Political structure and processes Books

Book SynopsisThis major new reference book provides an authoritative and thorough analysis of the political changes which have occurred in Eastern Europe since the demise of communism. It offers an historical, comparative perspective of the region and focuses on the social consequences of the transition, historical legacies, and variations between countries in the sequences of the changes. This comprehensive handbook includes detailed examinations of elections, the formation of governments, electoral systems, and constitutional arrangements. It features country case studies on Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech and Slovak Republics, Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, and Bulgaria. These are supplemented by several chapters drawing conclusions on the transition to democracy in the region as a whole, and the consolidation of democracy in a post-communist setting.The Handbook of Political Change in Eastern Europe provides a state-of-the art companion which will be indispensable for students and scholars in the social sciences including transitional economics, comparative economic systems and political science, as well as for policymakers and practitioners.Trade Review'The editors have succeeded in putting together an excellent group of authors who present a well informed and balanced analysis of the formation of political systems in the examined countries. . . . The authors of this book are to be congratulated on the structure and clarity of its presentation. This volume makes an interesting contribution to knowledge in this field and should be useful reading for students and experts interested in Central and Eastern European politics.' -- Dan Marek, Journal of European Area Studies'This is a very interesting reference book of the political changes in Eastern Europe since the demise of communism. It will prove to be of great use for everybody involved in research on Eastern Europe, but it can also offer considerable introductory information to those who have not followed the most recent developments in the region.' -- Ioannis Armakolas, The Ethnic Conflict Research DigestTable of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Foundations of Change 2. The Challenge of History in Eastern Europe 3. Estonia 4. Latvia 5. Lithuania 6. Poland 7. The Czech and Slovak Republics 8. Hungary 9. Slovenia 10. Romania 11. Bulgaria 12. From Transition to Consolidation

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Book SynopsisThe interdependencies between politics, governance and technology have created a 'virtual state'. The author analyses this development within the framework of postmodernism in order to illustrate the importance of adopting a postmodern perspective to understand the theory and practice of public administration and politics.This book examines the special connections linking politics, administration and technology in the 'information society'. Paul Frissen describes recent developments both within public administration and in postmodernism and uses examples from Dutch public administration in order to emphasise the importance of the postmodern perspective. Finally, the author considers the role of politics in the virtual state.This book will prove to be invaluable to scholars of public and social policy, public administration and politics.The translation was funded by NWO, the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research.Trade ReviewAcclaim for the Dutch edition:'The radical theses on politics proclaimed by Frissen will undoubtedly draw a lot of attention. . . . But first of all it is good to realise that the book has two faces. Apart from a polemic and postmodern "narrative" on politics and governance, the book also is a thorough and modern synthesis of an extensive and productive research programme in public administration. Frissen courageously elaborates the lines present in this program.' -- Willem Witteveen, Socialisme and Democratie'The narrative deserves reading. Frissen joins the world of important thinkers and the question is whether the academic circles in The Netherlands are not too narrow for these thoughts to be unfolded.' -- N.J.M. Nelissen, Openbaar BestuurTable of ContentsContents: 1. Prologue 2. Public Administration 3. Technology 4. Public Administration and Technology 5. Politics 6. The Social Decor: Modernisation and Postmodernisation 7. Theoretical Intermezzo 8. Administration and Politics in Postmodern Cyberspace 9. Fragmenting and Connecting Governance 10. Politics without Properties Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis innovative book examines the concept of Eurogovernance and the parameters of public policy making in contemporary Europe. It argues that government and governance can only be understood from a multi-theoretical perspective and analyses the consequences of the challenge of regional interdependence for individual states, the European Union, and for Europe as a whole.In the first part, the authors introduce theories of public policy, the policy process and decision making. They then discuss Eurogovernance in the light of issues such as immigration, health policy, environment policy, eastward expansion of the European Union (EU), structural funding and defence policy. They find that there is no one correct way to analyse Europe's public policy and governance - the type of analysis changes according to its context. The authors also discuss the continuing hegemony exercised by the USA in, for example, security and defence issues, as well as economic management. Readers are also made aware of the dangers emanating from regions of instability, dangers which if not properly addressed may come to pose a threat to the grand designs of the architects of the EU's political and cultural destiny.This book will be essential reading for scholars of public policy and European studies.Table of ContentsContents: Preface Part I: Eurogovernance and the Policy Process 1. Eurogovernance: Theories and Approaches to the EU 2. Public Policy in the New Europe Part II: Policies: States and Institutions 3. Economic Management and Governance in Europe 4. The Politics of Structural Funding: Arenas and Agendas 5. European Union Police Policy Making and Co-operation 6. The Governance of Migration: Towards a European Immigration Regime 7. The Health of Nations: Structures and Discourses in Pan-European Health Policy 8. Environmental Europe 9. Eurogovernance and Eastward Expansion of the EU: Formal versus Substantive Democratic Reform 10. Defence and Security Policy Part III: The Nature and Shape of Public Policy in Europe 11. Conclusion References Index

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Book SynopsisA history of Spanish Republicanism, as told through the figure of Alejandro Lerroux (described by Raymond Carr as the "greatest mob politician" of the turn of the century). It examines populism not as a mass movement of discontent, but as strategic -- mostly peaceful but sometimes violent -- means of achieving specific political goals, namely the opening up of a liberal-oligarchical regime to a broader segment of Spanish society. Exploring the beginning of mass politics in Spain through the events and circumstances of fin-de-siecle populism, anticlericalism, charismatic leadership, and the use of a new type of political rhetoric, the author uses semiotic, linguistic and psychological methodology in order to construct a historiography of the period and its players.Trade Review"I applaud the book's multiple and complex historical strategies." Carlos Serrano "A witty and learned construction of fin-de-siecle Spain." Professor Paul Preston, LSETable of ContentsContents: An Ill-Spent Youth; Honour by Pen and by Sword; The Sorcerer's Apprentice; The Castle of the Damned; The Republican Reaction to the Disaster'; A Plain Blunt Man; Deputy and Conspirator; Lerroux and Catalonia; The Tragic Week; Populism and Mass Politics in Spain; Notes; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisIn a world where the built environment seems ever more shaped by invisible market forces, where modern architecture can seem to dissolve into a generic void, sometimes it takes a very special person to make a difference. Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson was Mayor of London from 2008 until 2016, during which time he took a remarkably keen interest in the built environment, commissioning, guiding, and shaping all manner of different projects. With his achievements he showed us all that massive privilege, leaping ambition, no concern for detail and a wasp's attention span needn't hold you back when it comes to creating terrible architecture. Nincompoopolis examines the built legacy of Johnson's tenure, from his embarrassing follies to the folly of his policies, and wonders if there's anything that can be learned from letting someone like him have a go at one the world's great cities.

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Book SynopsisNext Generation e-book nonfiction 2023 Indie Book Award Prize. While social network analyses often demonstrate the usefulness of social media networks to affective publics and otherwise marginalized social justice groups, this book explores the domination and manipulation of social networks by more powerful political groups. Jeffrey Layne Blevins and James Lee look at the ways in which social media conversations about race turn politically charged, and in many cases, ugly. Studies show that social media is an important venue for news and political information, while focusing national attention on racially involved issues. Perhaps less understood, however, is the effective quality of this discourse, and its connection to popular politics, especially when Twitter trolls and social media mobs go on the attack. Taking on prominent case studies from the past few years, including the Ferguson protests and the Black Lives Matter movement, the 2016 presidential election, and the rise of fake news, this volume presents data visualization sets alongside careful scholarly analysis. The resulting volume provides new insight into social media, legacy news, and social justice.

