The Islamist Impasse
Since the mid-1970s, Islamist groups have been important opposition forces in the Arab world and have posed a considerable challenge to regimes. However, their increased influence has not led to political power. Ibrahim A. Karawan argues that Islamist movements have been unable to form an effective and united opposition, and have therefore reached an impasse. Although regimes cannot afford to ignore their Islamist challengers, the Arab world is unlikely to witness a wave of Islamist take-overs. More than 17 years after the fall of the Shah, the Iranian revolution remains an isolated case in the Middle East. The growth of Islamism is fuelled by social, economic and political discontent. Islamist movements are not passing phenomena, but the actual political threat they pose will depend mainly on their ability to form broad coalitions, and on the willingness of regimes to introduce badly needed reforms. However, Islamist movements are divided over key issues of strategy and tactics. Regimes have exploited these divisions to contain their Islamist opponents, and have blended oppression and limited political accommodation to perpetuate their rule. Despite Islamist groups' transnational language and ideology, national and sub-national issues drive their actions. Region-wide developments - notably the 'oil revolution' of the 1970s and Arab military defeats by Israel - are important in understanding the overall political climate, but they will not be crucial in deciding the outcome of the Islamist-regime confrontation.The influence of the West on Arab Islamism is also unlikely to be decisive. Islamist activism is stronger in areas with greater exposure to Western influences. States are therefore keen not to be seen as being too close to Western powers. In addition, there is no one Western stance towards Islamist movements, nor is there a unified assessment of the causes and policy implications of their resurgence. Contentious political issues confront Western powers, such as linking economic aid to human rights.Political and militant movements operating under the banner of Islamism are diverse. Their deep differences over the best means to achieve their objectives fragment their ranks and undermine their effectiveness. Although Arab regimes face many challenges, they have shown greater political resilience than analysts have expected.
Race in the Anthropocene
Race in the Anthropocene provides a radical new perspective on the importance of race and coloniality in the Anthropocene. It forwards the Black Horizon as a critical lens which places at its heart the importance of ontological concerns fundamental to problematising the violences and exclusions of the antiblack world.At present, multiple new approaches are emerging through the shared problem field of Anthropocene thought and policy, offering to save not just the world, but the practice of governance, the business of Big Data, the progress of development, and the dream of peace. It is against this backdrop that Race in the Anthropocene unsettles not just the already shaky foundations of modernity but also the affirmative visions of its critics, by directing our gaze to how race and coloniality are baked into the grounding concepts of international thought.This book is essential reading for students of International Relations, particularly those interested in international politics, security, and development. It is also of relevance for those interested in contemporary social, political, and environmental debates and policy practices.
Mobilising China's One-Child Generation
Drawing on a wide variety of Chinese-language publications and in-depth interviews with high-school students, Mobilising China's One-Child Generation provides systematic evidence of the spread of martial logic and techniques into Chinese schools. The book explores how China has implemented Patriotic Education and National Defence Education programmes to foster love for the nation and the Party-state, mobilise the population to fight modern wars in the information age, and encourage youth to join the army. It studies how these programmes present the tropes of war and the military to youth, and how they are related to shifting constructions of gender and the national collectivity. It also documents students' varied perceptions-and notably contestations-of this militarised ethos, complicating our understanding of popular nationalism and militarisation processes in this authoritarian global power.
The Nordic Populist Radical Right
This edited volume examines populist radical right parties in the Nordic region.
Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Zimbabwe's Liberation Struggle
This book provides a timely reconceptualization of Zimbabwe's anti-colonial liberation struggle, resisting simple binaries in favour of more nuanced, critical analysis. It will be of interest to researchers of African history, politics, and postcolonial studies.
Governance and Leadership Institutions in Nigeria
This book examines how modern Nigerian political institutions have grappled with the resurgence of traditional institutions of political leadership in the post-colonial era.
The Dismantling of Democracy
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must undergo the fatigues of supporting it." - Thomas Paine. We are witnessing a systematic teardown of democracy worldwide. This book will help you make sense of the world, understand how this could happen, and consider what we can do as ordinary citizens to flip the script on authoritarians. We are in a perpetual struggle between authoritarian rule and the enduring resilience of freedom, also known as Democracy. This resilience, this unwavering strength, is not just a concept but a beacon of hope that inspires us to fight for our freedom of choice. Having peace of mind, understanding how the world works, and seeing real-world examples are priceless, as shown in this book. However, beware that the who, how, and what is being done to dismantle democracy is terrifying to learn. You need to start with a willingness to hold the knowledge; once you have it, there is no forgetting it and no turning back. In the last 80 years, Democracy, to date, has not offered up a defense. Hence, we have been slowly taken off course. We need to fortify our defenses and go on the offense. President Ronald Reagan said it best: "Freedom is a fragile thing, and it's never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. And those in world history who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again." Here's a not-so-fun fact: you have a six times greater chance of being killed living under an authoritarian regime than you do living and fighting for Democracy (TUCCILLE, 2014). Reading this book will give you the same peace of mind and sense of purpose that we all long for. We have to have purpose in wanting to live free and safe. That must be our eternal focus because freedom is not a given.
From systems to ecosystems
This book represents a collective effort to delve into the intricacies of governance systems in Africa, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and propose innovative approaches to the urgent challenges facing the continent.Africa is at a critical juncture in its development trajectory. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the need to move beyond traditional notions of governance as static, hierarchical systems towards more dynamic, adaptive frameworks that reflect the complex, interconnected nature of contemporary societies. The ecosystem metaphor offers a powerful lens through which to understand governance in Africa. Like natural ecosystems, governance systems are dynamic and evolving entities characterized by complex interactions between diverse actors and institutions. In this book, we explore the transition from traditional governance systems to more holistic ecosystem-based approaches. The aim is to propose practical solutions that can support transformative change.
