Political leaders and leadership Books

Book SynopsisMany important right-wing political figures from the late nineteenth century and inter-war period have been overshadowed in history by Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler. 'In the Shadow of Hitler: Personalities of the Right in Central and Eastern Europe' reviews the careers of sixteen of the most important figures in right-wing politics in Central and Eastern Europe during this period. It includes politicians, ideologue sand 'men of action' in Germany and Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Croatia. Some of these were Nazi sympathisers or contributed to the making of Nazi ideology. Others rejected German National Socialism in favour of rival nationalist and right-wing ideologies and programmes, deliberately distancing themselves from Nazism. As th epower and ambition of the Third Reich grew in the1930s, so many of the personalities reviewed here were obliged to come to terms with the shadow cast over the region by Nazi Germany and to make their own political and other compromises. This volume includes chapters on the principal fascist and right-wing politicians in inter-war Central and Eastern Europe - among others, Codreanu and Antonescu in Romania, Gombos and Szalasi inHungary, Ljotic in Serbia, Dmowski in Poland, Henlein and Tiso in Czechoslovakia - while also analysing the intellectual contribution to the development of the right made by an earlier generation including D'Annunzio, Schonerer and Fritsch. All of these 'personalities of the right' are recognized as influential in the development and making of right-wing politics in their home countries and internationally. Nevertheless, in most historical writing on the history of the European right, they have been generally accorded a lesser place since the focus of interest is so often directed upon Nazi Germany and its leader. It is the purpose of this volume to bring the right-wing leadership of late nineteenth century and inter-war Central and Eastern Europe out from under the shadow cast by Adolf Hitler.Trade Review"This book offers characterizations of sixteen 'personalities of the Right' from eight nations in Central and Eastern Europe, operating mainly between the wars. It provides an abundance of information, together with interpretive comments which are frequently illuminating. The large number and variety of case studies, including analyses of little known but intriguing figures like the Ustasha death squad leader Jure Francetic and the Hungarian exponent of anti-feminist, Cecile Tormay, allow general themes to develop. One is the autonomy and particularity of right-wing movements in the region which were not calques of the more famous fascist movements elsewhere in Europe, though these helped shape a climate receptive to anti-democratic ideas. Another concerns gradations on the Right between fascists, conservative authoritarians and those who subsequently expressed elements of repentance, a pattern not unfamiliar in the literature but where the careful mapping of psychology, ideology and conjuncture here supplied offers fresh perspectives. Two further themes are the sheer level of violence in the lives of several of the book's subjects, and the way in which traditional religion could provide organizational support for the Right and lend often pious radicals models for nationalist manifestations, martyrology and death cults. While the personalities in this book did feel their societies to be under threat, they were not modernist intellectuals. The challenges to which they reacted aggressively came from the massive disruption and violence of two world wars and from geopolitical upheavals posing specific problems, and provoking nationalism as a response. This is a well-conceived volume full of interesting material." Robin Okey, Emeritus Professor of History, University of Warwick, UK This book offers students of European history between the wars and in the aftermath of the Second World War useful information on a mixed assortment of 'leaders' who were 'in the shadow' of Hitler. English Historical Review 'an impressive panorama of right-wing personalities from Eastern and Central Europe, which enriches the research on fascism.' SehepunkteTable of ContentsTable of contents: Chapter 1: Political Modernization and the Cultural Production of ‘Personalities of the Right’ in Interwar Europe Chapter 2: Gabriele D’Annunzio: From Aestheticism to Anarchy: The Poet as Politician Chapter 3: ‘From my point of view, I never ceased being a good Austrian!’ The Ideology and Career of Edmund Glaise-Horstenau Chapter 4: A Scandinavian Erratic amidst the Ruins of Empires. The Finnish Case Chapter 5: Ion Antonescu: the Paradoxes of his Regime: Romania Chapter 6: The Christian Social Roots of Jozef Tiso’s Radicalism Chapter 7: The Willing Bystanders: Dimitrije Ljoti?, ‘Shield Collaboration’ and the Destruction of Serbia’s Jews Chapter 8: Founding Father of Modern Poland or Nationalist Anti-Semite? Roman Dmowski Chapter 9: The Czechoslovak Sphinx: ‘Moderate and Reasonable Konrad Henlein’ Chapter 10: Corneliu Zelea Codreanu Chapter 11: Cécile Tormay: A Gentlewoman in the Graveyard of the Hunchbacks Chapter 12: ‘For Us, beloved Commander, You will never die!’ Mourning Jure Franceti?, Ustasha Death Squad Leader Chapter 13: Theodor Fritsch: The ‘Godfather’ of German Anti-Semitism Chapter 14: Ferenc Szálasi, ‘Hungarism’ and the Arrow Cross Chapter 15: ‘Leader’ or ‘Devil’? Milan Stojadinovi?, Prime Minister of Yugoslavia and his Ideology Chapter 16: Stepan Bandera: In Search of a Ukraine for the Ukrainians Chapter 17: Hitler’s Hero: Georg von Schönerer and the Origins of Nazism Chapter 18: Gyula Gömbös: An Outsider's Attempt at Radical Reform Conclusion

