Political structure and processes Books

Book Synopsis A “devastating” (Nation) examination of how a cabal of tech-billionaires is colluding with once-idealistic journalists to create an entirely new media landscapeOwned is the story of the underreported and growing collusion between new wealth and new journalism. In recent years, right-wing billionaires like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, and David Sacks have turned to media as their next investment and source of influence. Their cronies are Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi—once known as idealistic and left-leaning voices, now beneficiaries of Silicon Valley largesse. Together, this new alliance aims to exploit the failings of traditional journalism and undermine the very idea of an independent and fact-based fourth estate.Owned examines how this shift has allowed spectacularly wealthy reactionaries to pursue their ultimate goal of censoring critics so to further their own business interests—and personal vendettas—entirely unimpeded while also advancing a toxic and antidemocratic ideology. A rich history of the decades-long rise of this new right-wing alternative media takeover, Owned follows the money, names names, and offers a chilling portrait of a future social media and news landscape. It is a biting exposé of journalistic greed, tech-billionaire ambition, and a lament for a disappearing free press.  

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Book SynopsisStudies of colonialism and empire have increasingly drawn attention to the problem of conceptualizing the political logic of colonial projects and the circumstances of state formation in colonial contexts. However, the nature and workings of the colonial state remains under-theorized and under-analysed. This volume addresses the analytical challenges of the colonial state from a variety of theoretical and thematic angles, and across a range of empirical cases that stretch over a vast span historically and geographically, to provide a new approach to analyzing the colonial state and its governmental practices.Trade ReviewContributed by scholars from Europe and the US and based on papers given at a conference and workshop held at the U. of Copenhagen, Denmark, the nine essays in this collection consider the colonial state in the context of governmental practices, violence, and agency. They discuss different configurations of power in two colonies of the US (Puerto Rico and the Philippines), mechanisms of power in Denmark and the Danish colony of Tranquebar at the end of the 18th century, and governmental power in the slave society of the Danish West Indies in the late 18th century; violence in the 1950s in the Portuguese colonies of Angola and Mozambique, the police force Landespolizei in the German colony of Southwest Africa, and violence in the relational processes of territorialization in Morocco and Libya; and the role of local agency in relation to reforms of the British colonial state that increased state capacity in Trinidad and Tobago and colonial governance in Samoa at the end of the 19th century under the shared control of German, British, and American officials. -- Annotation ©2017 * (protoview.com) *Table of ContentsRethinking the Colonial State: Configurations of Power, Violence, and Agency Colonial Governmentality in Puerto Rico and the Philippines: Sovereign Force, Governmental Rationality, and Disciplinary Institutions under US Rule Comparing the Colonial State – Governing ‘the Social’ and Policing the Population in Late 18th Century India and Denmark Governing the Risks of Slavery: State-Practice, Slave Law, and the Problem of Public Order in 18th Century Danish West Indies Ordering Resistance: The Late Colonial State in the Portuguese Empire (1940-1975) Violence as Usual: Everyday Police Work and the Colonial State in German Southwest Africa Colonial War and the Production of Territorialized State Space in North Africa Resistance and Reforms: The Role of Subaltern Agency in Colonial State Development Colonialism by Deferral: Samoa Under the Tridominium, 1889-1899

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Book SynopsisWeak or failed states - where no government is in control - are the source of many of the world's most serious problems, from poverty, AIDS and drugs to terrorism. What can be done to help? The problem of weak states and the need for state-building has existed for many years, but it has been urgent since September 11 and Afghanistan and Iraq. The formation of proper public institutions, such as an honest police force, uncorrupted courts, functioning schools and medical services and a strong civil service, is fraught with difficulties. We know how to help with resources, people and technology across borders, but state building requires methods that are not easily transported. The ability to create healthy states from nothing has suddenly risen to the top of the world agenda. State building has become a crucial matter of global security. In this hugely important book, Francis Fukuyama explains the concept of state-building and discusses the problems and causes of state weakness and its national and international effects.Trade Review'Thought-provoking... svelte but sophisticated' Sunday Times 'Wide-ranging thoughtful analysis.' Newsweek 'Debate-provoking sharpness' Observer 'Fukuyama has no solution. But, for me, it is enough that he offers so clear a diagnosis... His book should make a lot of people think.' Times Higher Education Supplement 'There are some insightful and intelligent analyses... It's undeniably high-quality source material for students of politics and history and anyone who wants to know more about how the world works.' Focus

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Book Synopsis*A TIMES AND TELEGRAPH BOOK OF THE YEAR*WHAT CAUSED THE FALL OF THE MOST PROGRESSIVE GOVERNMENT IN TWENTIETH-CENTURY EUROPE, AND THE RISE OF THE MOST TERRIFYING?In the 1930s, Germany was at a turning point, with many looking to the Nazi phenomenon as part of widespread resentment towards cosmopolitan liberal democracy and capitalism. This was a global situation that pushed Germany to embrace authoritarianism, nationalism and economic self-sufficiency, kick-starting a revolution founded on new media technologies, and the formidable political and self-promotional skills of its leader.Based on award-winning research and recently discovered archival material, The Death of Democracy is a panoramic new survey of one of the most important periods in modern history, and a book with a resounding message for the world today.'Extremely fine... with careful prose and scholarship, he brings these events close to us.' Timothy Snyder, The New York Times'Intelligent, well-informed... intriguing.' The Times'With the injection of fresh contemporary voices, The Death of Democracy is also a thoughtful reflection of how our time more resembles the Thirties than the Noughties.' Daily TelegraphTrade ReviewExtremely fine... with careful prose and scholarship, with fine thumbnail sketches of individuals and concise discussions of institutions and economics, he brings these events close to us. Hett... sensitively describes a moral crisis that preceded a moral catastrophe. -- Timothy Snyder * The New York Times *Intelligent, well-informed... intriguing. Hett provides a lesson about the fragility of democracy and the danger of that complacent belief that liberal institutions will always protect us. -- Gerard DeGroot * The Times *Readable and well-researched, with the injection of fresh contemporary voices, The Death of Democracy is also a thoughtful reflection of how our time more resembles the Thirties than the Noughties. * Daily Telegraph *Benjamin Carter Hett deftly summarises this dismal period... Hett refrains from poking the reader with too many obvious contemporary parallels, but he knew what he was doing when he left "German" out of his title. On the book's final page, he lays his cards on the table... "Suddenly, the whole thing looks close and familiar." Yes, it does. -- Alex Ross * New Yorker *A superb explanation of how democracy died in Weimar Germany. Too much of this story seems painfully familiar today. -- Gerard DeGroot * The Times, 'Books of the Year' *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewValelly's book is well-written and of use to a lay audienceinterested in a few basic facts about the history of Americangovernment with a brief discussion of contemporary government. * Jessica Andersson-Hudson, Political Studies Review *Table of ContentsList of illustrations ; Preface ; Chapter 1: Elements of American democracy ; Chapter 2: The presidency ; Chapter 3: Congress and its bicameralism ; Chapter 4: The legislative-executive process ; Chapter 5: The Supreme Court ; Chapter 6: Bureaucracy ; Chapter 7: Public opinion ; Chapter 8: Political parties and democratic choices ; Chapter 9: The partisan revival ; Chapter 10: Political economy ; References ; Further reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisCanada is not one nation, but three: English Canada, Quebec, and First Nations. Yet as a country Canada is very successful, in part because it maintains national diversity through bilingualism, multiculturalism, and federalism. Alongside this contemporary openness Canada also has its own history to contend with; with a legacy of broken treaties and residential schools for its Indigenous peoples, making reconciliation between Canada and First Nations an ongoing journey, not a destination.Drawing on history, politics, and literature, this Very Short Introduction starts at the end of the last ice age, when the melting of the ice sheets opened the northern half of North America to Indigenous peoples, and covers up to today''s anthropogenic climate change, and Canada''s climate politics. Donald Wright emphasizes Canada''s complexity and diversity as well as its different identities and its commitment to rights, and explores its historical relationship to Great Britain, and its ongoing relationship with the United States. Finally, he examines Canada''s northern realities and its northern identities.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewIt takes a brave person to write a history of Canada in 109 small pages of text but Donald Wright has made a very good stab at it ... I would happily recommend this thoughtful and elegantly-written survey to anyone looking for a very short history of Canada. * Phillip Buckner, British Journal of Canadian Studies *I very much enjoyed reading this book. I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers, both expert and general, although it will probably be more useful for the latter. If you have ever been fascinated to learn more about this vast country of the north then this book will be a wonderful introduction. * Jatinder Mann, Journal of Australian, Canadian, and Aotearoa New Zealand Studies *Table of ContentsList of illustrations Introduction 1: Beginnings 2: Dispossessions 3: Nationalisms 4: Rights 5: Borders 6: Norths Conclusion Further reading Index