Perceptions and Reflections
Let's realize the importance of life in society. We were born to live in pairs, in society, and we must learn to respect the differences that exist in everyday life. We need to reflect more, collaborate more, see the needs of others and of the planet. Actions of competition must be replaced by actions of cooperation; we don't necessarily need to live with the mission of the I, we need to live in the context of the WE. The world belongs to everyone and that's why this project was born, as a way of reflecting in order to improve our daily attitudes. We don't need the right day, the right time, a better country or not to be more human, fairer and always more ethical towards people and the environment. The Universe is crying out for people who are more humane, kinder and much more productive. We can generate profits for everyone by respecting people and not destroying the environment on which we are so dependent. We shouldn't need laws to respect the rights of others. For a better society, I invite you to reflect on our actions and purposes.
Fixing Gender
The practice of "gender training" has gained widespread popularity among numerous professions in the last few decades. Designed to address a range of problems--from corporate advancement, to sexual assault, to economic development--gender training is reliably presented as a solution to gendered disparities. Gender training has even become a requirement for soldiers and police officers deploying overseas as peacekeepers. But what happens when the concept of gender, the analytical purchase of which we owe to feminist activism and scholarship, is taken up by martial institutions shaped by hegemonic masculinity? How is gender training made to work in and for military and police organisations? Is it a normative good from the point of view of intersectional feminist politics? Through an ethnographic study of gender training practices in peacekeeping institutions, Aiko Holvikivi examines how gender is conceptualised, taught, and learned in these settings, and with what political effects. She finds that this training constitutes a deeply ambivalent practice from the point of view of intersectional feminist political commitments. On the one hand, it reinscribes the logic that martial force is an appropriate solution to gendered insecurities, and it affirms attachments to normative heterosexuality. On the other hand, this training simultaneously exposes contradictions that inhere to the logics of martiality, coloniality, and heteronormativity that structure the peacekeeping enterprise. Drawing on queer and postcolonial feminist thought, Fixing Gender examines the contradictory politics of gender training, arguing that we need to develop the analytical tools to grapple with paradoxical practices that are simultaneously good and bad feminist politics.
Wars of Ambition
A gripping narrative history of one of the most complex and important conflicts in the world--the battle to dominate the Middle East regional order, from 2003 to the present When President George W. Bush took office in January 2001, America's influence in the Middle East was relatively strong, and adversarial states were largely marginalized and contained. The September 11 attacks upended all of this and prompted the Bush administration's bold plan to remake the Middle East through a war in Iraq. By bringing liberal democracy to Iraq, Bush hoped that the country would be a springboard for the spread of democracy to neighboring authoritarian states, aiming to make the region not only more stable, prosperous, and amenable to Western values but also more friendly and accepting toward Israel. Yet the vast disruption that the war caused created an opportunity for Iran to advance its own opposing ambitions. Iran strove to turn the Middle East into a bastion of resistance to Western hegemony and bring an end to Israel's existence as a Jewish state. The resulting clash over the future regional order not only intensified the Iraq war, it reverberated in states across the region. With the Arab Spring and the outbreak of new conflicts, the US-Iranian showdown became entwined in a much more complex struggle, one which drew in other regional and foreign powers that all pursued differing agendas. Emerging from the chaos was an empowered Iran and a deeply unsettled broader region in which nominally pro-Western states began to recalibrate their relations with Washington even as they welcomed deeper roles for its key rivals: Russia and China. In Wars of Ambition, Afshon Ostovar explores the evolution of the long and metastasizing conflict as it unfolded over a span of more than two decades. Not just a sweeping account of the dynamic interaction between America's Middle East policies and ambitious regional states on the receiving end, it also provides a powerful analysis of conflicting visions of the future that transcend regional politics. With Iran's rise and its revisionist campaign running in concert with those of Russia and China, the contest for the Middle East has become a microcosm of a larger geopolitical battle between those aiming to preserve the American-led global order and those seeking to overturn it. Ostovar's vivid history of this enormously complex conflict shows how the battle for the Middle East reflects the politics and dividing lines of an emergent multipolar world.
International Statebuilding in West Africa
At the turn of the twenty-first century, manipulation of the democratic process coupled with preexisting political and economic grievances led to years-long civil wars in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and C繫te d'Ivoire. During and after these conflicts, international peacekeeping efforts and humanitarian intervention became the dominant paths for restoring stability by rebuilding the state. Using these three countries as case studies, this manuscript sheds light on internationally driven state building in war-torn West African nations, the problematic nature of the postcolonial state, and the difficulties of securing its people's wellbeing.Connecting peace and conflict, democracy, and international development studies, Bah and Emmanuel argue that there is a clear nexus between the concepts and practices of peace building and statebuilding; that peace building and statebuilding are not domestic matters alone but also matters of global intervention; and that civil wars can be viewed as opportunities for state building through creative postwar partnerships and organization. This study goes beyond the familiar concepts of failed states, R2P, peacekeeping, and peace mediation and introduces and enhances the concepts of state decay, new humanitarianism, people-centered liberalism, and institutional design. In doing so, it provides critical lessons that local and international actors can draw on as they try to figure out practical solutions to the political, economic, and social problems that impede the development of peaceful and democratic multiethnic postcolonial states in Africa and beyond. Applying comparative-historical methods and theory to archival materials and expert interviews, International Statebuilding in West Africa seeks to shift the discourse on civil wars from their causes and implications to the opportunities they provide to rework failed states-and to shift the discourse on African states from their colonial and neocolonial legacies to their shared moral and security interests with the rest of the world.