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Book SynopsisIn Martin McGuinness, The Man I Knew, Jude Collins offers the reader a range of perspectives on a man who helped shape Ireland's recent history. Those who knew Martin McGuinness during his life talk frankly about him, what he did and said, what sort of man he was. Eileen Paisley speaks of the influence she believes her husband, Ian, had on him; former Assistant Chief Constable Peter Sheridan recounts how the Derry IRA targeted him as a Catholic RUC policeman; peace talks chairman Senator George Mitchell comments on the role he played in talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement; and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams remembers the man who for so many years was his closest colleague. Other contributors include; Ulster Unionist MLA Michael McGimpsey, prominent Irish-American Niall O’Dowd, peace talks chairman Senator George Mitchell, 54th Comptroller of the State of New York Thomas P. Di Napoli and Presbyterian minister David Lattimer.

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Book SynopsisThe dramatic story of the last fifty years of the Speyer banking dynasty, a Jewish family of German descent, is surprisingly little known today, yet at the turn of the 20th century, Speyer was the third largest investment banking firm in the United States, behind only Morgan and Kuhn, Loeb. It had branches in London, Frankfurt and New York, and the projects it financed included the Southern Pacific Railroad, the London Underground and the infrastructure of the new Cuban republic. Later, it was the first major banking firm to finance Germany's Weimar Republic, as well as providing League of Nations loans to Hungary, Greece and Bulgaria. Yet, the firm was doomed by the nationalist passions aroused by World War I. Its English partner was denaturalised and exiled; its American partner enjoyed reduced standing because of his connection to Germany; and the Frankfurt branch closed with the coming of the Third Reich, its German partner fleeing into exile. The firm was dissolved in 1939, a surprisingly anticlimactic end to one of the great international banking companies of modern times. George W. Liebmann here tells the story of the firm and the family - shedding new light on the protagonists of a remarkable dynasty, who came undone in the dramatic years of the early 20th century.Table of ContentsIntroduction Early Days ENGLAND The London Tube / English Philanthropy / The House of Music / The Scott Expeditions / Leonora / Influence on the Liberal Party / Anti-Germanism and Its Consequences AMERICA Mediation Efforts / Ellin / U.S. Railway Promotions / Cuban Loans / Philippine Railroads / Mexican Railroads / Brazilian Loans / Industrial and Municipal Investments GERMANY Rehabilitating Central Europe / Last Days in Germany Epilogue: James Speyer Kronthal

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Book SynopsisNader Shah, ruler of Persia from 1736 to 1747, embodied ruthless ambition, energy, military brilliance, cynicism and cruelty. His reign was filled with bloodshed, betrayal and horror. Yet Nader Shah is central to Iran's early modern history. From a shepherd boy he rose to liberate his country from foreign occupation, and make himself Shah. He took eighteenth-century Iran from political collapse to become the dominant power in the region, recovering Herat and Kandahar, conquering Moghul Delhi, plundering the enormous treasures of India, repeatedly defeating Ottoman Turkey, and overrunning most of what is now Iraq.But suspicion and avarice led him to persecute the Persian people as savagely as any foreign conqueror had done. "The Sword of Persia" recreates the story of a remarkable, ruthless man, capable of both charm and brutality, who became a monster of insane cruelty. It is a rich narrative, full of dramatic incident, including much new research into original Iranian and other material, which will prove indispensable to historians and students.Trade Review"'The best biography of the year...a superb introduction to Iran itself...not just a beautifully-written compelling work but one that is also utterly relevant today.' Simon Sebag Montefiore 'a very successful [biography]. Michael Axworthy knows his Persia...and he writes well: this is an excellent story, very ably told.' David Morgan, Times Literary Supplement"Table of ContentsList of Maps and Illustrations vii Acknowledgments ix Note on Transliteration xi Preface xv Prologue Zenith 1 Chapter One The Fall of the Safavid Dynasty 17 Chapter Two Tahmasp Qoli Khan 57 Chapter Three War with the Afghans 75 Chapter Four War with the Ottomans 99 Chapter Five Coup d’État 117 Chapter Six Nader Shah 137 Chapter Seven To the Gates of Delhi 175 Chapter Eight The Ruin of Persia 211 Chapter Nine Towers of Skulls 243 Chapter Ten Full Circle 275 Notes 287 Select Bibliography 329 Index 339