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Book Synopsis''Essential reading ... An incisive and urgently needed book'' Tim Harford''[An] entertaining introduction to the uses (and misuses) of data ... a penetrating analysis of why statistical literacy matters to our politics and our daily lives'' Professor Jonathan Portes Our politicians make vital decisions and declarations every day that rely on official data. But should all statistics be trusted?In BAD DATA, House of Commons Library statistician Georgina Sturge draws back the curtain on how governments of the past and present have been led astray by figures littered with inconsistency, guesswork and uncertainty.Discover how a Hungarian businessman''s bright idea caused half a million people to go missing from UK migration statistics. Find out why it''s possible for two politicians to disagree over whether poverty has gone up or down, using the same official numbers, and for both to be right at the same time. And hear about how pTrade ReviewEssential reading for anyone who's ever wondered where all those numbers come from. Even more essential reading for anyone who hasn't. An incisive and urgently needed book -- Tim Harford, bestselling author of HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD ADD UP and presenter of BBC Radio 4's More or LessA tour de force ... To study BAD DATA is to discover the extreme limits to official knowledge -- Xand van Tulleken * TLS *Sturge is very effective at explaining, with human examples, how bad data affects lives. Readers of Hannah Fry's HELLO WORLD or Caroline Criado Perez's INVISIBLE WOMEN will be familiar with the notion that biased humans create biased artificial intelligence programmes. Here, we see their direct effects. ... [BAD DATA] is so good at inspiring curiosity and the inclination to challenge -- Katy Guest * Guardian *A whistle-stop tour of all the ways the data that forms the basis of policymaking can fall short -- Rachel Cunliffe * New Statesman *[An] excellent book ... there's something here for everyone who wants to better understand the limits of our knowledge about the country ... informative and at times amusing -- Simon Briscoe * TLS *Bracing ... the story of how often things go wrong in the political use of statistics -- John Lanchester * London Review of Books *This informative, reasoned, and apolitical book offers a string of examples to show that statistics are not always what they seem -- Christopher Snowdon * Quillette *The plural of anecdote is not data. But Georgina Sturge's entertaining introduction to the uses (and misuses) of data in public policy and debate combines numerous stories, some amusing, some disturbing, with a penetrating analysis of why statistical literacy matters to our politics and our daily lives -- Jonathan Portes, Professor of Economics and Public Policy

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisA SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER In the past few decades, legislatures throughout the world have suffered from gridlock. In democracies, laws and policies are just as soon unpicked as made. It seems that Congress and Parliaments cannot forge progress or consensus. Moreover, courts often overturn decisions made by elected representatives. In the absence of effective politicians, many turn to the courts to solve political and moral questions. Rulings from the Supreme Courts in the United States and United Kingdom, or the European court in Strasbourg may seem to end the debate but the division and debate does not subside. In fact, the absence of democratic accountability leads to radicalisation. Judicial overreach cannot make up for the shortcomings of politicians. This is especially acute in the field of human rights. For instance, who should decide on abortion or prisoners' rights to vote, elected politicians or appointed judges? Expanding on arguments first laid out in the 2019 Reith Lectures, Jonathan Sumption argues that the time has come to return some problems to the politicians.Trade Reviewbrisk, entertaining, brilliant ... one of the great lawyers of our time -- Bryan Appleyard * the Sunday Times *magisterial -- Edward Fennell * the Times *

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Book Synopsis'Thoughtful, stimulating and even entertaining ... Lord Sumption's opinion is always worth listening to, even - or especially - if one disagrees with it.' Daily Telegraph 'Time spent on Law in a Time of Crisis is time spent in the company of a brilliant mind considering interesting things' The Times Brexit, the independence referendum, the pandemic: the UK is a country in crisis. And, in crises, we turn to the law to set the boundaries of what the government can and should do. However, in a country with no written constitution, what sounds like a simple proposition is in fact anything but. Based on his 2019 Reith lectures, former Supreme Court Judge Jonathan Sumption asks: what are the limits of law in politics? Is not having a constitution a hindrance or help in times of crisis? From referenda to the rise of nationalisms, Law in a Time of Crisis exposes the uses and abuses of legal intervention in British crises - past, present, and potential.Trade Reviewtime spent on Law in a Time of Crisis is time spent in the company of a brilliant mind considering interesting things ... any person of broadly liberal instinct will find much in this enjoyable book to agree with and much that can improve one's way of thinking and of making an argument -- Daniel Finkelstein * the Times *Sumption has always been more than just a lawyer. For many years he was the brilliant QC and then Supreme Court justice who somehow found time on the side to write a definitive, multivolume history of the Hundred Years War: a true Renaissance man -- David Runciman * Guardian *Thoughtful, stimulating and even entertaining ... Lord Sumption's opinion is always worth listening to, even - or especially - if one disagrees with it. -- Robert Tombs * Telegraph *Praise for Trials of the State: Brisk, entertaining, brilliant ... one of the great lawyers of our time -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *Magisterial -- Edward Fennell * The Times *Elegant and crisply argued (Best Politics and Current Affairs Books of 2019) -- Robbie Millen * The Times *The book is hard going, but rewarding. Sumption ... leads his readers persuasively to positions which, when they stop to think, they may not find comfortable -- Michael Fry * The National (Scotland) *Sumption examines the increasingly difficult relationship between government and the courts... a former Supreme Court judge,[he] seems rather gloomy about democracy's future, but has produced a very readable analysis (The best current affairs and politics books of 2019) -- Roland White * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisPeople ask what is going wrong with the world, with new wars, extreme populist movements, climate breakdown, poverty, inequality and exclusion. There is a sense of unease, that things are falling apart', which is reflected both in global insecurity; a seeming failure to effectively negotiate or mediate in desperate wars (Ukraine, Sudan. Gaza) and a dismay at social injustice and rising poverty. This short book meets such concerns head-on, analyzing the worsening insecurity trap we are in, and how to get out of it. In the troubled decade that lies ahead, we have the combination of a bitterly divided world facing limits to growth and even climate breakdown. However, this is in a pervasive culture where national governments prioritise a security approach of hard militarism to enforce stability and protect the better off. Paul Rogers argues that responding to the prospect of a crowded glowering world, there are three questions to answer: Can we come to terms with the environmental limits

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Book SynopsisRichard Rose is Professor of Public Policy at Strathclyde University, Glasgow and a Visiting Fellow at the European University Institute, Florence and the Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin. He is the author of 50 books on Russia, the European Union, and various Presidents and Prime Ministers. He has lectured on public policy issues in 45 countries; his works have been translated into 18 languages; and he has received a dozen awards from European, American and international institutions for his contribution to understanding public policies comparatively.

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Book SynopsisThe Republic of Ireland, which declared itself in 1949, allowed the Catholic Church to dominate its civil society and education system. Investment by American and European companies, and a welcoming tax regime, created the ''Celtic Tiger'' of the 1990s. That brief burst of good fortune was destroyed by a corrupt political class which encouraged a wild property boom, leaving the country almost bankrupt. What Ireland needs now is a programme of real change. It needs to become a fully modern republic in fact as well as name. Politicians have been let get away with murder, and there is a fatalistic sense that nothing can change. The country needs to encourage participation in, and oversight and knowledge of politics, to make people feel that they have a right to challenge the old party machines and to make a difference. It is their country, after all.