Rural Violence in Contemporary Nigeria
The book explores the pressing problem of rural violence in contemporary Nigeria by assessing the changing patterns of conflict and response across the country. It will be of interest to scholars and researchers across Political Science, Security Studies, Rural Studies, and Regional Studies in Africa.
International Statebuilding in West Africa
At the turn of the twenty-first century, manipulation of the democratic process coupled with preexisting political and economic grievances led to years-long civil wars in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and C繫te d'Ivoire. During and after these conflicts, international peacekeeping efforts and humanitarian intervention became the dominant paths for restoring stability by rebuilding the state. Using these three countries as case studies, this manuscript sheds light on internationally driven state building in war-torn West African nations, the problematic nature of the postcolonial state, and the difficulties of securing its people's wellbeing.Connecting peace and conflict, democracy, and international development studies, Bah and Emmanuel argue that there is a clear nexus between the concepts and practices of peace building and statebuilding; that peace building and statebuilding are not domestic matters alone but also matters of global intervention; and that civil wars can be viewed as opportunities for state building through creative postwar partnerships and organization. This study goes beyond the familiar concepts of failed states, R2P, peacekeeping, and peace mediation and introduces and enhances the concepts of state decay, new humanitarianism, people-centered liberalism, and institutional design. In doing so, it provides critical lessons that local and international actors can draw on as they try to figure out practical solutions to the political, economic, and social problems that impede the development of peaceful and democratic multiethnic postcolonial states in Africa and beyond. Applying comparative-historical methods and theory to archival materials and expert interviews, International Statebuilding in West Africa seeks to shift the discourse on civil wars from their causes and implications to the opportunities they provide to rework failed states-and to shift the discourse on African states from their colonial and neocolonial legacies to their shared moral and security interests with the rest of the world.
Ground Truth
After twenty years of almost unbroken wars of choice, the ethical deficienciesin the operational conduct of war by Western armed forces have largely beenignored by scholarly critique.This volume addresses these deficiencies, featuring analysis by some of the UK's leading academics and military veterans working in the fields of military ethics and contemporary conflict.Compiled in honour of Colonel David Benest OBE, a soldier-scholar who believed that ethics should be central to an effective military education, the book focuses on problems ranging from the practicalities of how to conduct a counterinsurgency campaign in one of the most challenging combat zones in the world to the failure to account properly for defeat during military conflicts. This important volume explores critical questions perennially raised about the role of the military in a democratic society and the extent to which its ideals are compromised in fighting wars of choice.
The Political Machine in Brazilian Municipalities
This paper seeks to measure the size of municipal political machines based on the assumption that the head of the municipal executive wants to achieve electoral success. He will seek to use the public machine as an electoral tool. Using statistical methods, the relationship between the variables proposed to measure municipal machines and political parties, socio-economic indicators and electoral competition is presented.
Entrepreneurial Ports
Various port management models in the world allow the port administration to quickly re-evaluate the conditions initially agreed with the terminals for the provision of cargo storage and transhipment services, generally by simply renegotiating contractual clauses (regarding deadlines, areas assigned, tariffs, etc.). In this sense, the legal model of leasing, which is currently predominant in the Brazilian port sector, as it assures the lessee an exclusive and practically unalterable right of use over the leased area for the entire period of the contract, is not the most suitable for port services, as it ends up making it difficult or even impossible to quickly reassess conditions and rearrange spaces within the port. After an in-depth study of the subject, the author presents a proposal for restructuring the current legal model, so that this new model can be used to generate greater autonomy and efficiency for public port administrations, with positive repercussions for the country's logistics chains and transportation systems.
China’s Arctic Approach
China's Arctic Approach is a comprehensive and insightful analysis of China's interests, activities, and strategies in the Arctic region. The book examines China's historical involvement, scientific research, economic development, diplomatic engagement, and military presence in the Arctic, as well as its views on Arctic governance, sovereignty, and security. The book also explores the implications of China's Arctic approach for the Arctic states, the international community, and the global order. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding China's role and ambitions in the Arctic, and the challenges and opportunities it poses for the future of the region.
Negotiation in Warfare and Diplomacy
"Negotiation in Warfare and Diplomacy" is not merely a historical retrospective; it also addresses contemporary challenges. The author discusses current geopolitical issues, demonstrating how negotiation continues to be a vital tool in resolving conflicts in today's rapidly changing world, the author provides a rich tapestry of examples that highlight the evolution of negotiation strategies across different eras. The text offers an in-depth analysis of diplomatic negotiations, exploring the nuanced techniques employed by statesmen and diplomats. The book goes beyond traditional perspectives on warfare by exploring how negotiations influence military strategies and tactics. It examines instances where military conflicts were resolved through negotiation, as well as scenarios where negotiations failed, leading to prolonged or escalated hostilities. The author dives into how asymmetries in power can influence negotiations and shape the outcomes of conflicts. Through real-world examples, readers gain an understanding of how leverage and influence play critical roles in the negotiation process. Focusing on the role of negotiations in crisis management, the book explores how leaders navigate high-stakes situations. It analyzes the strategies employed to de-escalate crises, prevent conflicts, and find diplomatic solutions to complex geopolitical challenges. This book is an essential read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the intricate dance of negotiation in the realms of both war and diplomacy.