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Book SynopsisBasil Davidson's Black Star remains one of the most thoughtful and insightful views into the life and times of Kwame Nkrumah (1909-1972)'.- Emmanuel Akyeampong, from the book's new Foreword Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah seized opportunities to lead the countries of sub-Saharan Africa away from colonialism. In 1957, he became the first Prime Minister of Ghana. By the time he was overthrown in a coup in 1966 most African countries, outside the settler-dominated South, had also achieved independence. ' As a visionary Nkrumah was ahead of his times, with an astute understanding of colonialism that made the twin goals of socialism at home (Ghana) and African unity the abiding principles of his work and life.... Nkrumah's monumental role and place in modern Ghana's history mystifies him as a national hero; Black Star humanizes Nkrumah in important ways, and the reader gains a new understanding of a great man, but still a man.' - From the new Foreword by Emmanuel Kwaku Akyeampong, Professor of History, Harvard UniversityTrade ReviewNone of the biographies and other writings on Nkrumah are as eloquent, detailed and critical yet balanced as Basil Davidson's Black Star. [It] is indeed one of the most insightful assessments of the life and political role of a visionary who was far ahead of his time. [...] In this reader-friendly, thought-provoking book, Davidson deals very comprehensively with the life of a truly African revolutionary. [It] will no doubt remain a veritable goldmine of useful information for anyone interested in the life and times of this great African son of the twentieth century. * AFRICAN HISTORICAL REVIEW *

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Book SynopsisTony Leon has written a book of unique insight into an unexplored aspect of the presidency and leadership of Nelson Mandela. Opposite Mandela relates the untold stories of how South Africa's first democratic president related to his political opponents. Leon served as leader of the Democratic Party during Mandela's presidency. Although they clashed, sometimes fiercely, on great issues of the day, Leon enjoyed an unusually warm relationship with Mandela and had direct access to the president's office. In this first-hand account, he relates some of the more consequential moments of those momentous times in South Africa's history-in-the-making through the lens of the opposition. Although this is a personal account, it also explores some of the major themes, from reconciliation to corruption, which not only marked that period but also laid the basis for the current challenges which confront South Africa today, nearly two decades after Mandela assumed the countrys highest office, the very moment when Leon's political leadership began. Insightful, and simultaneously serious and amusing, it lifts the veil on many unknown or unexplained benchmarks from that era: the personal animosity between Mandela and FW De Klerk, the decision of the Democratic Party to reject Mandela's offer of a seat in his cabinet and whether the extraordinary outreach of Mandela to the minorities was the shrewd calculation of a latter-day Machiavelli or the genuine impulses of a secular political saint. This highly readable and first-hand account considers in a balanced manner both the golden moments and the blind spots of one of the most consequential presidencies and leaders of the modern democratic age.Trade ReviewIn the confiding, winningly self-deprecatory style that defines Leons authorial voice, he offers us a unique personal insight into Nelson Mandela and guides us, engagingly and provocatively, through the most turbulent and exciting times in contemporary South African politics. John Carlin, author of Invictus and Knowing Mandela

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Book SynopsisJan Christian Smuts was soldier, statesman and intellectual, one of South Africa's greatest leaders. Yet little is said about him today even as we appear to live in a leadership vacuum. This is a re-examination of the life and thought of Jan Smuts. It is intended to remind a contemporary readership of the remarkable achievements of this impressive soldier-statesman. The author argues that there is a need to bring Smuts back into the present, that Smuts' legacy still has much to instruct. He draws several parallels between Smuts and President Thabo Mbeki, both intellectuals much lionised abroad and yet often distrusted at home. This book is a highly readable account of Smuts' life. It also examines a number of overarching themes: his relationships with women, spiritual life, intellectual life and his role as advisor to world leaders. Politics and international affairs receive the lion's share, but Smuts' unique contributions to other fields -- for example, botany -- are not neglected. This book does not shy away from the contradictions of its subject. Smuts was one of the architects of the United Nations, and a great champion of human rights, yet he could not see the need to reform the condition of the African majority in his own country.