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Book SynopsisThis is the classic story of the life and times of I. F. “Izzy” Stone. Robert Cottrell weaves together material from interviews, letters, archival materials, and government documents, and Stone’s own writings to tell the tale of one of the most significant journalists, intellectuals, and political mavericks of the twentieth century. The story of I. F. Stone is the tale of the American left over the course of his lifetime, of liberal and radical ideals which carried such weight throughout the twentieth century, and of journalism of the politically committed variety. Now available in a handsome new Rutgers University Press Classic edition, it is an examination of the life and career of a gregarious yet frequently grumpy loner who became his nation’s foremost radical commentator provides a window through which to examine American radicalism, left-wing journalism, and the evolution of key strands of Western intellectual thought in the twentieth century.Trade Review"I.F. Stone made a contribution to educating Americans that can hardly be overestimated. As a reader from childhood, later a friend, I was only one of many who found his work and life an inspiration. Izzy offers a valuable perspective on history and the meaning of integrity." -- Noam Chomsky * MIT *"A fascinating history of radical thought in the U.S. . . .essential for American history shelves." * Booklist *"Cottrell has used Stone's life as a prism through which some of the most significant episodes in recent American history can be view. . . . Balanced and thoughtful. While clearly an admirer of the man, Cottrell also asks hard questions about his judgement on a number of political issues." -- Maurice Isserman * If I Had a Hammer: The Death of the Old Left and the Birth of the New Left *"I. F. Stone's Weekly ... pioneered a new kind of investigative journalism, based upon the close reading of government documents. In the 1950's, he gained renown for exposing the hazards of nuclear testing. Then, as the United States became embroiled in Vietnam, he became one of the war's most persistent and effective critics and a hero to a new generation on the left... Stone's fans should welcome this book." * The New York Times Book Review *"A masterly biography." -- Athan Theoharis * The Boss: J. Edgar Hoover and the Great American Inquisition *"An intriguing and sympathetic biography. Admirably researched and forthrightly told, Izzy deserves a wide readership." -- Stephen J. Whitfield * Brandeis University *"A useful record of Stone's lifework." * The Washington Post *"Impressive in its details and its accolades to Stone." * Editor & Publisher *"Stone (1907-88) enjoyed a remarkable career as a journalist, muckraker, and indomitable critic of the Establishment. An editorialist at the New York Post during the Depression, Stone went onto to chronicle the rise of McCarthyism, the fall of segregation, and the emergence of the anti-Vietnam War movement. His newspaper I.F. Stone's Weekly, which ran from 1953 to 1971, exposed many forms of corruption at the highest levels of government." * Library Journal *"This well-balanced biography of Isidor Feinstein (I.F.) Stone...most famous for I.F. Stone's Weekly (1953-71), a newsletter that analyzed and criticized governmental operations. It became a model of investigative reporting and its founder a journalistic icon. The book provides superb documentation, exhaustive notes, and a helpful index. The few illustrations give insights into the very human “Izzy” Stone. Recommended for both general and academic readers at all levels." * Choice *“Definitive…an intellectual and political chronicle of progressive politics and activist journalism in twentieth century America…[and] a textured portrayal of Stone’s life as a prism through which to view decades of changes in the American left.” * Los Angeles Times *“A readable and convincing account." * Sydney Morning Herald *“Still valuable today.” -- Paul Berman * New York Times *“A superb biography….One might hope that journalism schools around the land might require students to read Cottrell’s biography." * Journal of American Culture *“We are indebted to Cottrell for this contribution to journalism history….it demonstrates the power of the pen as Stone evolved from the typewriter to a Macintosh….Look long and hard at what Cottrell has contributed to journalism literature with this book….This is a significant study." * Journalism History *"I.F. Stone made a contribution to educating Americans that can hardly be overestimated. As a reader from childhood, later a friend, I was only one of many who found his work and life an inspiration. Izzy offers a valuable perspective on history and the meaning of integrity." -- Noam Chomsky * MIT *"A fascinating history of radical thought in the U.S. . . .essential for American history shelves." * Booklist *"Cottrell has used Stone's life as a prism through which some of the most significant episodes in recent American history can be view. . . . Balanced and thoughtful. While clearly an admirer of the man, Cottrell also asks hard questions about his judgement on a number of political issues." -- Maurice Isserman * If I Had a Hammer: The Death of the Old Left and the Birth of the New Left *"I. F. Stone's Weekly ... pioneered a new kind of investigative journalism, based upon the close reading of government documents. In the 1950's, he gained renown for exposing the hazards of nuclear testing. Then, as the United States became embroiled in Vietnam, he became one of the war's most persistent and effective critics and a hero to a new generation on the left... Stone's fans should welcome this book." * The New York Times Book Review *"A masterly biography." -- Athan Theoharis * The Boss: J. Edgar Hoover and the Great American Inquisition *"An intriguing and sympathetic biography. Admirably researched and forthrightly told, Izzy deserves a wide readership." -- Stephen J. Whitfield * Brandeis University *"A useful record of Stone's lifework." * The Washington Post *"Impressive in its details and its accolades to Stone." * Editor & Publisher *"Stone (1907-88) enjoyed a remarkable career as a journalist, muckraker, and indomitable critic of the Establishment. An editorialist at the New York Post during the Depression, Stone went onto to chronicle the rise of McCarthyism, the fall of segregation, and the emergence of the anti-Vietnam War movement. His newspaper I.F. Stone's Weekly, which ran from 1953 to 1971, exposed many forms of corruption at the highest levels of government." * Library Journal *"This well-balanced biography of Isidor Feinstein (I.F.) Stone...most famous for I.F. Stone's Weekly (1953-71), a newsletter that analyzed and criticized governmental operations. It became a model of investigative reporting and its founder a journalistic icon. The book provides superb documentation, exhaustive notes, and a helpful index. The few illustrations give insights into the very human “Izzy” Stone. Recommended for both general and academic readers at all levels." * Choice *“Definitive…an intellectual and political chronicle of progressive politics and activist journalism in twentieth century America…[and] a textured portrayal of Stone’s life as a prism through which to view decades of changes in the American left.” * Los Angeles Times *“A readable and convincing account." * Sydney Morning Herald *“Still valuable today.” -- Paul Berman * New York Times *“A superb biography….One might hope that journalism schools around the land might require students to read Cottrell’s biography." * Journal of American Culture *“We are indebted to Cottrell for this contribution to journalism history….it demonstrates the power of the pen as Stone evolved from the typewriter to a Macintosh….Look long and hard at what Cottrell has contributed to journalism literature with this book….This is a significant study." * Journalism History *Table of ContentsContents Introduction 1 Izzy, the Icon 2 Early Progress and Greater Philadelphia 3 On the Record 4 A New Deal and the Popular Front at the Post 5 The American Left, Interventionism, and Civil Liberties 6 Fighting the Good War 7 Going Underground 8 The Demise of the Old Left 9 The Panic Was On 10 A “Little Flea-Bite Publication” 11 “We Have to Learn to Think in a New Way” 12 Knockin’ on Jim Crow’s Doors 13 “The Steve Canyon Comic Strip Mentality” 14 Telling Truth to Power: The Emperor Has No Clothes 15 From Pariah to Character to National Institution 16 An Old Firehorse in Semiretirement 17 A Return to the Classics 18 The Rock of Stone Acknowledgments Notes Selected Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis book seeks to re-examine John Major’s leadership using techniques developed through Presidential Studies: namely using Fred Greenstein’s seminal study of Presidential Leadership, The Presidential Difference, and its six criteria for leadership (public communicator, organisational capacity, political skill, public policy vision, cognitive style, and, finally, emotional intelligence). It is through Greenstein’s model that a fresh look can be taken at not only Major’s time in office, but equally the man himself, which proves to be just as revealing. Major’s tenure has often been characterised as being weak and incompetent, as he presided over a sleaze-ridden and divided party on the issue of Europe. With almost a quarter of a century having passed since Major left office, it looks to be an appropriate moment to re-assess his premiership and important role in the recent seismic events surrounding the 2016 Brexit referendum and its outcome.Table of ContentsChapter One: Introduction (10,000 words)Chapter Two: The Greenstein Model In Context (10,000 words)Chapter Three: Public Communicator (10,000 words)Chapter Four: Organisational Capacity (10,000 words)Chapter Five: Political Skill (10,000 words)Chapter Six: Vision (10,000 words)Chapter Seven: Cognitive Style and Emotional Intelligence (10,000 words)Chapter Eight: Conclusion (10,000 words)