Asia Pacific
"Asia Pacific: Anticipating Trends" is a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the evolving dynamics within the Asia-Pacific region. It is a thoughtful analysis of the trends shaping the political, economic, and social landscapes of one of the most dynamic and influential regions in the world. From economic powerhouses to geopolitical shifts, the book anticipates and dissects the emerging trends that are likely to define the future of the Asia-Pacific. It offers readers valuable insights into the forces shaping this diverse and dynamic part of the globe. With clarity and precision, the author navigates through the complex interplay of factors, making the book accessible to a wide range of readers, including students, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the current and future trajectories of the Asia-Pacific region. "Asia Pacific: Anticipating Trends" is an indispensable guide for those seeking a concise yet insightful overview of the trends that will shape the future of this critical and vibrant part of the world.
China and America's Spheres of Influence: Tipping Points to Decide a New Cold War
A B Abrams' book is the first to specifically focus on the global conflict for influence between China and the United States and offers groundbreaking insights into the factors that will determine the outcome of their new cold war, and the radically different advantages both sides have.The ability to exercise influence across continents through trade and empire has played an increasingly central role in determining great powers' geopolitical standings since the onset of the colonial era. In both the World Wars and in the Cold War, ensuring that the bulk of the global economy contributed to the war efforts of the established powers, while isolating the rising powers that challenged them, was key to determining the conflicts' outcomes. China and America's Spheres of Influence places the current multi-faceted contest for global influence in historical context, highlighting how and to what ends both countries have been able to leverage different kinds of influence -- whether sway over oil producing countries, a larger global military footprint, or control over key financial institutions.This book divides an assessment of the global Sino-American contest for influence in to eight chapters respectively focused on: international trade, reserve currency status, and sanctions; defence, military footprints and arms markets; international organisations from the UN and IMF to BRICS and RCEP; Western policies to influence former colonies and neutral states; the struggle for influence in Africa; competing influences over the Arab Gulf States, oil markets and global Islam; the contest for influence through high tech, from the struggle over Huawei to bifurcation; and finally, the contest for influence over Russia and the implications of war in Ukraine for global alignments.
Breviary of tactics
War is on the news every day. But how do you know what will work in combat? What do soldiers do when things get serious? What factors determine their actions? How does an attack proceed? What is success, and how do soldiers exploit it? Swiss General Hans Frick's pioneering study "Breviary of Tactics" is a short and succinct theoretical framework for understanding the rules of war. In addition, Kaj-Gunnar Sievert shares his tactical experience as commander of the Swiss Parachute Recon Company. Christian V瓣th explains the value of tactics for officer training and its Prussian military tradition. This book provides a succinct introduction to the subject of tactics, and an understanding of how combat is conducted on the modern battlefield - such as the Ukraine War, which is the latest validation of Frick's concepts. Topics include: - The Compact Art of War - Keep It Simple: Principles of Warfare - Clear Points and Basic Rules - Breviary of Tactics - Appendix: What are Tactics?
The Problem of De Facto States in International Relations in Africa
In Africa, the emergence of the first unrecognised/de facto states isintricately linked to colonial legacy and subsequent decolonisation.This legacy maintained the newly formed African states within theartificial boundaries established on the continent by European colonisers. Paradoxically, both currently existing unrecognised states on theAfrican continent, Western Sahara and Somaliland, aspire to functionas independent entities within these colonial boundaries.This volume delves into the issue of de facto states in Africa and theirimpact on international relations on the continent. The book explorestheoretical and legal issues, such as international subjectivity, as wellas the origins of de facto statehood in Africa. It offers an in-depthanalysis of historical and contemporary examples of de facto stateson the continent.The authors conduct a thorough examination of the Western Saharaand Somaliland cases, highlighting their significance for internationalrelations regionally and continentally. Additionally, they draw comparisons with de facto state cases in other parts of the world, such asTaiwan (Republic of China) or West Papua.
Emergence of the Caribbean Empire
This book by Jerome Teelucksingh showcases his excellent craftsmanship as a social historian. The subject of the study is the involvement of the Labour Movement of Trinidad and Tobago in party politics during most of the 20th century. The familiar theme of labour movement-political party collaboration is in the tradition of the many fascinating studies on the links between the British Trades Union Congress and the Labour Party of Great Britain. An admirable feature of the book is the extensive use the author makes of newspaper sources of the period. (Dr. Roy Thomas, former Director of the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies, Trinidad and Tobago) Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh's well-researched book is a very serious attempt to place on record the origins and development of our political and electoral history prior to the granting of adult franchise in 1946 and after World War Two. This book provides extremely valuable information to all our citizens who are interested in the journey from colonialism to Republicanism. (Ferdie Ferreira, former member of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers' Trade Union, retired Deputy General Manager of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago) This book is an analysis of the involvement and impact of Trinidad and Tobago's first major labour organisation, the Trinidad Workingmen's Association (TWA), and early trade unions in politics. Furthermore, the author focuses on the role of unions in the evolution of working class consciousness from its rudimentary stages to the subsequent rise of organized trade unionism of the post-1937 era. Consideration is given to the seminal role of the early trade unions as mobiliser and organiser of the working class both for participation in electoral politics, and as a catalyst for ethnic cohesion in the post-World War One era to 1976. One of the major conclusions in the study is that the early working class organizations and emergence of ideologically strong trade unionism and ad hoc groups as the electioneering campaign committees were the precursors of the well-organized political machinery of the post-World War Two era. The author provides evidence that the comprehensive organisational skills of Labour in organizing meetings, selecting candidates, campaigning for votes and debating issues on the electoral platform were determining factors which resulted in creditable performances in limited electoral victories in elections during 1925 to 1976.
