Reflections on Marxism, History and Contemporary Politics (2013)Table of ContentsList of Abbreviations Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Scholarship, National Interest and Conceptual Paradigm 2. China, What China? 3. Chinese? Who are the Chinese? 4. Intellectual Poverty of the Chinese Neo-Enlightenment 5. The Coordinated Efforts in Constructing China 6. Why is the Cultural Revolution Cultural? 7. Why is the Cultural Revolution Revolutionary? The Legacies 8. Clashing Views of the Great Leap Forward 9. National Interest and Transnational Interest: The Political and Intellectual Elite in the West 10. Geopolitics and National Interest I: China’s Foreign Policy and Domestic Politics 11. Geopolitics and National Interest II: The South China Sea Disputes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThroughout human history, religion and politics have entertained the most intimate of connections as systems of authority regulating individuals and society. While the two have come apart through the process of secularization, secularism is challenged today by the return of public religion.Trade Review"In this impressive work, dealing with a theme of persistent (indeed, on some counts, increasing) public significance, the author follows up a sustained historical and conceptual discussion of the relations between political and religious power with a penetrating analysis of some of their major contemporary problematics. Throughout, the scholarly intensity of Joppke�s argument is matched by his capacity for clear, literate exposition, rendering the book a very valuable contribution to the literature on its topic." Gianfranco Poggi, University of Virginia "The Secular State Under Siege takes on large and controversial questions with Joppke�s characteristic verve and lucidity. Even those who disagree with parts of the argument will find the book engaging and illuminating." Rogers Brubaker, University of California, Los Angeles "Highly recommended." Choice "The Secular State Under Siege is a timely book that unpacks the relationship between religion and politics �from a historical and institutional perspective with a dual focus on Western Europe and Northern America, Christianity and Islam.� It makes an important contribution to the growing literature on the role of public religion in society and politics. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in the idea of secularism and the relationship between religion and state in Europe and the USA.NJMR "Joppke succeeds in presenting a densely packed, yet highly readable, scholarly introduction to two of the most important topics concerning religion and politics in the West today. This is no small accomplishment and he exhibits a remarkable facility with scholarly material in multiple fields as well as larger contexts on either side of the Atlantic." Reading ReligionTable of ContentsIntroduction: Religion as Structure and as Actor Chapter 1: Religion in Social and Political Theory Chapter 2: Secularization and the Long Christian Exit Chapter 3: Challenge to the Secular State (I): The Christian Right in America Chapter 4: Challenge to the Secular State (II): Islam in Europe Conclusion: Islam and Christianity in the Secular State Endnotes Bibliography

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Book SynopsisAfter the Referendum on whether Scotland should become an independent country in September 2014 - and following a momentous mobilisation of voters by both the Yes and No campaigns - Scotland''s political environment has been fundamentally energised. But how was the Referendum campaign reported and structured in the media in Scotland, the wider United Kingdom, and in other parts of the world, and was it a matter of ''construction'' rather than ''representation''?In this book scholars, commentators and journalists from Britain, Europe and beyond examine how the media across the world presented the debate itself and the shifting nature of Scottish - and British - identity which that debate revealed. Several of the contributors also explore how the emphases and constructions which were put on the debate in their particular countries illuminated these countries'' own responses to nationalism and separatism.The consequences of the Referendum''s No result are traced in the media through until the May general election of 2015.

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