Politics and government Books

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Book SynopsisThis book analyses the regulatory regimes that are now having their day of dominance. The traditional ideal of democracy as governance by the people has been overshadowed by the practice of governance over the people through extensive top-down regulatory measures. In the regulatory state, the concepts of regulation as authoritative rules and agree normative action lead to the important distinction between ''hard regulation'' and ''soft regulation''. This book offers an account of the inherent vulnerability of the regulatory state caused by one-sided economic thinking and the predominance of governing through hard regulation. The implementation of policies has been taken over by technocratic, ''unelected'' arm''s length state bodies, which govern over more than by the people. This book focuses on contextual universal issues but with selected cases from Scandinavia and the regulatory European Union.

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Book SynopsisThe foreign policy of the United States is the policy by which the United States interacts with foreign nations and sets standards of interaction for its organisations, corporations and individual citizens. This book presents information on the issues which affect the United States foreign policy, including foreign aid; national strategy; U.S. policy relations with Bahrain, Serbia and Costa Rica; and U.S. foreign assistance issues with Africa and Afghanistan.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the features and structure of the EU''s food chain, food industry developments, introduction of new technologies, institutional transformation, food and trade policies, communication, nutrition diet, risk management, competition, management, marketing, financial and economic issues. The food chain is an important part of the European industry, economy and society, highly connected to food production and Europe''s high quality consumer market. This book addresses the maintenance of the dynamic features of the EU food chain and its capacity to confront the new challenges and to adjust adequately for the benefit of Europe''s food industry and economy.

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Book SynopsisOne of the ongoing controversies related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been the scope of exemption from certain health care coverage requirements, including the contraceptive coverage requirement. Though closely divided, the U.S. Supreme Court''s 5-4 decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. has settled the question of whether certain for-profit corporations must be exempt from the requirement, unless Congress chooses to amend the statute providing those corporations legal protection. This book analyses the Court''s opinions in Hobby Lobby, examining the rights of closely held corporations under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. It also addresses the implications for the contraceptive coverage mandate under ACA and discusses potential legislative responses to the Court''s decision. Finally, it analyses the impact that Hobby Lobby may have in other contexts in which employers may claim religious objections.

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Book SynopsisThe goal of disability insurance is to replace a portion of a worker''s income should illness or disability prevent him or her from working. Individuals may receive disability benefits from either federal or state governments, or from private insurers. This book presents information on two components of federal disability benefits, those provided through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. The SSDI program is an insured program that provides benefits to individuals who have paid into the system and meet certain minimum work requirements. The SSI program, in contrast, is a means-tested program that does not have work or contribution requirements, but restricts benefits to those who meet asset and resource limitations.

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Book SynopsisEconomic motivations are generally the major driving force for the formation of free trade agreements among countries, but there are other reasons countries enter into FTAs, including political and security factors. Trade agreements were also expected to improve investor confidence, attract foreign investment, and create jobs. Mexico may have other reasons for entering into FTAs, such as expanding market access and decreasing its reliance on the United States as an export market. This book provides an overview of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the current functions of the free trade agreement, and the effects of this agreement which have affected both countries over the last five years.

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Book SynopsisThe final text of the proposed U.S.-Panama FTA incorporates specific amendments on key issues at the behest of congressional leadership. The most significant were adoption of enforceable labour standards, compulsory adherence to select multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), and an easing of restrictions on developing country access to generic drugs. In these cases, the proposed U.S.-Panama FTA goes beyond provisions in existing bilateral FTAs and multilateral trade rules, including those contemplated in the Doha Round. This book presents the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement, as well as an examination of the main points and effects of the agreement after three years'' time.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents and discusses information on the contemporary politics and economics of Asia. The coverage is intended to deal with Asia, its political dynamics, economic policies, institutions, and its future. Topics discussed herein include the European Union and Asia; identity change and the emergence of regionalism; trading security in alliances; China''s naval modernisation; education in China; the Australia-China economic relationship; and the capability for economic growth in Asia.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents and discusses information on the contemporary politics and economics of Asia. The coverage is intended to deal with Asia, its political dynamics, economic policies, institutions, and its future. Topics discussed herein include a profile of Central Asia, as well as the security of Central Asia; U.S.-China trade; policy development in Kyrgyz republic and Tajikistan; the evolution of the "One China" Policy; and Japan''s nuclear future.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents and discusses information on contemporary politics and economics of South and Central America. Topics discussed herein focus on South and Central America, its political dynamics, economic policies, institutions, and its future, as well as a specific focus on the countries of Colombia, Chile, Panama and Cuba.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the rapid changes occurring in the Caucasus Region, which has been shown by recent events to be one of the world''s newest and potentially most incendiary hotspots. Topics discussed herein include political developments in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia; Azerbaijan''s 2005 legislative election; Caspian oil and gas production and prospects; and security issues in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

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Book SynopsisA continent of vast diversity, stretching from the deserts of the north through the equatorial tropics into the more temperate south, Africa brims with challenges and issues. This book collects a series of papers examining a number of these topics and how they impact African nations, the United States and the global community. The analysis also present possible solutions to some of the continent''s most vexing problems as many of its nations chart a course of political and economic development.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents and discusses important political and economic changes in North America. Topics discussed herein include the federal government debt and debt limit; unauthorised employment in the United States; the National Intelligence Council; organised crime in the United States; sea-based ballistic missile defence; strategic arms control; Mexico-U.S. relations; and market-based greenhouse gas control.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the rapid changes occurring in the Caucasus Region, which has been shown by recent events to be one of the world''s newest and potentially most incendiary hotspots. Topics discussed herein include the national security concept of Georgia; presidential elections in Armenia; the history and present condition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict; Russia-Georgia Conflict in South Ossetia; the Caucasus and Georgian economy; and the political developments in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