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Book SynopsisA prominent figure in nineteenth-century Irish politics, Michael Davitt (18461906) published this book in 1898 after spending seven months travelling through the Australasian colonies. It offers a wealth of information on many aspects of nineteenth-century Australasia, with detailed observations of political and social norms across the different regions.Table of ContentsPreface; Part I. Western Australia: 1. Throwing the wrong man into the Suez Canal, and a moral; 2. En route for Coolgardie; 3. Opposing views on the Coolgardie goldfield; 4. Visit to the 'Londonderry' and 'Bayley's Reward'; 5. Coolgardie politics; 6. Impressions of Perth; 7. The Western Australian legislature; 8. The Aborigines; Part II. South Australia: 9. From Albany to Adelaide; 10. Impressions of Adelaide; 11. The constitution of South Australia; 12. Land taxation; 13. Impressions of the country on a journey from Adelaide to Broken Hill; 14. Broken Hill and its silver mines; 15. Other industries; Part III. The Murray River Labour Settlements: 16. Origin of the labour settlements; 17. Lyrup; 18. Pyap; 19. New residence camp; 20. Review of 'the big experiment'; Part IV. Victoria: 21. From Adelaide to Melbourne; 22. Australians at home; 23. Culture and education; 24. Colonial federation; 25. Some anecdotes; 26. The Victorian constitution; 27. The leading Protectionist colony; 28. Victorian land legislation; 29. A trip through the centre of Victoria; 30. The Bendigo Benevolent Asylum; 31. Echuca; Part V. New South Wales: 32. From Melbourne to Sydney; 33. Some talks with shearers; 34. Approaches to Sydney; 35. Sydney's racial mixtures; 36. Sydney's sensitiveness about its founders; 37. Ireland and the infant colony; 38. The evolution of self-government in Australia; 39. The Sydney legislature; 40. New South Wales legislation; 41. The rise of the New South Wales Labour party; 42. Over the Blue Mountains; 43. A squatter's home and opinions; 44. From Sydney to the border of Queensland; Part VI. Queensland: 45. Voyage from Sydney to Brisbane; 46. The Queensland legislature; 47. Country and goldfields; 48. Voyage to Rockhampton; 49. Mount Morgan; 50. Kanaka labour; 51. Australian scenery like Australian hospitality; 52. Charters Towers, its goldmines and prospects; 53. Queensland land laws; 54. Queensland's resources and industries; 55. South Queensland; Part VII. Tasmania: 56. From Melbourne to Tasmania; 57. The John Mitchel legend; 58. The country between the cities; 59. Population; 60. 'Van Diemen's Land'; Part VIII. New Zealand: 61. A voyage with Mark Twain; 62. From Tasmania to New Zealand; 63. Dunedin; 64. A drive to Westland; 65. The people of Westland; 66. New Zealand's capital; 67. New Zealand school system; 68. The labour laws of New Zealand; 69. The story of the colonization of New Zealand; 70. New Zealand land laws; 71. Among the Maoris; 72. Summary of impressions of New Zealand; 73. Australasia and new homes; Part IX. Australasian Prisons: 74. Compared with British prisons - New Zealand; 75. Tasmania; 76. Queensland; 77–78. New South Wales; 79–80. Victoria; 81. South Australia; 82. Western Australia; 83. The romantic escape of John Boyle O'Reilly; 84. The rescue of the Fenian military prisoners from Fremantle.

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Book SynopsisWhile Western modern political thought has been a story of inclusion, it has also been one of continued exclusion and new forms of political oppression and silencing. This is why political theory is so necessary today.Political thought is diverse. From liberal theories laying out ideal democratic institutions, to critical analyses of postcolonial settler states, to conceptual analyses of the nature of freedom, there are very different approaches, topics and aims within the tradition of Western political theory.What binds these diverse forms of thinking together? How do how do they help us to understand political institutions, life, behaviour and events? How do they help us to make decisions in the complex world of politics?This book, significantly revised and reconceptualized, introduces you to the modern discipline of political theory in the Western tradition, tackling its key debates, concepts, problems and traditions:- What is the nature of political concepts? What problems dTrade ReviewA vital and engaging introduction to modern political theory in all its breadth and complexity. This book is an invaluable tool for any student of politics. * Ashley Dodsworth, Senior Lecturer of Politics and International Studies, University of Bristol, UK *This fifth edition of Andrew Heywood’s textbook Political Theory, adapted and improved by Clayton Chin, serves as an excellent introduction to political philosophy and theory. Approachable, comprehensive and updated, this book gives attention to students and instructors alike and is an essential resource for inclusion in more theoretically-oriented courses offered by political science departments. * Jean-Paul Gagnon, Senior Lecturer of Politics, University of Canberra, Australia *Clearly and accessibly written, this is a masterly and comprehensive study of the major concepts and problems in political theory. It relates key figures and traditions in the history of political thought to contemporary debates, covering the diverse strands of liberal thinking, as well as a wide range of critical theories and approaches. * Katherine Smits, Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, University of Auckland, New Zealand *This new edition of Political Theory is an astute, remarkably skilful and telling account of what political theory is. It is an engaging and stimulating resource for all those who are interested in the topic. * Ruth Groff, Associate Professor of Political Science, Saint Louis University, USA *A highly accessible, compelling and up-to-date introduction to political thought conveyed through the myriad debates that propel it from past to present. Students who read it will not only be able to grasp concepts, but learn how to use them to understand the world we live in. * Jemima Repo, Reader in Political and Feminist Theory, Newcastle University, UK *Newly revised, the fifth edition of Political Theory provides a comprehensive and up-to-date survey of the field. Distinguished by its focus on both traditional and modern political problems, including those related to exclusion, the book thoroughly explores the nature and contributions of the discipline. * Clay Arnold, Professor and Department Chair of Political Science, University of Central Arkansas, USA *Table of ContentsPART 1: WHAT IS POLITICAL THINKING? 1) The Problems of Political Theory 2) The Problem of Foundations: Tradition, Progress and Utopia 3) The Problem of Human Nature: The Individual and Society PART 2: MODERN POLITICAL ISSUES 4) The Problem of Power: Authority and Legitimacy 5) The Problem of the State: Politics, Sovereignty and Government 6) The Problem of Law: Order and Justice 7) The Problem of Citizenship: Freedom, Rights and Obligations 8) The Problem of Democracy: Representation and the Common Good 9) The Problem of Political Community: The Nation and Transnationalism PART 3: THE 20TH CENTURY AND BEYOND 10) The Problem of Property: Planning and the Market 11) The Problem of Equality: Social Justice and Welfare 12) The Problem of Exclusion: Culture and Gender 13) The Problem of Exclusion: Race and Colonialism

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Book Synopsis*Winner of the Enlightened Economist Prize 2019**Winner of Debut Writer of the Year at the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards 2020**Longlisted for the Financial Times & McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award 2019*'Extreme Economies is a revelation - and a must-read.' Andy Haldane, Chief Economist at the Bank of EnglandTo understand how humans react and adapt to economic change we need to study people who live in harsh environments. From death-row prisoners trading in institutions where money is banned to flourishing entrepreneurs in the world's largest refugee camp, from the unrealised potential of cities like Kinshasa to the hyper-modern economy of Estonia, every life in this book has been hit by a seismic shock, violently broken or changed in some way.In his quest for a purer view of how economies succeed and fail, Richard Davies takes the reader off the beaten path to places where part of the economy has been repressed, removed, destroyed or turbocharged. He tells the personal stories of humans living in these extreme situations, and of the financial infrastructure they create. Far from the familiar stock reports, housing crises, or banking scandals of the financial pages, Extreme Economies reveals the importance of human and social capital, and in so doing tells small stories that shed light on today's biggest economic questions.'A highly original approach to understanding what really makes economies tick.' Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of EnglandTrade ReviewA highly original approach to understanding what really makes economies tick. Both insightful and accessible to non-economists. * Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England *Davies visits economies pushed to the limit and examines what their response teaches us about resilience in the face of climate change, demographic shifts and state failure. * Financial Times *An exploration of the lessons to be drawn from disaster-stricken economies and imperilled (but innovative) people, which ranges from the jungles of Panama to post-tsunami Indonesia to the prison system of Louisiana and Syrian refugee camps. * The Economist - Books of the Year 2019 *Financial Times Best Books of 2019: Extreme Economies is a reflection on human resilience. The author takes you from a prison to a refugee camp to Kinshasa and Santiago to explain how economies work in extreme circumstances and why markets succeed or fail. Weaving economic theory and individual life stories, this is an important and enjoyable read.We learn most about ourselves at times of extreme stress and challenge. Using nine compelling country case studies, Richard Davies brilliantly demonstrates that the same is true of our economic systems. In its approach and insights, Extreme Economies is a revelation - and a must-read. * Andy Haldane, Chief Economist at the Bank of England *

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Book SynopsisConfessions of a Heretic is a collection of provocative essays by the influential social commentator and polemicist Roger Scruton. Each “confession” reveals aspects of the author’s thinking that his critics would probably have advised him to keep to himself. In this selection, covering subjects from art and architecture to politics and nature conservation, Scruton challenges popular opinion on key aspects of our culture: What can we do to protect Western values against Islamist extremism? How can we nurture real friendship through social media? Why is the nation-state worth preserving? How should we achieve a timely death against the advances of modern medicine? This provocative collection seeks to answer the most pressing problems of our age. In his introduction, the bestselling author and commentator Douglas Murray writes of what it cost Scruton to express views considered unpalatable, and of the importance of these ideas after Scruton’s death.