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Book SynopsisBy merging public and private tangible and intangible capitals, Public Private Partnerships contracts (PPP) are fundamental to generate public value and to support economic and social development; in the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic, they prove critical to pave the way for the recovery. This book is intended to support the co-evolution of the main public and private players involved in PPP contracts for infrastructure and service delivery, by providing principles, based on the academic and professional experience of the authors, that can be applied across sectors and jurisdictions. Drawing on the framework of public-private collaborations at macro, meso and micro level, this book provides a practical perspective on the most relevant legal, financial and contractual issues of PPP contracts for infrastructure and service delivery.Table of ContentsChapter 1: Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure and Service Delivery. An IntroductionChapter 2: Private Investments for InfrastructureChapter 3: PPP Legal FrameworkChapter 4: PPP Contracts and FeaturesChapter 5: Project Risks and Optimal AllocationChapter 6: From Traditional to Outcome-based Public-Private Partnerships: Social Impact Bonds (SIBs).Chapter 7: Principles of Capital Budgeting for Infrastructure FinancingChapter 8: Value for Money Analysis: Standard and Value-based Methodologies

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Book SynopsisThis volume discusses public policy making in Turkey. Using Turkey as an overarching case study, the author presents foundational concepts of public policy analysis. The method followed in the book is from general to specific: in each chapter, the relevant public policy stage or concept is explained and discussions from international literature are provided first. Then, Turkish cases are presented and clarified using theoretical concepts and debates. Additional examples from other municipalities are included for a comparative perspective. This volume will be of use to researchers and students studying public policy, policy analysis, and global public administration as well as professionals, policymakers, and diplomats working in the Turkish public sector. Table of ContentsChapter 1: Basic Concepts of Public Policy.- Chapter 2: Agenda-Setting.- Chapter 3: Policy Formulation.- Chapter 4: Policy Implementation.- Chapter 5: Policy Evaluation.

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Book SynopsisThis book is inspired by the term “digiwine,” a neologism referring to the production and/or marketing of wine through the use of new technologies and robotics such as vineyard information systems, sensor units, weather stations, drones, robotic harvesters, social media videos, digital labels, and wine apps. The alcohol industry is using these technologies to develop digital strategies and online tools for more efficient sales of wine. This book analyzes the use of digital alcohol marketing, the reasons for it, the role of regulation, and its social impact. In particular, malignant forms of alcohol marketing to youth are precisely described through exact case descriptions from the global milieu. The author questions whether the loopholes in the legislation or inefficiency of self-regulation have negative consequences that can no longer be prevented by public health care programs. When and how did the alcohol industry become so deeply interwoven in our lives that we mindlessly advertise and parade in its shadow on social media and that we increasingly buy alcohol digitally for fun, in innovative packaging, and with strange ingredients combinations? Dr. Mojca Ramšak’s book peels back the layers of the alcohol industry’s most obvious yet overlooked marketing tactics. It also reveals the sluggishness of preventive and curative efforts, as well as legal or self-regulatory measures, at keeping up with the alcohol industry’s use of technology. - Nadja Furlan Štante, Principal Research Associate and Professor of Religious Studies, Science and Research Centre of Koper, Slovenia.Table of Contents1. Introduction: Wine and Technology Between Cultural Attitudes to Alcohol, Sales, Legislation, and Health.- 2. The Greatest Tricks of Digital Alcohol Marketing: The Consumer’s Voice and Alcohol e-Marketing.- 3. Wine Storytelling.- 4. Wearable Technology and Wine.- 5. Smart Packaging: The Labels Come to Life.- 6. Wearable Technology for Preventive or Curative Purposes.- 7. Children and Adolescents as a Marketing Target.- 8. Social Media, Alcohol, and Young People.- 9. Masculinity and Practices of Drinking.- 10. Drinking Games.- 11. Digital Marketing Strategies during a Coronavirus Pandemic.- 12. Femininity, Online Practices of Drinking and Women in Alcohol Industry.- 13. Brand Stretching and Popular Culture.- 14. Legislation between Norm and Practice.- 15. Conclusion: The Unplugged Path to Alcoholism.

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Book SynopsisThis book aims to fill a gap in research on women's political representation by developing a multidimensional assessment of female participation in subnational legislatures in a federal political system like Mexico. The Mexican experience in terms of women's political representation at the federal and subnational levels has been very successful, as the reforms created a more robust "gender electoral regime" that promoted an increase in the number of elected female legislators (1987-2021). Still, little is known about the impact of the rise in women's presence in Congresses on other dimensions of political representation, such as symbolic or substantive.Although previous studies on women's political representation in Mexico have yielded exciting conclusions based on empirical evidence and strengthened a theory focused on the analysis of presence, it is still insufficient to explain the other dimensions of representation and the relationship between them. Therefore, this book contributes to the comparative scholarship from the perspective of feminist neo-institutionalism, expanding the understanding of the relationship between women's formal and descriptive representation, the content of legislative work in terms of preferences and interests (substantive representation), and its symbolic effects on women and politics in general (symbolic representation).Women in Mexican Subnational Legislatures: From Descriptive to Substantive Representation will be of interest to political scientists, sociologists, and jurists interested in gender and politics. The book fills a theoretical and empirical gap on the effects of gender parity in the programmatic and symbolic scope of power building. The findings on good practices and challenges are discussed within a broader body of comparative research, providing knowledge to academia, policymakers, and international cooperation agencies about the remaining obstacles to strengthening Latin American democracies and the need to continue exploring the links between subnational politics and democratization of federal political systems.Table of Contents1) Introduction2) They Have the Seats, But Not the Power: The Argument3) The Long and Winding Road to Gender Parity in Mexican Congresses4) Why Do Some State Congresses Have More Female Legislators than Others?5) How Do Women Exercise the Legislative Function?6) How and Whom Do Women Represent in Legislatures?7) Conclusions: More seats, more power? Evaluating the barriers in the exercise of the legislative function in Mexican Congresses

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Book SynopsisThis open access book responds to the need for a specifically African focus on public policy. It outlines the fundamental principles of public policy research, and engages with major issues in the study of public policy from an African perspective, covering essential topics such as the location and centrality of social sciences in relation to public policy, leadership, methodology, institutions, governance, and gender. This book is essential for understanding the various aspects and dimensions of policy making in Africa that underscore quality research and are at the core of excellence in teaching and learning.Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction: Research Capacity for Evidence Informed Policy Making in AfricaChapter 2: Policy Analysis and Innovation: Why Social Science matters for Public PolicyChapter 3: Social Science Foundations of Public PolicyChapter 4: Research Methods for Public PolicyChapter 5: Governance and Politics of Public Policy in AfricaChapter 6: Contemporary Issues in Public PolicyChapter 7: Political Economy of Public PolicyChapter 8: Leadership, Governance and Public Policy in AfricaChapter 9: Gender, Diversity and Public PolicyChapter 10: Global Context of Public PolicyChapter 11: From Research to Policy Action: Research Communication for Public Policy MakingChapter 12: Conclusion: Towards excellence in Research, learning and teaching Public Policy