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Book SynopsisTurkey has long been a valued U.S. NATO ally and strategic partner. Successive administrations have viewed it as a secular democracy that could serve as an inspiration or model for other Muslim majority countries. However, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has made foreign policy decisions that have led some long-time U.S. observers to question its future course. Domestic political developments may be enabling the AKP''s greater assertiveness in international affairs and are, therefore, worthy of closer scrutiny. This book examines the current Turkish political scene; explores Turkey''s accession negotiations with the European Union; looks at the elusive reunification with Cyprus and provides an overview of current select foreign policy issues and U.S. views on Turkey.

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Book SynopsisThe U.S.-China bilateral relationship is one of the world''s most important, touching on a wide range of issues including economics, global security threats, the environment, energy, and human rights. U.S. interests regarding its relationship with the People''s Republic of China (PRC)include promoting U.S. trade and investment, protecting national security interests, addressing global environmental and climate change issues, promoting economic liberalisation and human rights in China, and maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Asia-Pacific region. The emergence of China as a global economic power has added considerably to the complexity of U.S. policy toward China. This book provides an overview of select, major issues in the U.S.-China relationship dynamic.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents topical research in the study of democracy in theory and action from across the globe. Topics discussed herein include inclusive democracy as a theoretical and political project; the quality of democracy and media logic in Mexico; governance networks and democratic ideals and the role of the social democratic welfare state regime in reducing socioeconomic inequalities in health care.

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Book SynopsisThis book outlines the strategic framework to guide the activities of participants in homeland security towards a common end. A safe and secure homeland means more than preventing terrorist attacks from being carried out; it must also ensure that the liberties of all Americans are assured, privacy is protected and the means by which we interchange with the world - through travel, lawful immigration, trade, commerce, and exchange - are secured. In addition, while the importance of preventing another terrorist attack in the United States remains undiminished, much has been learned since September 11th, 2001 about the range of challenges we face.

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Book SynopsisThe appointment of a Supreme Court Justice is an event of major significance in American politics. Each appointment is of consequence because of the enormous judicial power the Supreme Court exercises as the highest appellate court in the federal judiciary. Appointments are usually infrequent, as a vacancy on the nine-member Court may occur only once or twice, or never at all, during a particular President''s years in office. This book examines the Supreme Court appointment and nominations process.

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Book SynopsisThe General Services Administration (GSA) is the primary federal real property agency, with responsibility for the design, construction and maintenance of federal buildings and courthouses. The determination for new courthouse construction is based on a five-year assessment of anticipated space requirements compiled by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, which is updated and approved each year by the Judicial Conference of the United States. This book examines federal courthouse construction planning, oversight and the issue of courtroom sharing needed to address future costs

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Book SynopsisRecently, the USPS has experienced significant financial challenges. After running modest profits from 2004 through 2006, the USPS lost $5.3 billion in 2007, $2.8 billion in 2008 and $3.8 billion in 2009. A number of ideas have been advanced that would attempt to improve the USPS''s financial condition in the short term so that it might continue as a self-funding government agency. This book provides an overview of the U.S. Postal Service''s financial condition, recent legislation to alleviate the USPS''s financial challenges, and possible issues for the 111th Congress.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents and discusses economic and political issues in the Middle East, with a particular focus on U.S. involvement and policies put in place as a result of these problems. Topics discussed herein include Israeli-Arab negotiations; Iran''s economic conditions; U.S. foreign aid to the Palestinians; government formation and performance in Afghanistan; the Conflict of Gaza and the United Arab Emirates Nuclear Program and proposed U.S. nuclear co-operation.

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Book SynopsisLiberia held elections in October 2005, with a presidential runoff in November, a key step in a peace-building process following its second civil war in a decade. The war pitted the forces of Charles Taylor, elected president in 1997 after Liberia''s first civil war, against two armed anti-Taylor rebel groups. The war also destabilised neighbouring states, which accepted Liberian refugees and, in some cases, hosted anti-Taylor forces and became targets of the Taylor regime. This book examines developments in Liberia.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents and discusses various economic policies in North America. Topics discussed include the Manhattan Project, the Apollo Program and Federal Technology R&D programs; the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Technology Innovation Program; America COMPETES Act and the FY2010 budget; employment-based health coverage and health reform; senate consideration of presidential elections; the National Security Council and the Global Peace Operations Initiative.

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Book SynopsisThe nation''s health, wealth and security rely on the production and distribution of certain goods and services. The array of physical assets, functions and systems across which these goods and services move are called critical infrastructures. The national security community has been concerned for some time about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to both physical and cyber attack. This book examines the evolution of the national critical infrastructure policy and the institutional structures established to implement it.

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Book SynopsisMany students have come to the study of war and peace from a background heavily influenced by media exposure and political commitment. Some tend to see rebellion against autocratic rule mainly in terms of political ideals and the struggle for justice. The academic study of civil war, on the other hand, in recent years has focused more on the opportunity factors, even claiming that the greed of rebel leaders can play an important role in driving an insurrection. Discovering this, some students have become disillusioned, but many have taken up the challenge to show that wars in general and civil wars in particular are also fought for more than material gain. This book offers a balanced assessment of grievance and opportunity theories, and will serve as food for thought as the readers attempt to hammer out their own projects and move the field forward.

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