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Book SynopsisBeing Muslim in Hindu India is an impassioned cry for attention, an attempt to highlight just what has gone wrong with our polity and society in recent years.

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Book SynopsisA scathing critique of the Left from an indigenous anti-colonial perspective.Why am I writing this book? Because I share Gramsci''s anxiety: “The old are dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.” The fascist monster, born in the entrails of Western modernity. Of course, the West is not what it used to be. Hence my question: what can we offer white people in exchange for their decline and for the wars that will ensue? There is only one answer: peace. There is only one way: revolutionary love.—from Whites, Jews, and UsWith Whites, Jews, and Us, Houria Bouteldja launches a scathing critique of the European Left from an indigenous anti-colonial perspective, reflecting on Frantz Fanon''s political legacy, the republican pact, the Shoah, the creation of Israel, feminism, and the fate of postcolonial immigration in the West in the age of rising anti-immigrant populism. Drawing upon such prominent voices as James Baldwin, Malcolm X, and Jean Genet, she issues a polemical call for a militant anti-racism grounded in the concept of revolutionary love.Such love will not come without significant discomfort for whites, and without necessary provocation. Bouteldja challenges widespread assumptions among the Left in the United States and Europe—that anti-Semitism plays any role in Arab-Israeli conflicts, for example, or that philo-Semitism doesn''t in itself embody an oppressive position; that feminism or postcolonialist theory is free of colonialism; that integrationalism is a solution rather than a problem; that humanism can be against racism when its very function is to support the political-ideological apparatus that Bouteldja names the “white immune system.”At this transitional moment in the history of the West—which is to say, at the moment of its decline—Bouteldja offers a call for political unity that demands the recognition that whiteness is not a genetic question: it is a matter of power, and it is high time to dismantle it.This Semiotext(e)/Intervention series English-language edition includes a foreword by Cornel West.

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Book SynopsisHaving spent centuries in the shadows of its neighbours China and Japan, Korea is now the object of considerable interest for radically different reasons-- the South as an economic success story and for its vibrant popular culture; the North as the home to one of the world''s most repressive regimes, at once both bizarre and menacing. This Very Short Introduction explores the history, culture, and society of a deeply divided region. Michael Seth considers what it means to be Korean, and analyses how the various peoples of the Korean peninsula became one of the world''s most homogeneous nations, before exploring how this nation evolved, in a single lifetime, into today''s sharply contrasting societies. He also discusses how Korea fits into the larger narrative of both East Asian and world history, economically, politically, and socially.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of ContentsChronology List of illustrations Introduction 1: Creating a peninsular kingdom 2: A Confucian society 3: From kingdom to colony 4: From colony to competing states 5: Competing states, diverging societies 6: Globalizing south, inward north Further reading Index

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Book Synopsis''Essential reading ... An incisive and urgently needed book'' Tim Harford''[An] entertaining introduction to the uses (and misuses) of data ... a penetrating analysis of why statistical literacy matters to our politics and our daily lives'' Professor Jonathan Portes Our politicians make vital decisions and declarations every day that rely on official data. But should all statistics be trusted?In BAD DATA, House of Commons Library statistician Georgina Sturge draws back the curtain on how governments of the past and present have been led astray by figures littered with inconsistency, guesswork and uncertainty.Discover how a Hungarian businessman''s bright idea caused half a million people to go missing from UK migration statistics. Find out why it''s possible for two politicians to disagree over whether poverty has gone up or down, using the same official numbers, and for both to be right at the same time. And hear about how pTrade ReviewEssential reading for anyone who's ever wondered where all those numbers come from. Even more essential reading for anyone who hasn't. An incisive and urgently needed book -- Tim Harford, bestselling author of HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD ADD UP and presenter of BBC Radio 4's More or LessA tour de force ... To study BAD DATA is to discover the extreme limits to official knowledge -- Xand van Tulleken * TLS *Sturge is very effective at explaining, with human examples, how bad data affects lives. Readers of Hannah Fry's HELLO WORLD or Caroline Criado Perez's INVISIBLE WOMEN will be familiar with the notion that biased humans create biased artificial intelligence programmes. Here, we see their direct effects. ... [BAD DATA] is so good at inspiring curiosity and the inclination to challenge -- Katy Guest * Guardian *A whistle-stop tour of all the ways the data that forms the basis of policymaking can fall short -- Rachel Cunliffe * New Statesman *[An] excellent book ... there's something here for everyone who wants to better understand the limits of our knowledge about the country ... informative and at times amusing -- Simon Briscoe * TLS *Bracing ... the story of how often things go wrong in the political use of statistics -- John Lanchester * London Review of Books *This informative, reasoned, and apolitical book offers a string of examples to show that statistics are not always what they seem -- Christopher Snowdon * Quillette *The plural of anecdote is not data. But Georgina Sturge's entertaining introduction to the uses (and misuses) of data in public policy and debate combines numerous stories, some amusing, some disturbing, with a penetrating analysis of why statistical literacy matters to our politics and our daily lives -- Jonathan Portes, Professor of Economics and Public Policy

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Book SynopsisThis book treats the modern liberal and conservative ideologies as the driving forces behind our modern political parties. Liberalism and conservatism emerged in the twentieth century as important forces independent of existing political parties. These ideologies then reshaped parties in their own image.Trade Review'The final point above is also true of the entire book: Political Ideologies and Political Parties in America is a must-read for scholars of American political parties, indeed for scholars of American politics in general. It will most certainly affect the ongoing academic conversations in these areas as scholars read and think about Noel's work.' Mark D. Brewer, University of Maine, OronoTable of Contents1. Introduction: distilling their frenzy from some academic scribbler; 2. The coalition merchants: ideologies, parties, and their interaction; 3. Creative synthesis: why ideology?; 4. The independent development of ideology; 5. Ideology remakes the parties; 6. Issue politics in ideological context; 7. Polarized parties; 8. Conclusion: toward the study of creative synthesis.

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Book SynopsisExperts on learning for democracy come together to explore why and how the gap in civic competence should be bridged. They make the case for a more effective form of political education that can enable citizens to learn to exert their influence over their government in an informed and meaningful manner.Trade Review" In a time of uncertainty, Tam’s intervention is timely and essential reading for those who believe that education is crucial in sustaining and deepening democracy. Tam presents evidence from around the world and outlines the recommended approaches that politicians, policy advisors, and educators need to familiarize themselves with." Journal of Peace EducationTable of Contents1. Introduction: Citizens, We Have a Problem - Henry Tam Part I: Why Changes Are Needed 2. Political Education in an Unequal Society - Diane Reay 3. Classroom Conflict, ‘Divisive Concepts’ and Educating for Democracy - Barrett Smith and Sarah M. Stitzlein 4. The Contested Scope of Academic Freedom - Dina Kiwan 5. Rethinking Citizenship Education for Political Literacy - Tony Breslin Part II: What Could Be Done Differently 6. Populism, Classrooms and Shared Authority - Kathleen Sellers and Kathleen Knight Abowitz 7. Different Approaches to Teaching Civic and National Identity - Edda Sant 8. Active Learning of Marginalised Young People - Kalbir Shukra 9. Universities’ Role in Teaching Practical Politics - Titus Alexander Part III: How to Make a Lasting Impact 10. The Evidence on Educational Methods for Political Engagement - David Kerr and Bryony Hoskins 11. Citizenship Education: Building for the Future - Lee Jerome and Liz Moorse 12. Reversing Democratic Decline through Political Education - Murray Print 13. Towards Civic Learning for All - Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg 14. Conclusion: Lessons for Democratic Health - Henry Tam