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Book SynopsisThe book provides a pioneering overview of the evolution of the local government and urban policy in Cape Verde after independence, offering a multi-scale perspective of local governance in Cape Verde from 1970 - 2020. ​ It examines the process of urban development in the country, and in the capital city in particular, and explores the consequences and challenges for spatial planning, housing, urban heritage, and the environment, namely issues related to climate change in the post-independence period. Table of ContentsChapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Urban Development in Cape Verde between 1970 and 2020.- Chapter 3. Local Government in Cape Verde 1970-2020.- Chapter 4. Spatial Planning and Socio-Spatial Cohesion in Cape Verde.- Chapter 5. Unification of the Land Cadastre with the Land Registry in Cape Verde: Challenges and Opportunities for Local and Urban Governance.- Chapter 6. Genesis and Urban Evolution of Cidade da Praia - Cape Verde.- Chapter 7. Urban Planning in the Municipality of Praia 1970 -2020.- Chapter 8. Urban Heritage in Ribeira Grande de Santiago - Cape Verde: Constraints, Opportunities and Challenges for Urban Governance.- Chapter 9. Housing Policies in Cape Verde, 1970 - 2020: Challenges and Opportunities for Urban Governance.- Chapter 10. Cidade da Praia, Floods and Inundations: Problems and Challenges for Urban Governance- Chapter 11. Cidade da Praia: Natural Risks and Spatial Planning.

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Book SynopsisThis book assesses the management and performance of networks in light of the rising popularity of collaborative approaches in public service delivery. It does so by examining the case of smoking-prevention networks in Switzerland. The book considers how network managers can be distinguished based on work-context related factors, and analyses how the interaction of these factors leads to either active or non-active network management within collaborative policy delivery arrangements. It also empirically investigates the effects that network management and other network-level and project-level factors have on the policy output performance of these networks. Adopting a multi-method approach combining a qualitative comparative analysis, case studies as well as Bayesian regressions, the book will appeal to academics and students of public policy, public administration, and public management. It will also be of use to practitioners responsible for the design and the management of policy delivery networks.Table of Contents1. Management and Performance in Collaborative Networks: A Review of the Literature and the Contribution of This Book.2. Linking Characteristics of Network Managers’ Work Context to Network Management and Project-Level Output.3. A Multi-method Approach to Analyze Network Management and Policy Outputs.4. Swiss Smoking Prevention Policies.5. Connecting Network Managers’ Work Contexts with Network Management.6. Linking Network-Level and Project-Level Factors to Policy Outputs.7. Drivers and Obstacles to Active Network Management and Their Influence on Network Performance.8. How to Improve Collaborative Policy Delivery within Networks: Theoretical and Practical Insights.

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Book SynopsisThis open access book deconstructs the core features of online misinformation and disinformation. It finds that the optimisation of emotions for commercial and political gain is a primary cause of false information online. The chapters distil societal harms, evaluate solutions, and consider what must be done to strengthen societies as new biometric forms of emotion profiling emerge. Based on a rich, empirical, and interdisciplinary literature that examines multiple countries, the book will be of interest to scholars and students of Communications, Journalism, Politics, Sociology, Science and Technology Studies, and Information Science, as well as global and local policymakers and ordinary citizens interested in how to prevent the spread of false information worldwide, both now and in the future.Table of ContentsPart I Conceptual Tools and Contexts .-1 Optimising Emotion: Introducing the Civic Body .- 2 Core Incubators of False Information Online .- 3 Affective Contexts Worldwide .- 4 The Nature and Circulation of False Information .- 5 Feeling-Into the Civic Body: Affect, Emotions and Moods .- 6 Profiling, Targeting and the Increasing Optimisation of Emotional Life .- Part II Strengthening the Civic Body .-7 Harms to the Civic Body from False Information Online .- 8 Defending the Civic Body from False Information Online .- 9 Strengthening the Civic Body as the Bandwidth for Optimised Emotion Expands

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Book Synopsis​Politik und Ökonomie sind unauflösbar miteinander verknüpft. In der Wissenschaft sind sie einander fremd. Dieses Buch schildert die wichtigsten Stränge der für die Gegenwart bedeutsamen Wirtschaftstheorien und das Verhältnis der Politikwissenschaft zur Wirtschaftspolitik. Weitere Kapitel schildern die Bedeutung der Ideologien, der Notenbanken, der Regierungen und der Finanzmärkte an den Beispielen der USA, Deutschlands, Japans und der Eurozone. Dabei werden unter anderem die Ursachen und Folgen der großen Finanzkrise von 2008, die Eurokrise und das Problem der schuldenfinanzierten Staatshaushalte erörtert.Table of ContentsDie Wertewelt des Wirtschaftsdenkens.- Politikwissenschaft und Ökonomie.- Die Wirtschafts- und Geldpolitik.- Die USA.- Die Folgen des neuen Finanzmarktes.- Wirtschaftspolitik in Deutschland und seinem europäischen Umfeld.- Japan.- Die Eurozone, die europäische Wirtschaftspolitik und die EZB.- China.

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Book SynopsisDaniel Thieme beschreibt die religiöse Rede deutscher Spitzenpolitiker anhand ihrer Selbstzeugnisse. Der Autor zeigt eine große Vielfalt von Glaubensüberzeugungen und religiös begründeter politischer Standpunkte auf. Nach religionspsychologischen Anhaltspunkten werden Typen religiöser Außendarstellung gebildet und anhand von Konfession, Parteizugehörigkeit und weiteren Merkmalen verglichen. In Bezug auf politische Sachfragen wird religiöse Rede für ausgewählte Politikbereiche untersucht. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass religiöse Politiker auch über Parteigrenzen hinweg gemeinsame Standpunkte vertreten und diese religiös begründen. Gleichzeitig unternehmen sie bisweilen große Anstrengungen, um ihre religiösen Überzeugungen für eine postsäkulare Gesellschaft zu übersetzen. Trade Review“... Hier liegt eine wichtige und in ihren Ergebnissen differenzierte Studie an der Schnittfläche von Politik und Religion vor, die zum weiteren Nachdenken über das oft spannungsreiche, aber unverzichtbare und hoffentlich immer wieder fruchtbare Verhältnis zwischen beiden Bereichen einlädt.” (Pfr. Sandro Göpfert, in: theologische beiträge, Jg. 50, 2019)Table of ContentsTheorien zur Erforschung religiöser Rede.- Die Konstruktion von Religiosität bei deutschen Politikern anhand ihrer Selbstzeugnisse.- Politische Standpunkte und religiöse Begründungen bei deutschen Politikern.- Die Übersetzung religiöser Rede durch deutsche Politiker.