Public Bureaucracy and Digital Transformation
This book assesses how digitalization of public organizations affects their bureaucratic structure and features. Drawing on rich ethnographic data from two highly digitalized government agencies in Denmark, it analyses how digitalization both enhances and distorts fundamental characteristics of Weberian bureaucracy, including division of labour, hierarchy, rules and programmability, and bureaucratic discretion. The book also examines the ways in which digitalization influences demands on employees' and managers' expertise and relationships with other organizational actors, and demonstrates the implications of digitalization for the enactment of public bureaucratic values such as legality, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. In doing so, it provides an analysis of the opportunities and challenges facing public bureaucracies in the digital age. Above all, the book offers a nuanced understanding of how digital transformation reshapes the public bureaucracy, and thereby one of the foundation stones on which our societies stand.
The Future of Warfare
"The Future of Warfare" is a groundbreaking exploration into the evolving landscape of armed conflict and military strategy in the 21st century. In this meticulously researched and forward-thinking book, the author dissects the multifaceted intersection of modernized war strategy, artificial intelligence, and emerging geopolitical challenges. Divided into ten insightful chapters, each addressing a distinct facet of the future military landscape, the book provides a comprehensive roadmap for understanding the complexities and innovations that will shape the future of warfare. The book opens with an examination of contemporary war strategy, exploring how advancements in technology, communication, and tactics are reshaping the way nations approach conflict. It delves into the integration of cyber capabilities, precision-guided weaponry, and strategic intelligence in modern warfare. The Book is a compelling and thought-provoking guide for policymakers, military professionals, and scholars seeking to understand the complex interplay of technology, geopolitics, and strategy that will define the battlefield of tomorrow. The book provides a balanced and insightful analysis, paving the way for critical discussions on the ethical, legal, and strategic implications of the future of warfare.
An Introduction to the Ethics of Warfare
An Introduction to the Ethics of Warfare" serves as a foundational exploration into the moral dimensions surrounding the conduct of war. This insightful book delves into the complex ethical considerations that arise in the context of armed conflict, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the principles that govern the just and humane conduct of war. The book connects ethical principles to contemporary conflicts, addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the international community. It also looks ahead, contemplating the future ethical considerations that may arise in the ever-evolving landscape of warfare. In this accessible and thought-provoking book guides readers through the ethical complexities of warfare, offering a balanced and comprehensive overview of the principles that should govern the conduct of nations and individuals during times of armed conflict. The author tackles the grim reality of war crimes and the importance of accountability. This book is an indispensable resource for students, scholars, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the moral dimensions inherent in the waging of war.
Armed Forces in Middle East and North Africa
This book adds to the growing discourse within critical security studies, merging perspectives from critical geopolitics and postcolonial critique. It asserts a compelling perspective on the spatial dimensions of violence and their varying repercussions in contemporary security methodologies, encompassing realms beyond military intervention. Dive into the heart of geopolitical complexities with 'Armed Forces in the Middle East and North Africa: Influence and Implications, ' a comprehensive exploration of the profound impact military forces wield in this strategically significant region. This insightful book tells the intricate dynamics shaping the balance of power, delving into the historical roots and contemporary roles of armed forces across the Middle East and North Africa. From regional stability to global security, the narrative navigates through the multifaceted influences these armed entities exert and the far-reaching implications their actions bear. A must-read for those seeking a nuanced understanding of the military landscapes that shape the destiny of nations in this vital part of the world.
Arab Issues
This book deals with several Arabic and Islamic issues, some more recent in nature, while others have been longstanding issues across the region. The first section of the book focuses on the so called Arab spring which took place in 2011 and reverberated onwards, with an emphasis on expressions, causes and the role of the pressure groups. The second part highlights Arab and Islamic issues, such as like tribes, land, and administration, democracy in the Middle East. Other topics include religion and constitution in the Arab World, Islamic values and human rights, and finally how different groups handled issues of grievances. The final section deals with the Middle Eastern international relations, with an emphasis on Europe, such as the Polish - Jordanian Relationship, Italy, and also Japan. The importance or value of this book is that it contains very important subjects for the first time in one place and in English, and fills a gap in Middle Eastern studies, while encouraging further dialogue and research. Professor Dr. Saad Abudayeh is a Jordanian scholar. Educated at Penn State University, he first began his career as a diplomat in the Jordanian Foreign Office. Later, he became an academic and taught at several universities in Jordan, UK and Japan. Namely, he was a visiting professor at Nagoya University, Japan and in the Middle East Centre St Anthony College Oxford - UK. In addition to teaching, Dr. Abudayeh is the author of 50 books and more than 40 papers about Jordanian and Arab issues. For his work, he was a Medal of the Independence by His Majesty King Abdulla II of Jordan for his cultural role in Jordan. He can be reached at abudayeh@hotmail.com.
In Defense of Common Life
The essential political and theoretical work of one of Latin America's most important contemporary theorists.Raquel Guti矇eacute;rrez Aguilar is one of the foremost Latin American political thinkers. From armed Indigenous struggle in the Bolivian altiplano to the contemporary wave of feminist uprisings, Raquel Guti矇rrez's life and work have spanned and spurred on some of the most important political sequences in the last forty years in Latin America. Almost unknown in the United States, Raquel is one of the Latin American anticapitalist, antistate Left's most important contemporary theorists. She has produced important work on communal struggles and political forms and has been at the center of some of the most important political organizing in Bolivia and Mexico in the last forty years. This volume presents an extensive interview with Raquel in which she charts her political and intellectual trajectory from her militancy in the Ej矇rcito Guerrillero Tupac-Katari, to Bolivia's famous Water and Gas wars, to the massive wave of popular feminist rebellions and organizing. Translator and writer, Brian Whitner offers two essays in translation that contain some of her central theoretical concepts, including the veto and reappropriation of communal wealth, for thinking a politics in common, and of the commons.With the publication of In Defense of Common Life, a new audience of English-language readers can finally engage with the thought and political experience of a thinker and militant, whose contributions to social movements span an incredible political and regional breadth, and resonate deeply with current debates with the US about the conditions and practices of revolutionary change, feminism, and popular struggle.