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Book SynopsisThirty years after the end of the Cold War, world peace is at risk again. The United States has withdrawn from the disarmament treaty with Russia, Europe is disintegrating, China is surging forward and a wave of nationalism and populism is destabilizing established political institutions and endangering hard-won liberties. Moreover, the coronavirus pandemic has brought into sharp relief the fragility of the global order and the speed with which it can slide into chaos. In view of this dangerous and unpredictable state of affairs, Mikhail Gorbachev, the last great statesman of the 1989 revolution, has written this short book to warn us of the grave risks we now face and to urge us all, political leaders and citizens alike, to take action to address them. He focuses on the big challenges of our time, such as the renewal of the arms race and the growing risks of nuclear war, the new tension between Russia and the West, the global environmental crisis, the global threat of diseases and epidemics, the rise of populism and the decline of democracy. He argues that self-serving policies and narrow-minded politics aimed at the pursuit of national interests are taking the place of political principles and overshadowing the vision of a free and just world for all peoples. He offers his view of where Russia is heading and he urges political leaders in the West to recognize that re-establishing trust between Russia and the West requires the courage of true leadership and a commitment to genuine dialogue and understanding on both sides. Now more than ever, the responses to the great challenges we face cannot be purely national in character but must be based on a collaborative effort in which political leaders put aside their differences and work together to advance the human security of all.Trade Review"I was fortunate in being with Margaret Thatcher when she met Mikhail Gorbachev in 1984. He did more to end the Cold War than anyone else and it ended without a shot being fired. We need to listen to his wise advice and encourage Vladimir Putin, not just Donald Trump, to act on it. Neither wants war but, as Gorbachev writes, we could end up with it by accident with the world being devastated." Sir Malcolm Rifkind, former Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary of the United Kingdom "Mikhail Gorbachev has written this book to warn us of the grave risks we now face and to urge us all, political leaders and citizens alike, to take action to address them. This succinct account of the immense challenges we now face by one of the world’s greatest statesmen will be of interest to everyone concerned about the current state of the world and its future." George P. Shultz, former Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury of the United States "This is a book that should be read and pondered by every concerned citizen. The shock of pandemic has exposed fundamental flaws in the international system that developed following the end of the Cold War. We must demand that our political leaders heed Mikhail Gorbachev’s impassioned plea for an end to militarized geopolitical competition in favour of cooperative policies that promote security for all nations." Jack F. Matlock, Jr., author of Reagan and Gorbachev: How the Cold War Ended"This timely book, strongly urging re-affirmation of morality in global relations, is of value out of all proportion to its 120 pages."Rev. Brian Cooper, Vice President, Uniting for PeaceTable of ContentsTable of ContentsPrefacePart OneOur shared securityThe militarization of world politicsEqual security for all: The Charter of ParisBreak the vicious cycle!We must act togetherPart TwoUnderstanding the global worldWho benefits from globalization?The environmental challengeThe Earth CharterPart ThreeIdeas and politicsThe wave of populism and decline of democracyCan politics and morals be reconciled?Part FourWho’s who in the global world?The USA: Monopoly leadership or partnership?Europe: Our continent, our homeChina and India: The new giantsThe Middle East: Tense hub of world politics The rollback of democracyThe responsibility of the mediaCivil society and international organizationsThe new RussiaAfterword

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Book SynopsisAre you fed up with the divided and unequal society or suffocating laws and regulations of the country where you live? Ever dreamed of starting your own country or just want to understand how that happens? In this refreshing new book, Matt Qvortrup provides a step-by-step guide to forming an independent country, from organising a referendum and winning it, to receiving official international recognition, establishing a currency and even entering the Eurovision song contest. The book delves into the legal, economic and political problems of creating new states, using historical examples and anecdotes from all over the world to illustrate the obstacles to these campaigns. Qvortrup recounts his globetrotting experiences as an expert consultant on referendums to give a no-nonsense explanation of the many hurdles and barriers, as well as the opportunities for those who want to break free.Trade Review‘I want to break free is the unapologetic book of political independence movements, by an advisor who has both global, ground-level political experience and encyclopaedic historic knowledge. Would-be states need this book as much as existing states in danger of runaway nations. If you are neither of these, you will simply find this book immeasurably informative and entertaining.’Dahlia Scheindlin, PhD., international political consultant and foreign affairs analyst'Matt Qvortrup’s concise book provides an expert guide to the practical issues of making a country formally independent, self-governing and part of the community of democratic nation-states. Myths are challenged, and historic and contemporary examples drawn from, which are relevant to how we make sense of independence in the age of interindependence. Essential reading for anyone with an interest in self-government in Scotland, Catalonia and elsewhere.'Gerry Hassan, Professor of Social Change, Glasgow Caledonian University and author of Scotland Rising: The Case for Independence'Full of insight and rich detail, Matt Qvortrup’s important new book provides an engaged and wonderfully engaging study of the passions and politics of state making.'Professor Alastair Bonnett, author of Off The Map and Beyond The Map'This book is a pearl within the study of secessionism that could only be written by someone knowing both the realpolitik of state-making and the depths of the multiple academic debates on this topic.'Marc Sanjaume-Calvet, Regional & Federal Studies'A good, well-written, practical survey of much of the law, politics, & economics of secession which should be informative to secessionists and counter-secessionists both.'Mark McGeoghegan, doctoral researcher at the University of Glasgow'Overall, this book is refreshing and excellent, making it easy to recommend. It renders visible and accessible to a wider audience things that would be easily recognisable to specialists. For those of us outside of the small circles of the Scottish and British insider political classes, looking in from diverse standpoints, I want to break free clearly explains what is possible and, in general terms, how. It doesn’t play down how hard it is, and it doesn’t dumb down nor back down from the difficult issues. In thinking about ‘the now’ and the ‘not yet’ in Scotland, such a pragmatic contribution is very welcome.'Hannah Graham, Bella Caledonia'How does a would-be nation become a legitimate, internationally recognized state? This short, accessible book is framed as a step-by-step guide to nation-building. In it, Matt Qvortrup paints secessionism as a very public divorce; or, at least, a trial separation.'Kerryn Baker, Australian National University -- .Table of ContentsIntroduction1 A brief history of self-determination and the making of new states2 Start me up: how to establish a movement and win support3 What’s law got to do with it? The legal side of creating a new state4 The power and the passion: the international politics of creating a new state5 Constitution building: rebuilding the ship at sea6 Shake your money maker: the economics of becoming a new countryConclusions: bringing it all back homeIndex

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Book SynopsisIn a series of 50 accessible essays, Adam Fleming introduces and explains the history, key ideas and tools of democracy developed by some of the world's greatest thinkers - spanning from the ancient Greeks to the present day.From the right to vote to the monarchy, viral politics to Brexit, 50 Democracy Ideas You Really Need to Know is a complete introduction to the most important democracy ideas throughout history.