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Book SynopsisDieser Band bündelt Analysen zu den Präsidentschafts- und Kongresswahlen 2016 in den USA, die durch teilweise unerwartete Ereignisse überraschten. Während in der Wahl um die Präsidentschaft mit harten Bandagen gekämpft wurde und kaum eine populistische Rhetorik ungenutzt blieb, nehmen die Polarisierungstendenzen sowohl im Kongress als auch in der Gesellschaft weiterhin zu. Vor allem Online-Medien sind mittlerweile ein dominierender Faktor in diesen Erscheinungen.Table of ContentsAftershock or Shock Wave? An Assessment of the 2016 Presidential Election from the Perspective of the ‘Obama Legacy’.- Bürgerrechte und Supreme Court im Wahlkampf.- Aufgaben und Funktionen von Vizepräsidentschaftskandidaten im Wahlkampf.- The Staging of Privacy in U.S. Presidential Electoral Campaigns.- Does Money Matter? Wahlkampffinanzierung und die US-Präsidentschaftswahlen 2016.- Trump als Medieneffekt: Der US Wahlkampf 2016, digitale Medien und das ‚vierte Zeitalter’ der politischen Kommunikation.- In Zukunft zurück in die Vergangenheit: Nostalgie als politische Rhetorik.- America First? Trump und der Wandel der amerikanischen Außenpolitik.- Neo-Merkantilismus und Wirtschaftsnationalismus: Die Handelspolitik der Trump-Administration.- The current state of health care in the US after Obama.- Einkommens- und Wohlstandsungleichheit und der Zustand der Demokratie in den USA.- Am Ende des Dritten Weges: Abkehr vom wirtschaftspolitischen Liberalismus?.- Legitimationskrise des politischen und wirtschaftlichen Systems der USA.- Nach der populistischen Revolte: Präsident Donald Trump, Andrew Jackson und die Zukunft der Republikanischen Partei.- Power Games on the Hill: Geschäftsordnungs- und Verfahrensänderungen im Kongress in der Ära der Polarisierung.- Kein Ende in Sicht: Die Polarisierung im US-Kongress.

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Book SynopsisKein Präsident war zur Halbzeit seiner Präsidentschaft jemals so unpopulär wie Donald J. Trump – dabei zugleich aber ausgesprochen populär unter Republikanern. Im Urteil der Experten gehört Trump mit Andrew Johnson und James Buchanan zu den drei schlechtesten US-Präsidenten aller Zeiten. Trumps innenpolitische Halbzeitbilanz war mager und seine außenpolitische Wirkung war ein Fiasko. Katastrophal war Trumps Regierungstechnik. Sie bestand vor allem in populistischen Attacken auf die demokratischen Institutionen. Die US-Demokratie erodierte weiter, ohne jedoch bereits in den Autoritarismus abzugleiten.Table of ContentsTrumps innenpolitische Leistungsbilanz.- Trumps außenpolitische Leistungsbilanz.- Trumps populistische Attacken auf die demokratischen Institutionen.- Trumps Gesamtbilanz nach zwei Jahren.

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Book SynopsisDie Effekte der Digitalisierung auf die Demokratie sind vielfältig. Die Einschätzungen der Debatte fächern sich von Gefahren für Demokratien bis hin zur basisdemokratischen Revolution auf, wobei die tatsächlichen und finalen Folgen derzeit kaum absehbar sind. Das Fazit beinhaltet daher die Antwort, dass wir uns noch in der Phase der Frühdigitalisierung befinden, in der lediglich Abschätzungen und eine Bestandsaufnahme möglich sind. Daher wird in dem vorliegenden Band insbesondere ein Gewicht auf die Theoriebildung gelegt, in der die Demokratietheorie einem Update unterzogen werden soll, um den Digitalen Wandel zu inkludieren. Zudem soll die Demokratietheorie dafür genutzt werden, um die stattfindende digitale Transformation zu erklären und zu verstehen.Table of ContentsEinführung.- Öffentlichkeit.- Akteure.- Disruptionen in Freiheit und Demokratie.- Fazit und Ausblick.

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Book SynopsisIn diesem Open-Access-Buch thematisiert Maximilian Schiffers die Rolle von NGOs als besondere Akteure der Interessenvermittlung. Als Leitfrage untersucht er, wie verschiedene Typen von NGOs im Rahmen politischer Prozesse agieren. Mit einer explorativen und qualitativen Forschungsstrategie vergleicht der Autor fünf systematisch ausgewählte NGOs. Die theoretische Perspektive basiert auf einem Dreieck der Handlungsrationalität (Unterstützungs-, Einfluss- und Reputationslogik) für NGO-Handeln im Kontext moderner Governance-Strukturen. Die Ergebnisse geben einen differenzierten Einblick in die Strategie- und Handlungspraxis von NGOs. Die Spannweite der Profilausprägungen zeigt, dass die Organisationen aus einem vielschichtigen Strategieportfolio mit Schwerpunkten aus Expertise-, Kampagnen-, Mitgliedschaft- und Plattformtypen wählen können. Der Autor erschließt praxisorientierte Bausteine moderner Interessenvermittlung, welche die NGO-spezifischen Besonderheiten betonen.Table of ContentsKapitel 1: Kurzübersicht der Studie.- Kapitel 2: Zielsetzung, Erkenntnisinteresse und Stand der Forschung 9.- Kapitel 3: Forschungsdesign – Theorie, Fallauswahl, Methodik.- Kapitel 4: Übersicht und Profile der ausgewählten fünf NGOs.- Kapitel 5: Qualitative Analyse der fünf NGOs im Dreieck der Handlungsrationalität.- Kapitel 6: Praktische Implikationen und Bausteine moderner Interessenvermittlung.- Kapitel 7: Ergebnisse, weiterführende Hypothesen und Fazit der Untersuchung.

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Book SynopsisDieses Lehrbuch gibt einen fundierten Einblick in das Politikfeld Familienpolitik. Es zeichnet die historischen Entwicklungen in Deutschland nach und zeigt politikfeldanalytische Erklärungen auf. Das Lehrbuch ermöglicht damit auch ein Verständnis der aktuellen familienpolitischen Diskurse. Es richtet sich vornehmlich an Studierende im Bachelor und Master, aber auch an Praktikerinnen und Praktiker, die sich aufgrund von neuen beruflichen Aufgaben in die Grundzüge der Familienpolitik in Deutschland einlesen möchten. Das Buch enthält ergänzendes Online-Material. Table of ContentsEinleitung.- Familie im Wandel.- Familien- und Vereinbarkeitspolitik in Deutschland.- Familie und Vereinbarkeit in der Wissenschaft.- Familien- und Vereinbarkeitspolitik im internationalen Vergleich.- Familien- und Vereinbarkeitspolitik in der Corona-Pandemie.- Fazit.- Kommentierte Literatur.- Abbildungsverzeichnis.- Tabellenverzeichnis.- Literaturverzeichnis.

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Book SynopsisDas Corona-Virus bestimmt seit mehr als zwei Jahren das Leben in Deutschland. Solange Politik und Gesellschaft auf Bundes-, Landes- und Kommunalebene kooperativ, subsidiär und selbstverantwortlich gehandelt haben, war die Coronapolitik am effektivsten und die Eingriffstiefe staatlicher Maßnahmen am geringsten. Doch Politik und Gesellschaft haben sich zu oft in sich selbst verheddert, zu oft gegenseitig blockiert und die Verantwortung gegenseitig zugeschoben. Am Ende des Tages ist die Bilanz vor allem deswegen ernüchternd, weil wir die Vorteile unserer Gesellschaftsordnung - Demokratie, Föderalismus und Selbstbestimmung - für das Krisenmanagement zu wenig in Wert gesetzt haben. Die Politik war nicht in der Lage, Orientierung zu geben, die Gesellschaft driftete auseinander und die Coronabekämpfung entsolidarisierte sich zunehmend.Table of ContentsCorona: Eine epochale Herausforderung.- Der Mensch in der Corona-Manege.- Fallstricke politischer Pandemiesteuerung.- Mit weniger Demokratie gegen das Virus?.- Coronabekämpfung im real existierenden Föderalismus.- Staats- und Politikversagen in der Coronakrise?.- Unsere Lernkurve: Ein Nachwort.