Mastering Incident Response
"Essential guide for security personnel navigating incidents. Learn threat awareness for effective response."
Contending for American Nationhood
Contending for American Nationhood: Joseph Story and the Debate Over a Federal Common Law offers a study of one of the early republic's fiercest legal debates, one of the Supreme Court's most understudied jurists and constitutional theorists, and the enduring tension between two irreconcilable understandings of the American union. It explores the conflict between two competing theories of the American union in the early years of the republic: the Nationalist Theory, which posited that the union was the creation of the national American people, and the Compact Theory, which portrayed the union as a compact between the peoples of the several states who had each separately decided to join to form the union. Benjamin Clark employs this underlying debate as a framework for understanding the debate over federal common law in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The book gives particular attention to the constitutional thought of Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story, examining how these two seemingly-separate issues--the federal common law question and the existence of American nationhood--came together in Story's constitutional theory.
The Fragility of the Lebanese State
In 2024, Lebanon entered the fifth year of a crippling economic crisis that has decimated the value of the Lebanese pound, crippled its medical and education systems, and limited the state provision of essential public services- such as electricity, which is not available for more than a few hours a day by state provision. While all those living in Lebanon feel the effects of these dire circumstances, those from marginalized communities such as migrant and domestic workers, the elderly, children, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities or poor health, etc. have been disproportionately affected. To add fuel to the fire, the already dire refugee situation in Lebanon has been exasperated by one national crisis after another from the Beirut Blast of August 4, 2020 to the COVID-19 Pandemic to government collapse and finally the rapid devaluation of the Lebanese Pound (LBP). There have been many effects, among the most dire is the migration of the highly educated Lebanese citizenry from Lebanon to third countries. The substantial brain drain from Lebanon is likely to have a significant impact on the country's future for generations to come. The Fragility of the Lebanese State explores the causes and potential solutions of this crisis.
Soft Power of the European Union
This book sheds light on the complexities of the European Union's (EU) influence in a world dominated by global power politics. Written by an EU diplomat, it explores the dynamic landscape of soft power, with a focus on key regions such as the Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership, Southern Neighborhood, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Presenting the economic, diplomatic, and cultural dimensions, the book critically evaluates the EU's effectiveness in shaping behavior amid intensifying global power competition. With a unique perspective gained from on-the-ground experience in Kosovo, Ukraine, and Rwanda, the author navigates the EU's responses to challenges, including Russia's hard power approach. A must-read for policymakers and diplomats, this book blends academic analysis with practical insights, offering valuable lessons and recommendations for mastering the language of power in today's global politics. Ideal for students and professionals, it provides a comprehensive explorationof EU foreign policy dynamics.
Perspectives of Two Island Nations
Singapore and New Zealand are island nations that share many similarities and have enjoyed close relations for almost sixty years. Both face global challenges in today's less stable world. Twenty-seven prominent experts cover a wide range of topics, from Singapore's and New Zealand's history, foreign policy, trade relations, economy, sustainability and climate policies, to creative sectors, museums and ageing populations. Other distinguished authors highlight the close cooperation in defence, trade and business.The Editor, Dr Anne-Marie Schleich, was a German career diplomat posted to Singapore from 1982 to 1985 and was the German Ambassador to New Zealand from 2012 to 2016. She is now an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU, Singapore.
Politics in China
A comprehensive and authoritative introduction to China's political history, contemporary political system, and key policy areas, such as the environment, population management, and public health. Politics in China is an authoritative introduction to how the world's second most populous nation and rapidly rising global power is governed today. Written by leading China scholars, each chapter offers an accessible overview of a key topic in Chinese politics. The opening section provides readers with a firm grounding in China's modern political history, covering the decline and fall of the last imperial dynasty and the rise to power of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and the radicalism of the era of Mao Zedong (1949-76), the dramatic economic reforms carried out by Deng Xiaoping and his disciples (1978 to 2012) and the era of Xi Jinping (2012-present), who has consolidated more personal power than any CCP leader since Mao.The next section sets the framework of politics in the People's Republic of China (PRC) with chapters on the ideology of the CCP, the structure and dynamics of the political system, the role of law and legal reform, and the policies behind the country's spectacular economic transformation. The book then shifts to a discussion of a series of major political issues in China today: reform and resistance in the countryside; changes and challenges in the cities; the arts and culture; the environment and climate change; public health; population policy; and internet politics. The final chapters of the book covers politics in four important areas located on China's geographic periphery: Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The fourth edition of Politics in China has been thoroughly updated and includes a new chapter on the rise and rule of Xi Jinping. It is essential reading not only for students studying the PRC, but also for any reader interested in learning how China has evolved in recent times, how its political system works, and about the most important challenges it faces in years ahead.
Islamic Perspectives on International Conflict Resolution
Upturning the traditional view of religion as a source of conflict, this book studies Islamic perspectives of international conflict resolution, re-interpreting the possibility of Israel-Palestine reconciliation beyond traditional secular frameworks.