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Book SynopsisFollowing in the footsteps of the highly successful Queer: A Graphic History, illustrator Jules Scheele teams up with Dr Laura Locker in this comic-book introduction to the political history of the Land of Opportunity.How dida political outsider like Trump win the 2016 presidential election? Why do someAmericans feel so strongly about gun rights? Is there a role for more than twopolitical parties in the system?Politicsisn't something that just occurs in the West Wing or the gleaming Capitolbuilding - it comes from the interaction between state and society, theAmerican people living their daily lives. In this unique graphic guide, wefollow modern citizens as they explore everything from the United States'political culture, the Constitution and the balance of power, to socialmovements, the role of the media, and tensions over race, immigration, and LGBTrights.Stepright up, and see what lies beneath the pageantry and headlines of this greatnation.Trade ReviewUpbeat and optimistic, it reminds us that one awful president can't sink history's most powerful democracy.' * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisIn For the People: Left Populism in Spain and the US Jorge Tamames offers a stimulating comparative study of Spain’s Podemos and the Bernie Sanders movement in the US. Left populism emerges as a potential powerful antidote to rising inequality in both Europe and America. Recent years have witnessed dramatic challenges to established politics across Europe and America. Opposition to business-as-usual has not been limited to the radical right: left populist movements with transformative agendas offer a very different – if equally radical – response to the status quo. Focusing on left populist movements in the contrasting political landscapes of Spain and the US, For the People brings together insights from Karl Polanyi, Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe to offer a bold new explanatory framework for today’s left populism. The book will be a key text for activists, students of politics, and anyone interested in the current political landscape of Europe and America. It grounds its insights in a careful excavation of recent political history in the two countries, tracing the emergence and advance of left parties and movements from the early days of neoliberalism in the 1970s, through the political landslides that followed the 2008 financial crisis and the post2011 protest cycle, up to the present day. In the age of Trump and Brexit, For the People offers an indispensable mix of theoretical, historical and practical insights for all those interested in and inspired by the radical potentials of left populism.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Populists at the gates 1.Populism and its discontents 2. Earthquakes and countermovements 3. The move to the market 4. From consensus to crisis: Spain 1978-2013 5. From New Deal to no deal: America 1977-2014 6. Storming heaven: Podemos and Spain’s populist moment 7. Bernie Sanders’s political revolution Conclusion: Hopes and prospects for left populism

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Book SynopsisFocussing on how the Romans made Europe work as a homogenous civilisation and looking at why we are failing to make the EU work in modern times, this is an authoritative and amusing study from bestselling author Boris Johnson.In addition to his roles as politician, editor, author and television presenter, Boris Johnson is a passionate Roman scholar. The recent Dream of Rome' TV series saw him travelling throughout the Roman Empire in order to uncover the secrets of the governance of the empire, and the reasons behind why the Romans held such power and prestige for so long.Fiercely interested in Europe and the current issues facing the European Union, Boris Johnson will look at the lessons we could learn from the Romans and how we could apply them to our modern politics.Boris Johnson was the editor of the Spectator, MP for Henley and is now the new Shadow Minister for Education. He writes a column for the Daily Telegraph and lives in London and Oxfordshire with his wife and their childrTrade Review'As an introduction to the history of the Roman empire, this book is hugely stimulating. I read it in two sittings, completely gripped. If Ruth Kelly has an ounce of sense, she will make this book compulsory reading for every 16-year old in the country.' Toby Young, New Statesman 'History comes alive only when written from the heart and Johnson's is full of swashbuckling japes, bloodthirsty yells and energetic sideswipes.' Craig Brown, Mail on Sunday 'Written with all the wit and zest that have helped to make him Britain's favourite celebrity MP.' Tom Holland, Daily Telegraph 'Johnson has not been intimidated by dry classics masters: his style is bright, breezy, populist and pacy.' The Times 'Described with his special combination of sharp-eyed intelligence and golly-gosh exclamation…the sublime and the bizarre are richly represented in this portrayal of ancient Rome…a splendid romp through the Roman world.' Sunday Telegraph 'Lovers of Latin and ancient history unite! At long last there is a warm, funny, erudite introduction to the Roman empire…The success of “The Dream of Rome” lies in the modern twang of the author. It is an art Boris Johnson has to perfection…a marvellous reader-friendly account of Rome.' Independent

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Book SynopsisThis new selection of Gandhi's writings taken from his books, articles, letters and interviews sets out his views on religion, politics, society, non-violence and civil disobedience. Judith M. Brown's excellent introduction and notes examines his philosophy and the political context in which he wrote.Table of ContentsGANDHI, HIS MISSION, AND THE INFLUENCES ON HIM; AUTHENTIC HUMAN LIFE AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL; TRANSFORMING SOCIETIES; INDIA UNDER BRITISH RULE: MAKING A NEW NATION; NON-VIOLENCE AS POLITICAL ACTION

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Book SynopsisAppointments to the United States Supreme Court are now central events in American political life. Every vacancy unleashes a bitter struggle between Republicans and Democrats over nominees; and once the seat is filled, new justices typically vote in predictable ways. However, this has not always been the case. As late as the middle of the twentieth century, presidents invested little time and effort in finding and vetting nominees, often selecting personal cronies, who senators briskly confirmed. Media coverage was desultory, public opinion was largely non-existent, and the justices often voted independently and erratically. In Making the Supreme Court, Charles M. Cameron and Jonathan P. Kastellec examine 90 years of American political history to show how the growth of federal judicial power from the 1930s onward inspired a multitude of groups struggling to shape judicial policy. Over time, some groups moved beyond lobbying the Court to changing who sits on it. Other groups formed exprTrade ReviewMaking the Supreme Court uses judicial nominees to investigate larger changes in American politics over the last century, enduring questions about the administrative state, political parties, citizens, interest groups, and lobbying-not to mention nettlesome debates about voter rationality, the downstream effects of partisan polarization, and plenty more besides. Keenly perceptive and abundantly inquisitive, Cameron and Kastellec have delivered a tour de force that is sure to have a major impact on our understanding of all of American politics. * William Howell, Sydney Stein Professor in American Politics, The University of Chicago *Making the Supreme Court is a game changer. It describes and analyzes the entire appointments process with the goal of explaining why Supreme Court nominations transformed from low to high salience events, and how this transformation affects the contemporary court. Because, on the authors' account, the transformation touched every aspect of the process-from the president's approach to selecting nominees to the media's coverage of the proceedings-an expansive approach was required. And Cameron and Kastellec take on the task with gusto. For each change they posit, they dig in, ultimately developing a compelling mix of evidence connecting the transformation to the Court and its decisions-meaning that Making the Supreme Court's contributions transcend the selection of justices; the results help us make sense of the behavior of the contemporary court. * Lee Epstein, University Professor of Law and Political Science, University of Southern California *An exemplary analysis of a hugely important political phenomenon: the evolution of a strongly partisan, and likely, very stable court. How did this happen? The authors argue that the answer is found in appointment politics, writ large. Supreme Court appointments are examined and explained systemically, from the vantages of presidents, senators, justices, media, voters, the past, present, and the futures too. Powerful analytic tools and models are developed and deployed, alternative theories are carefully examined and eliminated, and the results are persuasive. Making the Supreme Court is a definitive account that seems likely to last as long as the current court majority. * John A. Ferejohn, Samuel Tilden Professor of Law, New York University School of Law *Cameron and Kastellec's Making the Supreme Court is deeply researched and thought-out, and both theoretically and historically sophisticated. It will in short order become the key work on Supreme Court appointment politics. * Josh Chafetz, Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center *Table of ContentsI. What Happened Then and Now The Party Demands: Party Agendas for the Supreme Court Selecting How to Select: Presidents and Organizational Design The Candidates for the Court and the Nominees Interest Groups The Media, co-authored with Leeann Bass and Julian Dean Public Opinion Decision in the Senate II. Why it Happened The Logic of Presidential Selection, co-authored with Lauren Mattioli What the Public Wanted Voting in the Shadow of Accountability: Senators' Confirmation Decisions III. How It Matters, and What the Future Holds New Politics, New Justices, New Policies: The Courts That Politics Made The Future: The Courts that Politics May Make What Future Do We Want? Evaluating Judicial Independence Conclusion

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Book SynopsisAs the most concise, accessible guide to the EU, The European Union: How does it work? is an ideal introduction for those coming to the subject for the first time. A team of expert scholars cut through the complexity to explain how the EU works, both in theory and in practice, helping students gain the knowledge they need to succeed.Trade ReviewThis lucid and balanced text, filled to the brim with learning tools and practitioner insights, gives you a deep dive into how the EU actually works and what we might make of it. * Dr Uta Staiger, Associate Professor of European Studies, Executive Director of the UCL European Institute, and Pro-Vice-Provost (Europe) *The European Union: How does it work? is a definitive how, what and why of the European Union. It provides a comprehensive understanding for those new to the study of the EU. Yet it also manages to combine its breadth and depth with sophisticated insight for those wanting to expand the boundaries of their knowledge of the EUs current and future challenges. * Professor Richard G. Whitman, Professor of Politics and International Relations, University of Kent *This superb introductory text combines conceptual sophistication with a detailed exposition of EU institutions and policy-making, and is particularly good in capturing the domestic political instability and multiple external challenges that make up the context for European integration in the 21st century. * Professor Christopher Bickerton, University of Cambridge *This textbook is up-to-date with recent theoretical and conceptual discussions in the field, and does illustrate complex arrangements in an accessible way to students. * Richard Kotter, Northumbria University at Newcastle upon Tyne *Table of ContentsPart I: Background 1: Daniel Kenealy, Amelia Hadfield, and Richard Corbett: Introduction 2: Desmond Dinan: How did we get here? Part II: The EU: How does it work? 3: Richard Corbett, Daniel Kenealy, and Amelia Hadfield: The EU's Institutions 4: Ramona Coman: EU Member States 5: Daniel Kenealy: Policy-making in the EU 6: Richard Corbett: Democracy in the EU Part III: The EU: What does it do? 7: Dionyssis G. Dimitrakopoulos: The EU's Internal Policies 8: Niklas Helwig: The EU as a Global Actor 9: Ulrich Sedelmeier: EU Enlargement and Wider Europe Part IV: The EU: Where is it going? 10: Amelia Hadfield, Daniel Kenealy, and Richard Corbett: Future Challenges 11: Amelia Hadfield, Daniel Kenealy, and Richard Corbett: Conclusion