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Book SynopsisIn diesem Sammelband werden aktuelle Ansätze und Entwicklungen zu grundlegenden Konzepten der Vergleichenden Politikwissenschaft diskutiert, insbesondere zu den Themengebieten Staat und Staatlichkeit, Demokratie sowie Rechtsstaatlichkeit und Governance. Damit wird ein breites Spektrum der Vergleichenden Politikwissenschaft abgedeckt. Mit einem besonderen Abschnitt zu Lateinamerika werden auch über Europa hinausgehende Themen angesprochen. Die Beiträge stammen von renommierten deutschen und europäischen Politikwissenschaftler*innen. Der Sammelband vermittelt so einen Überblick zu zentralen aktuellen Debatten der Vergleichenden Politikwissenschaft.Table of ContentsEinleitung.- Literatur.

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Book SynopsisDie Beiträge dieses Bandes analysieren die verschiedenen traditionellen und neueren Mittel der Kampagnenkommunikation sowie die Berichterstattung der Medien im Bundestagswahlkampf 2021. In der Fortschreibung früherer Untersuchungen dokumentieren sie zudem langfristige Trends in der Zeitungs- und Fernsehberichterstattung über die Kampagne.Table of ContentsMerkwürdig, seltsam, anders, langweilig? Bundestagswahlkampf 2021.- “Never Was There More to Do.” Use of Vaguely Formulated Statements in the 2021 German National Election Campaign and Their Potential Effects.- Postdemokratischer Wahlkampf? Eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse der Plakatkampagnen.- Politische Werbung auf Social Media im Bundestagswahlkampf 2021.- Wahlkampf in der Twitter-Arena: Twitter-Kommunikation von Spitzenpolitiker*innen im Bundestagswahlkampf 2021.- Visuelle Personalisierung des Negative Campaigning: Eine Konzeptualisierung anlässlich des Wahlkampfes auf Instagram.- Ein Wahlkampf wie kein anderer? Die Presseberichterstattung zur Bundestagswahl 2021 im Langzeitvergleich.- Alles bleibt anders. Die Fernsehberichterstattung über Baerbock, Scholz und Laschet.- Von Staatsmännern und bürgernahen Wahlkämpfer*innen. Eine visuelle Framing-Analyse der TV-Berichterstattung über die Kanzlerkandidat*innen Olaf Scholz, Armin Laschet und Annalena Baerbock im Bundestagswahlkampf 2021.- Inhaltsleere oder informative TV-Formate?! Eine empirische Analyse zu den Themen und Kommunikationsstrategien bei den TV-Triellen der Bundestagswahl 2021.- Vielfalt bei Google? Vielzahl, Ausgewogenheit und Verschiedenheit wahlbezogener Suchergebnisse.- Prekäre Mobilisierung und defizitäre Kommunikation. Was von der Kampagne bei wem (nicht) ankam.

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Book SynopsisDer Sammelband beleuchtet die verschiedenen Folgen zunehmender digitaler Wahlkämpfe anhand der Bundestagswahl 2021 für Politik, Journalismus und Gesellschaft. Darüber hinaus ermöglichen die Erkenntnisse einen Blick in die Zukunft des digitalen Campaignings. Der digitale Wandel und die damit verbundenen Möglichkeiten für die politische Kommunikation werden die Wahlkämpfe der Zukunft immer stärker beeinflussen.Politische Challenges auf TikTok, Begleitung der TV-Trielle auf Twitter oder Haustürgespräche in der Dating-App – ein Wahlkampf ohne digitale Plattformen und Formate ist heute undenkbar. Entsprechend erhöhen Parteien, Spitzenkandidat*innen und andere politische Akteure ihre Budgets für den Online-Wahlkampf und professionalisieren Personal und Strukturen, um die Wähler*innen noch effizienter zu erreichen und zu mobilisieren. Im Bundestagswahlkampf 2021 beschleunigte die Corona-Pandemie diesen Trend, da traditionelle Wahlkampfveranstaltungen auf Marktplätzen oder in Hallen aufgrund der Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung des Virus kaum möglich waren. Die Parteien und Kandidat*innen waren noch stärker auf digitale Plattformen angewiesen und die Strategien entsprechend detailreicher als in den Jahren zuvor. Table of ContentsEinleitung.- Parteien, Kandidaten und weitere Akteure.- Plattformen, Formate und Strategien.- Sprache und digitale Kommunikation.- Ausblick – Zukünftige digitale Walkämpfe in Deutschland.

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Book SynopsisDieses Buch thematisiert Bürgerentscheide als Instrument direkter Demokratie auf der kommunalen Ebene. Auch Gemeinderäte greifen auf dieses Instrument direkter Demokratie zurück, um die Legitimationsbasis für besondere Projekte zu vergrößern. Bei den Abstimmungen sollten sachfremde Aspekte möglichst keine Rolle spielen. Daher sind die Verständlichkeit des Fragewortlauts sowie die Qualität der Abstimmungsbroschüren besonders wichtig. Ebenfalls sehr wichtig sind vorgeschaltete dialogische Beteiligungsverfahren (z. B. Bürger-Foren). Sie verbessern in der Regel die Abstimmungsqualität.Table of ContentsVorwort.- Wahlbeteiligung bei Bürgerentscheiden. Eine Mehrebenenanalyse für kommunale Bürgerentscheide von 2011 bis 2019.- Die Rolle von sachfremden Aspekten bei Bürgerentscheiden.- Bürgerentscheide nach dialogischen Beteiligungsverfahren. Die wahrgenommenen Wirkungen aus Sicht von Bürgermeister:innen.- Mit ‚Nein‘ stimmen, wenn man dafür ist? Die Verständlichkeit der Frageformulierungen von Bürgerentscheiden in Deutschland.- Abstimmungsbroschüren zu Bürgerentscheiden. Inhalte – Verständlichkeit – Ausgewogenheit.- Einwohneranträge auf der kommunalen Ebene. Ein Instrument zwischen deliberativer und direkter Demokratie.

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Book SynopsisDuring World War II, London experienced not just the Blitz and the arrival of continental refugees, but also an influx of displaced foreign governments. Drawing together renowned historians from nine countries--the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, the former Yugoslavia, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia--this book explores life in exile as experienced by the governments of Czechoslovakia and other occupied nations who found refuge in the British capital. Through new archival research and fresh historical interpretations, chapters delve into common characteristics and differences in the origin and structure of the individual governments-in-exile in an attempt to explain how they dealt with pressing social and economic problems at home while abroad; how they were able to influence crucial Allied diplomatic negotiations; the relative importance of armies, strategic commodities, and equipment that particular governments-in-exile were able to offer to the allied war effort; important wartime propaganda; and early preparations for addressing postwar minority issues.

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Book SynopsisThe League of Nations – Perspectives from the Present is an accessible and richly illustrated edited volume displaying a wide variety of cutting-edge research on the many ways the League of Nations shaped its times and continues to shape our contemporary world. A series of bite-size studies, divided into three thematic parts, investigates how the League affected the world around it and the lives of the people became part of this ‘first great experiment’ in international organisation. Recent research has reinterpreted the League as a laboratory of global economic, political and humanitarian governance. Expanding on this, the volume aims to show that the League is an ‘academic site’, where international history – as a discipline – has re-invented itself by integrating new approaches from social, cultural and media history. With an introduction by Director-General Michael Møller of the United Nations Organisation in Geneva, this work is a timely reminder of the fragile, varied and enduring history of multilateralism, on the centenary of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

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Book SynopsisThis book explores a relatively uncharted area of democratic transitions. In particular, it addresses the problems of protracted transitions that occur when a one-party state has been incompletely dismantled. Due to an initially smooth political transition from one-party authoritarianism to multi-party politics, Taiwan's gradual process of democratization has been celebrated as one of the most successful cases of political transformation. However, this political transition was incomplete and in recent years Taiwan has been marked by protracted political struggles together with an intense politicization of society that threatens the sustainability of the country's democratic politics. This updated edition, with new sections covering KMT rule (2008-16) and the first year of the new DPP government, draws out the broader implications of the book's argument regarding the politicization of society, and ponders the prospects for Taiwan's democracy in the shadow of a dominant China.