In Their Own Words
This collection of essays and articles, written between 2019 and 2024 for such outlets as The Daily Beast and The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), illuminates recent Russian international affairs through the lens of Moscow's propaganda tactics. For more than two decades, the Kremlin's agitators have been tasked to lay, in advance, the groundwork for various domestic and foreign actions by the regime of Vladimir Putin. Thus, Russian state-controlled media provides crucial clues for deciphering the--often sinister--goals that the government of Russia was and is planning to pursue abroad, from election interference to military invasions. The goal of the sum of these activities is the establishment of a new world order--with Russia at its helm. Before the large invasion of 24 February 2022, Russian state media portrayed the West as incapable of opposing Russian aggression. Putin's propagandists cheered for war against Ukraine, predicting it would be quick and victorious. Misreading the ability of the West to unite and miscalculating Russia's capabilities in confronting determined Ukrainians, Russia ended up in a quagmire of its own creation. In 2024, Putin's decorated propagandists face the possibility of future scrutiny and potential prosecutions for their proactive incitement of genocide. They unravel, along with the Kremlin, having to tell multiple conflicting stories and condemn the same players they used to lionize. Backed into the corner, they resort to nuclear threats and demand even more blood from Ukraine, whose only crime is its desire for democracy and freedom.
Contemporary Russia
This textbook offers an up-to-date and incisive overview of contemporary Russia. Systematically covering the country's history, geography, society, politics, economy and culture, it analyses current developments -the headlines and the more everyday- and situates its analysis in the wider historical context to help readers make sense of one of the world's most important regions. Building on the success of its previous editions and analysing complex questions in the light of expertise gathered over decades, this remains the leading text for a wide-ranging account of Russia today.Praised for its accessible and engaging writing style, this new edition is essential reading for anyone interested in gaining a more nuanced and wide-ranging understanding of contemporary Russia. It is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying Russian society, culture, politics, and international relations.
Quantum Technology in Defence & Security
"Quantum Technology in Defence & Security" propels readers into the cutting-edge realm where quantum technologies intersect with military strategy, reshaping the landscape of warfare. Authored by Manmohan Varadarajan, this riveting book explores the revolutionary potential of quantum computing, communication, and sensing in transforming military capabilities. From unbreakable encryption to quantum-driven intelligence, embark on a journey through the quantum frontier where the convergence of physics and military prowess unveils unprecedented possibilities. A must-read for those intrigued by the quantum revolution and its impact on the future of defence and security.
Nigerian Political and Administrative Diary
This book, Nigerian Political and Administrative Diary, is a synopsis of some of the major Nigerian political and administrative trends, issues and events. However, writing it is more difficult than wading inside a sea and more so, Nigeria is such a large, heterogeneous and complex state that any account on its political and administrative issues and events are too large, inevitably very controversial, can hardly be complete and never perfect. Therefore, this book is neither a perfect nor complete diary of the Nigerian political and administrative issues and affairs, but an attempt to keep notes of some of the major issues and events in the Nigerian journey to nationhood which has been on through its second century. The book is presented in Chapters and Pieces with each dealing with a specific aspect of the Nigerian political and or administrative issues and or events. It is a first step guide to among others, students, historians, public policy makers, and researchers in the Nigerian political and administrative issues and events. References are specially made to acknowledge sources and give further insights on the sources of and the materials used throughout the book.
Pandemics Among Nations
The end of the Cold War marks the geopolitical peak of America's global primacy. The centerpiece of U.S. Foreign Policy in the pre-pandemic world order was the assumption that promoting human rights and democracy will secure peace. However, the Coronavirus Pandemic challenged the U.S.-dominated globalized order. The international system in the post-pandemic age embodies a paradox of the American primacy and the Chinese struggle for global domination. Pandemics Among Nations: U.S. Foreign Policy and the New Grand Chessboard addresses the geopolitical puzzle of the post-pandemic world order and seeks to explain how COVID 19 has remastered Brzezinski's theory of the Grand Chessboard. In this book, Ivanov offers a two-level approach, emphasizing the consequences of the Pandemic and their impact on U.S. Foreign Policy. He also argues that if the United States wants to maintain its leadership in the post-pandemic world order, Washington should develop a new concept of smart power to deter the Chinese Art of War. The foremost goal of Pandemics Among Nations is to analyze how America could overcome the geopolitical effects of the Pandemic. The author examines three possible scenarios for the future role of the United States on the post-pandemic Chessboard. The analysis rests on the testing of a series of research hypotheses across a structured comparison of all elements of the remastered Grand Chessboard, not just on isolated case studies such as China's rise, Russian New Imperialism or European ambitions for a mutual defense.
Peace in the Name of Allah
From Anwar al-Sadat's dramatic gambit in 1977 to the surprising declaration of the Abraham Accords in 2020, making peace with Israel was always a tough sell for Arab regimes. Through an analysis of hundreds of fatwas, sermons, essays, books, interviews, poems, postage stamps and other media, Peace in the Name of Allah examines how Egyptian, Jordanian, and Emirati political and religious authorities introduced Islamic justifications for peace with Israel, and how those opposed countered them. The discussion demonstrates the flexible and ambiguous nature of revelation-based political discourses; Islam is neither 'for' nor 'against' peace with Israel - people are, as different Muslim political actors take competing or even contradictory positions.