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Book SynopsisAn in-depth look at the partnership between Barack Obama and Joe Biden that changed the face of American politics. The ‘bromance’ between Obama and Biden has been much discussed, but this is the first time the full story of their relationship has been told: from their joint victory in 2008 to their disagreements over policy, and from the rift that formed after Obama supported Clinton’s 2015 presidential run to the present day with President Biden in the White House. The Long Alliance examines the past, present, and future of the Obama–Biden legacy — its twists and turns, ruptures and reunions, and how it has shaped and will continue to shape US politics.Trade Review‘[A] careful chronicling and insightful examination … [Debenedetti] is an excellent reporter and he provides a satisfyingly detailed account of the 2020 presidential campaign from both leaders’ perspectives.’ -- Jason Zengerle * The New York Times Book Review *‘[A] treat … readers interested in behind-the-scenes details and vividly depicted moments from the past two decades of American politics, starring some of its most pivotal players, will be riveted.’ * The Washington Post *‘Gabriel Debenedetti is simultaneously one of the smartest and most dogged reporters in Washington, and he has pieced together a master narrative of the complex relationship between two presidents whose partnership held together through a series of economic and political crises. The Obama-Biden dynasty has won three of the last four presidential elections, and Debenedetti’s story reveals the whole scope of its birth, growth, and struggle to save democracy.’ -- Jonathan Chait, New York Times bestselling author of Audacity: how Barack Obama defied his critics and created a legacy that will prevail‘Gabriel Debenedetti’s reporting on the Biden-Obama relationship is a tour-de-force, weaving together the political and personal dynamics that have bonded these two presidents and, at times, led to significant tension. It is a gripping tale of power in modern America and how it really works, told by someone who knows the players and inside stories better than anyone.’ -- Robert Costa, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Peril‘What progress is possible in a country defined by partisan stalemate? This is the immersive, indelible account of a twenty-year working friendship almost precisely coincident with the emergence of a new and often maddening American politics. Barack Obama and Joe Biden assumed their presidencies with different political strengths, instincts, and ideals, but though each believed he could outmanoeuvre opposition and achieve lasting generational change, each also quickly found himself contemplating legacies which, though historic, could seem painfully piecemeal — including to the presidents themselves.’ -- David Wallace-Wells, New York Times bestselling author of The Uninhabitable Earth‘Just when you thought there was nothing else to say about Biden and Obama, Washington’s most thoughtful observer, Gabriel Debenedetti, sheds new light on the friendship, alliance and differences between the two men who helped shape modern America. The Long Alliance delivers illuminating insights and intimate, riveting, sometimes unsparing details, and takes you inside the corridors of power and the struggle for America's future.’ -- Kim Ghattas, author of New York Times bestselling The Secretary and New York Times 2020 Notable Book Black Wave‘Gabriel Debenedetti has written the definitive account of one of the most important — and, until now, poorly understood — relationships in 21st Century American politics. With rich new reporting, Debenedetti details the machinations that helped Joe Biden to parlay a hopeless presidential bid into a spot on Barack Obama’s 2008 ticket and a level of national prominence he’d never before known. More importantly, he illustrates the rocky and uneven evolution of their partnership during the Obama presidency. We see a genuine personal bond develop and deepen even as the president remains skeptical, dismissive even, of his handpicked vice president’s actual political talent — arguably leading to the twist of history that makes Donald Trump president and leaves it to Biden, four years later, to prove to the world — and to his former boss — just what he is capable of.’ -- Steve Kornacki, NBC News National Political Correspondent and author of The Red and the Blue‘Gabriel Debenedetti masters the crosscurrents of the Democratic party as well as relations between two presidents.’ * The Guardian *‘[A]n engrossing study of the political and personal relationship between Joe Biden and Barack Obama … Doggedly reported and clear-eyed about its subjects’ strengths and weaknesses, this is an illuminating portrait of a consequential political partnership.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘Carefully constructed … A readable portrait of a political partnership that may be seen as one of the most productive in US history.’ * Kirkus Reviews *‘Debenedetti has written an engaging and thorough book about the Obama–Biden bond – an underexplored but fascinating subject. By delving into the relationship between two presidents, and suggesting reasons for its success, The Long Alliance also offers insights into how political power may be managed and shared. It is a thought-provoking book.’ -- Varun Ghosh * Australian Book Review *

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Book Synopsis

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