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Book SynopsisSince the dawn of civilisation philosophers and sages alike have been concerned about the potential for government to become a Leviathan-like monster. In this book Professor Drew shows how a careful application of natural law principles can mitigate this threat of Leviathan and also contribute to the flourishing of people. To do so Natural Law and Government examines the trade-off between human dignity and the common good during the public policy response to COVID-19. Specifically, Professor Drew details his concerns regarding the emergence of concentrations of power and competence in government – changes that have sadly given rise to the repression of the vitality of citizens. This ground-breaking work explains the changes to thinking, institutions and public management that are necessary for people to reclaim their right to thrive as humans. In sum, this is a handbook for what needs to be done after the COVID-19 revolution.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Natural Law and Government, or, After the (COVID) Revolution?.- Chapter 2. Human Flourishing.- Chapter 3. Moral Government.- Chapter 4. Sortition – A Partial Defence of Human Dignity.- Chapter 5. Structure, Remit, and Size of Government.- Chapter 6. Evaluating Policy Success: COVID Response and Human Flourishing.- Chapter 7. Funding Moral GovernmentChapter 8. Education.- Chapter 9. Can We Have Government and Human Flourishing?

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Book SynopsisThis book adopts the methods of field investigation and case study, systematically summarizes the development course of Nanjiang County in Sichuan Province since China’s reform and opening-up, and comprehensively sorts out its main experiences of promoting green development and rural governance. These experiences not only have great enlightening and demonstration significance to the 80 counties that belong to the Qinba mountain area, but also have important reference value to promote rural revitalization and realize effective governance in the vast mountainous areas and counties throughout the country. Therefore, this book is not only suitable for ordinary readers interested in China's reform and opening up, but also suitable for professional researchers interested in China's green development and rural governance.Table of ContentsIntroduction I. Changes of Nanjiang over the Past Millennium II. Innovative Practice in Green Development (I) Poverty Alleviation Propelled by Green Development(II) Rural Revitalization Led by Green Development III. Collaborative Governance in Green Development (I) Party and Government Integration (II) Corporate Implementation (III) Social Organization Engagement (IV) Talent Guarantee (V) External Collaboration IV. Path to Green Development and Rural Governance of Mountainous Counties (I) Target Positioning: Poverty Alleviation before Comprehensive Rural Revitalization (II) Prerequisite: Basic Instructure as the First Step of Poverty Alleviation and Revitalization (III) Path: Great Efforts in Green Ecological Industry to Guide Integrated Development of the Three Main Industries (IV) Strategic focus: accelerated urban-rural integrated development to boost urban-rural integration (V) Institutional Guarantee: System and Mechanism Innovation that Enhances the Modernization Level of Rural Governance V. Proper Ways to Deal with Relationships in Green Development and Rural Governance (I) Relationship between Government Leadership and Farmers’ Dominance (II) Relationship between Material Poverty Alleviation and Spiritual Poverty Alleviation (III) Relationship between Short-Term Benefit and Long-Term Benefit (IV) Relationship between Overall Advancement and Differentiated Guidance (V) Relationship between Industry Development and Rural Governance VI. Outlook on Promoting Green Development and Rural Governance Conclusion Appendix 2 Implementation Details about the Poverty Alleviation Relocation Project in Nanjiang County (for Trial)Appendix 3 Administrative Division of Qinling-Daba Mountainous AreaMajor References

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Book SynopsisThis book consists of nine chapters, each an in-depth case study into a specific non-mainstream or marginalized online community in Malaysia. The authors come from diverse backgrounds to talk about how new media can both assist and hinder maligned minorities, ignored ethnicities or the often attacked migrants in their day to day lives. The book makes a strong contribution to Malaysian studies which highlights the other and represents minority viewpoints to challenge the belief that Malaysia’s online space is monolithic and limited to several mainstream discourses in Malaysian scholarship.Table of Contents1. Introduction.- Part 1: Indigenous rights and representation.- 2. Native Customary Rights land titles and thwarting deforestation: Digital acts of resistance among Sarawak’s indigenous peoples.- 3. ‘Some Orang Asli still think Najib is PM’: Representations and self-representations of the Orang Asli in the Cameron Highlands byelection.- Part 2: Migrant and refugee discourses.- 4. Romance through digital avatars: Online courtship, representation and ‘catfishing’ amongst irregular female migrants in Sabah.- 5. Grateful politics: Rohingya and social media in the time of the pandemic.- Part 3: The “Othered” minorities.- 6. Confronting Malaysian Indian stereotypes and state neglect: The ‘SuguPavithra’ episode within mainstream national discourse.- 7. ‘Our online-ness matters’: The construction of social media presences by Malaysian LGBTQ Communities.- 8. A ‘blue ocean’ for marginalised radical voices: Cyberspace, social media and extremist discourse in Malaysia.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides new insights into the development of integrated approaches to peace and sustainability in the era of global change. Since the late 1980s, and in order to regulate the increasingly detrimental impacts of humans on the environment, the transition towards sustainability has been high on the agenda of researchers and policymakers alike. Meanwhile, peace considerations have expanded in recent decades to include the varied types and sources of conflict, from inter-state to intra-state conflicts due to various social, political, economic, and environmental factors. Through providing theoretical and empirical insights, this book demonstrates that sustainability and peace as intrinsically interrelated. The book elaborates on the multi-dimensional and constantly evolving concepts of sustainability and peace. In addition, the book contributes to a better understanding of the complex and dynamic interlinkages between peace and sustainability by presenting examples of pathways where sustainability and peace interact considering the different factors and contexts that are constantly shaping and reshaping the conditions for sustainable and peaceful societies. Table of Contents1- Introduction: the need for integrated approaches to peace and sustainability 2- A state of art review of the peace-sustainability nexus 3- Women’s Movement towards Building Sustainable Peace in Cross-Cultural Society: the Case of Peace Agenda of Women in the Deep South of Thailand 4- Boko Haram Insurgency on North-Eastern Nigeria, how has this influenced food insecurity in the region? 5- Exploring the need for an Integrated Conflict Sensitivity Framework in development assistance that contributes to peaceful and sustainable post-conflict societies 6- The Components of Peace Agreements and FDI Inflows in 7- Post-Civil War Economies: a cross country analysis over the period 1990 to 2019 8- Peace through Community Building Efforts of the Rohingya in Bangladesh 9- The Humane yet Ambivalent Attitude Towards Refugees: A Potential Threat to Peace 10- The Role of Media and Social Cohesion between Host and the Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar 11- Human rights, social security and Ghana's response to the COVID-19 pandemic 12- Non-adherence to principles of international law: The bane of environmental insecurity 13- Peace, justice and security in Ghana: the need for peace education 14- Co-benefits and synergies between food security and eight positive peace pillars 15- Concluding remarks