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Book SynopsisDrawing on the rich resources of the ten-volume series of The Oxford Handbooks of Political Science, this one-volume distillation provides a comprehensive overview of all the main branches of contemporary political science: political theory; political institutions; political behavior; comparative politics; international relations; political economy; law and politics; public policy; contextual political analysis; and political methodology. Sixty-seven of the top political scientists worldwide survey recent developments in those fields and provide penetrating introductions to exciting new fields of study. Following in the footsteps of the New Handbook of Political Science edited by Robert Goodin and Hans-Dieter Klingemann a decade before, this Oxford Handbook will become an indispensable guide to the scope and methods of political science as a whole. It will serve as the reference book of record for political scientists and for those following their workTrade ReviewReview from previous edition Robert Goodin has put together a superb volume: truly a collection of the very best from the already outstanding chapters in the original ten volumes. The authors -- the most prominent and authoritative experts from all over the world -- provide not only a comprehensive and systematic assessment of what political science has already accomplished but also a guide to where the discipline should be heading in the future. Political scientists in all fields will welcome this immensely valuable effort. * Arend Lijphart, Research Professor Emeritus of Political Science Department of Political Science, University of California, San Diego *A concise and solid introduction to political science and its ten sub-disciplines. The assembly of scholars from leading US, European, and Australian universities and research centres provides the reader with diverse perspectives and awareness of current scholarship. Entries are heavily cited and provide a concise roadmap of key scholars, theories, and current developments within each area...Highly recommended * CHOICE *Anyone who wants to know the state of the art in political science and where the discipline is headed, but only consult one volume, need go no further than these authoritative essays by first rate contributors * Carole Pateman, Research Professor School of European Studies, Cardiff University *Table of ContentsPART 1 INTRODUCTION; PART II POLITICAL THEORY; PART III POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS; PART IV LAW & POLITICS; PART V POLITICAL BEHAVIOR; PART VI CONTEXTUAL POLITICAL ANALYSIS; PART VII COMPARATIVE POLITICS; PART VIII INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS; PART IX POLITICAL ECONOMY; PART X PUBLIC POLICY; PART XI POLITICAL METHODOLOGY

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Book Synopsis''Arguably the most important intellectual alive'' New York Times on Noam ChomskyIn this collection of essays from 1969-2013, Noam Chomsky exposes the real nature of state power. With unrelenting logic, he holds the arguments of empire up to critical examination and shatters the myths of those who protect the power and privilege of the few against the interests and needs to the many.Including essays on subjects such as:* Human Intelligence and the Environment* Terror, Justice and Self-Defence* The Welfare-Warfare stateThis is an indispensable compilation of searing insights into the state of our world.Praise for Chomsky:''Noam Chomsky is a global phenomenon . . . he may be the most widely read American voice on the planet today'' NYT Book Review''Will there ever again be a public intellectual who commands the attention of so many across the planet?''

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Book SynopsisTechnology has become a major subject of philosophical ethical reflection in recent years, as the novelty and disruptiveness of technology confront us with new possibilities and unprecedented outcomes as well as fundamental changes to our normal ways of living that demand deep reflection of technology. However, philosophical and ethical analysis of technology has until recently drawn primarily from the Western philosophical and ethical traditions, and philosophers and scholars of technology discuss the potential contribution of non-Western approaches only sparingly. Given the global nature of technology, however, there is an urgent need for multiculturalism in philosophy and ethics of technology that include non-Western perspectives in our thinking about technology. While there is an increased attention to non-Western philosophy in the field, there are few systematic attempts to articulate different approaches to the ethics of technology based on other philosophical and ethical traditions. The present edited volume picks up the task of diversifying the ethics of technology by exploring the possibility of Confucian ethics of technology. In the six chapters of this volume, the authors examine various ideas, concepts, and theories in Confucianism and apply them to the ethical challenges of technology; in the epilogue, the editors review the key ideas articulated throughout the volume to identify possible ways forward for Confucian ethics of technology. Harmonious Technology revives Confucianism for philosophical and ethical analysis of technology and presents Confucian ethics of technology as another approach to the ethics of technology. It will be essential for philosophers and ethicists of technology, who are urged to consider beyond the Western paradigms. More broadly, the volume will be of interest to students and scholars in the fields of philosophy, science and technology studies, innovation studies, political science, and social studies.Trade Review"Harmonious Technology is a must-read for anyone interested in the philosophy and ethics of technology. While the effects of technology are global, the frameworks to understand and evaluate them are still local, dominated as they are by western approaches. In six fascinating chapters and the epilogue, the authors convincingly and profoundly demonstrate how a ‘multicultural turn’ can substantially enrich the ethics of technology. Without any doubt, this book is a solid foundation for much exciting work to come." - Peter-Paul Verbeek, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy of Technology and Co-Director of the DesignLab, University of Twente, and author of What Things Do (2005) and Moralizing Technology (2011)"Refreshing, stimulative, and timely, Harmonious Technology makes an important contribution to developing a Confucian philosophy of technology. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is interested in this propitious field of study." - Chenyang Li, Professor of Philosophy, School of Humanities, Nanyang Technological University, and author of The Confucian Philosophy of Harmony (2013)"Although there have been an increasing number of English language studies devoted to reassessing Confucianism in general terms and presenting it as a challenge to Western ethics, this is the first to tackle a range of issues in the ethics of technology from a Confucian perspective broadly construed. It represents the important work of a new generation of internationally engaged Chinese philosophers of technology."- Carl Mitcham, Professor Emeritus of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Colorado School of Mines; International Professor of Philosophy of Technology, Renmin University of China; author of Thinking through Technology (1994) and Steps Toward a Philosophy of Engineering (2020)"[...]For those long engaged in such multicultural approaches to philosophy of ethics and technology, this volume represents a most welcome and significant contribution, one signaling a new level of engagement across these diverse traditions: it is simply delicious reading to be savored and learned deeply from. For those somewhat newer to these territories, the volume will be especially valuable as a primer in Confucian thought [...]. I simply cannot recommend it strongly enough."- Charles M. Ess, Professor Emeritus, Department of Media and Communication, University of Oslo; author of Digital Media Ethics, 3rd Edition (2020)Table of ContentsIntroduction: Why Confucian Ethics of Technology? 1. Confucian Ritual Technicity and Philosophy of Technology 2. Dao, Harmony and Personhood: Toward a Confucian Ethics of Technology 3. Technological Mediation in and for Confucianism-Based Cultures 4. Self-Cultivation of the Confucian Engineer: What Engineering Ethics Education Can Learn from Confucian Moral Theory 5. Artificial Intelligence, Personal Decisions, Consent, and the Confucian Idea of Oneness 6. Confucian Personhood and the Scientific Spirit: Ren as the Foundation of Confucian Ethics of Technology Epilogue: The Future of Confucian Ethics of Technology