American Policy in Nicaragua
Perhaps the most illuminating document ever published on American foreign policy in Nicaragua, this book represents a full spectrum of critical perspectives.The first is that of Henry Stimson, whose memoirs as a special envoy to Nicaragua were first published in 1927. They are reprinted here in their entirety, together with a critical reaction by the New York Times. Then as now, we read about a president named Chamorro, a revolutionary named Sandino, and U.S.-supervised elections. Stimson was commissioned to bring peace and democracy to Nicaragua; most Nicaraguans still think he brought only the marines and the Somoza dictatorship.Responding to Stimson is Paul H. Beeker, former ambassador to Bolivia and Jordan, who comments on Stimson's mission and its consequences for today's American foreign policy. Alan Brinkley's essay on Stimson's privileged life, character, stunning career, and political influence provides an analytical backdrop to Stimson's attitudes and actions during his Nicaragua mission. The article "The Code of the WASP Wanior" by Evan Thomas underscores historical and personal connections between Henry Stimson and George Bush, in their social and decision-making capacities. Finally, Andres Perez presents a stinging assessment from a Nicaraguan point of view.Also included is the full text of a report by the U.S. State Department, "The United States and Nicaragua: A Survey of the Relations from 1909 to 1932."
The Iran National Front and the Struggle for Democracy
The Iran National Front and the Struggle for Democracy: 1949-Present explores the activities of the Iran National Front (INF). The INF is a coalition of parties, groups, and individuals and Iran's oldest and main pro-democracy political party. This book presents a political history of the INF from 1949 to the present day. It discusses the current platform of the INF, its leadership, policies, strategies, as well as criticisms and weaknesses. The volume draws on a rich range of primary sources, INF documents, and interviews, including translated transcripts with the top leader of the INF. As it is one of the major political parties opposing the current regime in Iran, the book also examines the current situation in the country. It provides an analysis of the nature of the political systems under the Shah and the Islamic Republic.
Neutrality After 1989
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of the United States as the world's sole superpower, neutrality was seen by many as a relic of the Cold War. However, the arrival of rising powers on the scene and the gradual shift towards multipolarity as countries like Russia and China assert their influence and challenge the US-dominated international order has in turn revived neutrality in its various forms. This book begins with a range of chapters examining the 'old neutrals' of Europe via contemporary Austrian and Swiss neutrality, the decline and end of Swedish and Finnish neutrality, and the resilience of Irish neutrality. Later chapters deal with the emergence of 'new neutrals' via examinations of Vietnamese 'bamboo diplomacy, ' Israel's efforts to balance its relations with Washington and Moscow, and Oman's non-interventionist foreign policy. As the range of chapters show, the role of neutrality - and its perception or misperceptions - remain vital in understanding contemporary geopolitics and international relations.Edited by: Naman Karl-Thomas Habtom.Contributors: Roby C. Barrett, Karen Devine, Pascal Lottaz, Nguyen Khac Giang, Erik Noreen, Jussi Pakkasvirta, Liudmila Samarskaia, Roxanna Sj繹stedt, Leah Sherwood, Hanna Tuominen.
Geopolitical Chess
The research background of this book is the re-emergence of tension between major global powers, signaling a modern Cold War characterized by complex geopolitical rivalries and strategic maneuvering.
 Past methods involved traditional military engagements and ideological divides. Problems with these methods include their inability to address the multifaceted nature of modern conflicts, which now involve economic coercion, cyber espionage, and propaganda campaigns. The approach is well-motivated as it seeks to understand the evolving dynamics of international relations.
The research methodology proposed in this book involves analyzing the origins and intricacies of the modern Cold War, focusing on key actors, geopolitical triggers, and flashpoints.
The task is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the modern Cold War's complexities. The performance achieved includes valuable insights into the forces shaping the international order and potential pathways for navigating heightened tensions and rivalries. This supports their goals effectively.
Methods
-Analyzing the historical backdrop from allies to adversaries;
-Examining the Ukraine crisis as a catalyst of conflict;
-Investigating Russia's strategic advances in military posturing;
-Assessing the impact of economic warfare through sanctions;
-Exploring digital warfare and unseen battlefronts;
-Evaluating political plays, leadership, and diplomacy in turmoil;
-Understanding media battles, propaganda, and public perception;
-Forecasting future scenarios for peace and conflict;
-Providing strategic responses and recommendations.
Conclusion: 
-The significance of this piece of work lies in its comprehensive analysis of the modern Cold War, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of global power struggles.
-Innovation point: The book introduces a multi-faceted approach to understanding modern geopolitical conflicts, incorporating technological, economic, and cultural dimensions.
-Performance: The book effectively provides a detailed analysis of the modern Cold War, supporting its goals of understanding and navigating contemporary international relations.-Workload: The workload appears extensive, involving thorough research and analysis across various dimensions of geopolitical conflicts.

Glocalized Security
What forces drive violent conflicts, and whose interests are protected by military involvement? In those conflicts, how do domestic factors fuse with external dynamics, and what issues spell the difference between successful and failed intervention?Enter Glocalized Security-a concept that argues that this fusion of domestic and external matters produces new war dynamics which require both substantial domestic reforms and realignment of external interests to achieve sustainable peace. In this edited collection, contributors use this concept to examine grievances and interests in and around war-torn countries. Combining a variety of disciplines, from sociology and political science to peace studies and public policy and administration, these case studies draw from over three decades of international military interventions around the world, including Afghanistan, Turkey, Somalia, Iraq, Nigeria, and Nepal. Analyzing the intersectional relationship of the local and global, Glocalized Security provides new insights into the problems of international security and why international military interventions often fail to ensure peace and security in conflict zones where these factors have morphed into terrorism warfare or zones of national interest among major world and regional powers.By focusing on ethnicity, religion, poverty, governance, and the other most common motivators of violent conflicts, Glocalized Security provides a crucial conceptual basis for understanding international relations in the twenty-first century.