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Book SynopsisMalaysia's 2018 election (GE14) brought down a ruling party in power since independence in 1957. This book tells the full story of this historic election, combining a sharp analysis of the voting data with consideration of the key issues, campaign strategies, and mobilization efforts that played out during the election period in April and May of 2018. This analysis is then used to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to bear on the core debates about Malaysian political ideas, identities and behaviors, debates that continue to shape the country's destiny.However optimistic many Malaysians may be for the possibility of a more representative, accountable, participatory, and equitable polity, the authors do not see GE14 as a clear harbinger of full-on liberalization in Malaysia. While the political aftermath of the election continues to play out, the authors provide a clarion call for deeper, more critical, more comparative research on Malaysia's politics. They complicate well-known angles on and elevate too-little-studied dimensions of Malaysian politics, and suggest agendas for empirically interesting, theoretically relevant further research. They also point to the broader insights Malaysia's experience provides for the study of elections and political change in one-party dominant states around the world.Trade Review“Towards a New Malaysia? is a solid contribution to the broader literature on Malaysian politics and wider issues pertaining to democratic transitions. The book also contains chapters by a substantial number of younger Malaysia-based academics and sheds light on several key issues regarding the 2018 elections.” -- Francis E. Hutchinson * Contemporary Southeast Asia *“This edited volume is comprehensive, with political and electoral analyses on various dimensions of GE 2018 and beyond. The findings highlighted by the authors of various backgrounds and approaches largely complement each other, although there are also conflicting thoughts among them, which demonstrates diverse views.” -- Muhamad M N Nadzri * SOJOURN: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia *"The contributors to this volume provide a thoroughly comprehensive examination of Malaysia’s historic 2018 general elections. This volume advances important analyses not just of Malaysian politics, but also studies of coalition politics in electoral authoritarianism in developing countries. Readers will also appreciate it for motivating numerous pathways for future research." * Pacific Affairs *

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Book SynopsisWith the world watching closely, Myanmar began a process of political, administrative and institutional transition from 30 January 2011. After convening the parliament, elected in November 2010, the former military regime transferred power to a new government headed by former Prime Minister (and retired general), U Thein Sein. With parliamentary processes restored in Myanmar’s new capital of Naypyitaw, Thein Sein’s government announced a wide-ranging reform agenda, and began releasing political prisoners and easing press censorship. Pivotal meetings between Thein Sein and Aung San Suu Kyi led to amendment of the Election Law and the National League for Democracy contesting by-elections in April 2012. The 2011 Myanmar/Burma update conference considered the openings offered by these political changes and media reforms and the potential opportunities for international assistance. Obstacles covered include impediments to the rule of law, the continuation of human rights abuses, the impunity of the Army, and the failure to end ethnic insurgency.

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Book SynopsisWhat did the 2006 military coup show us? It demonstrated that the crux of the Thai crisis is far more serious and much wider in scope than had previously been thought. The monarchy is surely not a victim in the protracted conflict, but the root cause and continuing factor that has eroded Thai politics. The coup set in motion more prejudicial uses of the lèse-majesté law, and in the process, has led to more political prisoners. It has also shredded the military into several segments, turning generals into desperate royalists who continue to live off the monarchy in order to survive. Issues of violence in the Thai south and the Thai-Cambodian dispute became greatly intensified in the age of militarised politics. The coup also produced unique colour-coded politics and created crises of legitamacy. This book is a collection of essays that reflect developments in Thai politics in the post-coup period.

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Book SynopsisThe Duterte administration is often considered a rupture in Philippines’ politics. But how different is Duterte’s programme of change from the past governments, particularly from its predecessor, the Aquino II administration? Is there a shift in regime orientation and policy preferences from Aquino II to Duterte? What will this mean to the future direction of Philippine democracy, its economic development, peace and security, and relations with other countries?This volume focuses on four critical areas — politics and governance, economic governance, the Mindanao peace process, and international relations — to illustrate continuities or discontinuities in the policies and governance of institutions, and to explain the dynamics of change in the Philippines. It pays particular attention to the crucial period between Aquino II and the early years of Duterte. The reason is that Aquino II represents an important period for rebuilding and consolidating institutions of governance and accountability after two previous tumultuous administrations. Yet Aquino II also demonstrates the inherent flaws of Philippine democracy and unravels the contradictory forces vying for state power that sets the scene for Duterte’s rise. Reflecting on the crucial transition period between the two presidencies, while also providing a much-needed update on the most noteworthy policy changes since Duterte’s inauguration, the book fills an important scholarly gap in understanding Asia’s oldest and most puzzling democracy.

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Book SynopsisParty mergers are a new development in Myanmar politics. Given that such mergers often assist the consolidation of new democratic regimes, some broader system-wide effects may also occur. Myanmar’s ethnic parties consistently choose merger strategies over other forms of pre-electoral coalition. This highlights a transition from a focus on questions of authoritarianism and democracy to one on the creation of a federal system of government with a stronger cleavage between competing Bamar and ethnic nationalisms. Despite cooperation among political parties outside the electoral process, pre-electoral coalitions such as constituency-sharing or campaigning for allies have generally not been successful. Five of the six mergers among ethnic parties attempted prior to the 2015 general election failed. However, between 2017 and 2019, five mergers involving parties representing the Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin or Karen, and Mon ethnicities, achieved success. The successful mergers were motivated not only by desires for electoral success in 2020 but also by shared federal aims, which involve ethnic parties in Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin or Karen, and Mon states forming a strong local party in their respective regions to strive for ethnic equality and self-determination. The mergers are between parties with markedly different platforms and their success is conditioned by their preferences for particular kinds of federalism. Mergers cannot guarantee electoral success. And other pre-electoral coalitions, such as avoiding competition for the same constituencies, also proved successful in the 2018 by-elections. But what mergers can uniquely do is respond to public demand for parties to unite and make the resulting party stronger in terms of resources and public support. In general, mergers can reduce system fragmentation, avoid vote wastage and lead to the formation of stable parties. Ethnic party mergers also simplify party labels for voters and make it easier for them to vote on the basis of ethnic preferences. In addition, mergers can increase public interest and political participation among members of ethnic communities. Three common factors behind the five successful mergers are previous electoral losses, public pressure and shared federal aims. The durability of these mergers depends on continuous party building, negotiations and equality among party members. Meanwhile, a greater number of new parties will form and continue to exist under the multi-party democracy principle granted in Myanmar’s 2008 Constitution. The upcoming 2020 general election will witness a combination of mergers and other pre-electoral coalition forms between ethnic parties as they compete with Bamar national parties. Election results will influence the durability of merged parties, their political allegiance and potential parliamentary coalitions.

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Book SynopsisChapter 1: Humor and Politics in the Media: A Conceptual Introduction.- Part I: Humor in Political Cartoons.- Chapter 2: The Relationship between Culture and Political Humor in Japanese Manga.- Chapter 3: A Tale of Two Presidents: Indonesian Humor As Depicted in Political Cartoons.- Chapter 4: Mocking the Inept: Brazilian Cartoons and Criticism of the Jair Bolsonaro Government.- Chapter 5: How Political Cartoons Reveal Türkiye's Cultural Dynamics: An Analysis of Three Satirical Magazines.- Chapter 6: Spanish Humor and Political Culture through Cartoons: Multimodal Discursive Analysis of Forges's Socio-Political, Graphic Universe.- Chapter 7: Far-Right Political Humor in Australia: Culture, Coloniality, and Exclusion.- Part II: Political Humor in the Broadcast Media.- Chapter 8: Televised Political Satire in Poland: Historical Roots and Social Implications of Stereotypical Representations of Politicians and Politics.- Chapter 9: Sexist Humor in Public Facebook Comments Delegitim

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Book SynopsisQuotations as Devices of Political Persuasion and Argumentation: A Conceptual Introduction.- Quotations in Jordanian Parliamentary Discourse: A Pragma-Discourse Perspective.- Frequency, Sources, and Functions of Direct Quotations in Montenegrin Parliamentary Discourse.- Quotation Statements as a Linguistic Strategy in Japanese Parliamentary Questions.

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