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Book SynopsisBuilding on socio-legal studies, anthropology, and performance studies, this book challenges depictions of law as a façade for political repression by examining political trials in Zimbabwe after 2000, looking beyond the repression/resistance binary as a way of understanding governments' and citizens' uses of law.Trade Review'In Verheul's masterful account, law shapes (and is shaped by) political subjectivities and norms in crisis-ridden post-colonial Zimbabwe. We see how law works within the state and how meaningful legal practices, claims and institutions can be, for both those in authority and those who resist.' Sara Rich Dorman, University of Edinburgh'Through a finely crafted interweaving of detailed courtroom ethnography, revealing interviews and carefully read legal documents, Susanne Verheul eloquently unfolds the complex relationships between history, law, politics, state authority and citizenship. While contextualised within Zimbabwe, this rich account and its analytical insights has great significance for a wide range of scholarly fields.' Amanda Hammar, University of Copenhagen'A fascinating and vividly painted picture of the way in which power gets enacted in Zimbabwe's courtrooms and a must-read for socio-legal scholars and Africanists alike. Verheul manages to combine disciplinary perspectives and rich case material to dig deep into how power gets constituted and is performed. Highly recommended!' Barbara Oomen, Utrecht UniversityTable of ContentsIntroduction: Law, state authority and the courts, 1. History, authority and the law in Zimbabwe, 1950–2002; 2. 'Rebels' and 'good boys': examining the working conditions in Zimbabwe's attorney general's office after 2000; 3. 'Zimbabweans are foolishly litigious': debating citizenship when engaging with a politicised legal system; 4. 'What is abnormal is normal': performative politics on the stages of arrest and detention; 5. Material and sensory courtrooms: observing the 'decline of professionalism' in Harare's magistrates'' courts; 6. The trials of the 'traitor in Harare's magistrates' courts under the unity government; 7. History, consciousness and citizenship in Matabeleland: the impact of the MLF case; 8. Historical narrative and political strategy in Bulawayo's magistrates' courts: the case of Owen Maseko; Conclusion: 'Government is a legal fiction' – performing law, the state, citizenship and politics.

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Book SynopsisThe complex and self-serving nexus behind the UK's housing crisis is laid bare in this passionate book from Bob Colenutt. Investigating the network of landowners, house-builders, financial backers and politicians, he reveals how we have been forced to accept the cycle of low supply and high prices, and proposes solutions to the housing emergency.Trade Review“The housing crisis stems from a new and unholy alliance of financial, developer and land-owning interests which this timely book uncovers and promises to fix as a central part of fixing the economy and society.” Michael Edwards, University College LondonTable of ContentsThe finance-housebuilding complex The housing shortage The housebuilding business Financing housing investment The property lobby Shaping national housing and planning policy The 2008 financial crash continues The housebuilders and affordable housing How the social and affordable housing sectors got swallowed Local case studies Unblocking the impasse

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Book SynopsisThis book represents the first systematic overview of policy analysis in Thailand. By providing an overview of the history, styles and methods of policy analysis in Thailand, it will be a valuable resource for policy analysis researchers and practitioners.Table of ContentsIntroduction - Ora-orn Poocharoen and Piyapong Boossabong Part 1: History, styles and methods of policy analysis in Thailand 1. History and styles of policy analysis in Thailand - Piyapong Boossabong 2. Methods of policy analysis in Thailand: bureaucratic, managerial, academic and participatory orientations - Arunee Santhitiwanich Part 2: Policy analysis within executive government 3. Policy analysis in central government - Theerapat Ungsuchaval 4. Policy analysis in Thai local governments - Pobsook Chamchong 5. Collaboration, networks and policy analysis in Thailand - Chatthip Chaichakan Part 3: Policy analysis beyond executive government 6. Monarchy and Thai meta-policy: the early years of Rama X’s reign - Khorapin Phuaphansawat and Puangchon Unchanam 7. The role of the Thai military in policy analysis: unpacking three faces of the military in the non-military policy domain - Wasin Punthong 8. Parliamentary committees, legislative supporting agencies and policy advice - Tatchalerm Sudhipongpracha 9. The role of expert policy advisory boards, consultants and think tanks in policy analysis - Ora-orn Poocharoen, Patamawadee Jongruck, Phanuphat Chattragul and Malinee Khumsupa 10. Political movements as expression of public opinion for agenda setting in Thailand - Watcharabon Buddharaksa Part 4: Political parties and interest groups in policy analysis 11. Political parties and policy analysis - Chanintorn Pensute 12. Business associations and policy analysis - Warathida Chaiyapa and Vorapat Chutima 13. The role of the community sector and civil society in policy analysis - Theerapat Ungsuchaval and Wachirawat Ariyasirichot 14. The influence of Thailand’s social movements on policy analysis - Nattakant Akarapongpisak Part 5: Policy analysis education and research 15. Policy analysis instruction in Thailand - Piyakorn Whangmahaporn 16. Non-traditional policy studies in Thailand - Theerapat Ungsuchaval 17. Policy research in academic institutions - Chumphol Aunphattanasilp 18. Transition and prospects of Thai policy analysis - Ora-orn Poocharoen and Piyapong Boossabong

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisNo one saw it coming. No pundit, no pollster and no political leader predicted David Cameron’s Conservative Party would win a majority of seats in Parliament and his three main opponents would resign as party leaders. The consequences of the coalition also became clear as the Liberal Democrats fell dramatically from grace, and lost their spot as Britain’s third party. And despite Scotland voting ‘NO’ to independence in 2014, the election result also threatens the Union, with the Scottish National Party winning all but three of the country’s seats. In this timely edition, Richard S. Grayson analyses Britain’s changing political landscape, and explores the role of the media, the European Union and the UK’s ‘special relationship’ with the US. Thorough and incisive, British Politics: A Beginner’s Guide is the perfect introduction to the structure, parties and personalities of British Government today.Trade Review‘Fresh and accessible. Grayson manages to convey with clarity some of the vital issues and writes with one eye on the current mood of cynicism about politics and politicians. An excellent starting-point.’ * Professor Michael Kenny – Director of the Mile End Institute, Queen Mary University of London *‘Combines personal insights with historical and academic context to map out why we should all care about British politics.’ * Mark Bennister – Teaching Fellow in British Politics, University College London *‘A highly readable and informative introduction to British politics since 1945.’ * James Panton – former Lecturer in Politics, St John’s College, University of Oxford *

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Book SynopsisThe Manifesto Handbook describes the hidden life of an undervalued genre: the conduit for declarations of principle, advertisements for new “isms,” and provocations in pamphlet form. Often physically slight and small in scale, the manifesto is always grand in style and ambition. A bold, charismatic genre, it has founded some of the most important and revolutionary movements in modern history, from the declaration of wars and the birth of nations to the launch of countless social, political and artistic movements worldwide. Julian Hanna provides a brief genealogy of the genre, analyses its complex speaking position, traces the material process of manifesto making from production to dissemination, unpacks its extremist underbelly, and follows the twenty-first century resurgence of the manifesto as a re-politicised and reinvigorated digital form.

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Book Synopsis'The Singularity' is what Silicon Valley calls the idea that, eventually, we will be overrun by machines that are able to take decisions and act for themselves. What no one says is that it happened before. A few hundred years ago, humans started building the robots that now rule our world. They are called states and corporations: immensely powerful artificial entities, with capacities that go far beyond what any individual can do, and which, unlike us, need never die. They have made us richer, safer and healthier than would have seemed possible even a few generations ago - and they may yet destroy us. The Handover distils over three hundred years of thinking about how to live with artificial agency.Trade ReviewPersuasive ... the ever-erudite host of the terrific Talking Politics podcast ... ranges far and wide, from hunter gatherers to Elon Musk, from the wisdom of juries to the (terrifying) implications of autonomous weapons systems -- Tim Adams * Guardian *Runciman's erudition is formidable ... a wide-ranging history of the modern state and an exploration of how AI technology may change the world [from] one of our leading public intellectuals -- Jason Cowley * Sunday Times *Compelling ... David Runciman makes salutary arguments [about] the most urgent problem we face -- Blake Smith * Literary Review *Quirky, meditational, disturbing ... original thinking -- Sherelle Jacobs * Telegraph *Praise for David Runciman: 'A clear and forceful writer * Financial Times *Runciman's flair for turning a pithy and pungent phrase is one of the things to admire about his writing ... That and [his] cogency, subtlety and style * Observer *Refreshingly free of received and rehearsed wisdoms, Runciman doesn't tiptoe around sacred cows and invites us to take part in that most adult way of thinking: to examine contradictory ideas in tandem and ponder what the dissonance amounts to * Australian *

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