Presently, he is a professor of management at Fort Hays State University and an adjunct professor at Colorado State University–Global. He has served as a professor of management at Shenyang Normal University, China; a professor of international business at Keimyung University, South Korea; and a professor of accounting and finance at Monarch Business School, Switzerland. He has also taught at Northcentral University and University of Phoenix.
The response from the jewelry industry to a campaign for ethically sourced gold as a case study in the power of business in global environmental politics. Gold mining can be a dirty business. It creates immense amounts of toxic materials that are difficult to dispose of. Mines are often developed without community consent, and working conditions for miners can be poor. Income from gold has funded wars. And consumers buy wedding rings and gold chains not knowing about any of this. In Dirty Gold, Michael Bloomfield shows what happened when Earthworks, a small Washington-based NGO, launched a campaign for ethically sourced gold in the consumer jewelry market, targeting Tiffany and other major firms. The unfolding of the campaign and its effect on the jewelry industry offer a lesson in the growing influence of business in global environmental politics. Earthworks planned a “shame” campaign, aimed at the companies' brands and reputations, betting that firms like Tiffany would not want to be associated with pollution, violence, and exploitation. As it happened, Tiffany contacted Earthworks before they could launch the campaign; the company was already looking for partners in finding ethically sourced gold. Bloomfield examines the responses of three companies to “No Dirty Gold” activism: Tiffany, Wal-Mart, and Brilliant Earth, a small company selling ethical jewelry. He finds they offer a case study in how firms respond to activist pressure and what happens when businesses participate in such private governance schemes as the “Golden Rules” and the “Conflict-Free Gold Standard.” Taking a firm-level view, Bloomfield examines the different opportunities for and constraints on corporate political mobilization within the industry.
International tensions around water are rising in many of the world's most volatile regions. The policy recipe pursued by the West, and imposed on governments elsewhere, is to pass control over water to private interests, which simply accelerates the cycle of inequality and deprivation. California, as well as China, South Africa, Mexico and countries on every continent already face a crisis. This book exposes the enormity of the problem, the dangers of the proposed solution and the alternative, which is to recognize access to water as a fundamental human right, not dependent on ability to pay.
What role do Chinese popular associations play in the expansion of civil society and democratization? This book examines a range of associations, from business associations to trade unions, to urban homeowners associations, women's groups against domestic violence, and rural NGOs that develop anti-poverty programs.
In "Algorithmic Gold: The New Billionaires of X Social Media," readers are given an insider's view into the seismic shifts occurring in the digital landscape. Bought and transformed by Elon Musk, X is not just a social media platform; it's a revolutionary ecosystem that's creating new paradigms for online engagement and wealth creation. Through a blend of in-depth analysis, case studies, and actionable strategies, this book serves as the definitive guide for anyone looking to capitalize on the X revolution. Structured into nine compelling sections, the book navigates you through the labyrinthine avenues of this digital revolution. It explains X's revolutionary anti-bot subscription model and dives deep into its ground-breaking algorithmic revenue model based on impressions. From mastering the art of content monetization, understanding the dynamics of 'blue ticks,' to navigating the complexities of shadow banning, this book equips you with the insights to leverage the platform to its fullest. Beyond X, the book broadens its scope to discuss how other disruptive technologies, like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, are converging to redefine traditional career paths, wealth, and unprecedented economic opportunities. With special focus on Ethereum, XRP, and Dogecoin, it offers a critical analysis of the evolving crypto space, discussing the superior advantages of these digital currencies over Bitcoin. The future of work through the lens of AI is also given a dedicated focus, illuminating how innovations like ghost-writing 2.0 and AI-powered tools such as Co-Pilot are not only transforming industries but also creating new avenues for economic growth. Whether you're a content creator, an entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in leveraging the disruptive power of X, cryptocurrencies, and AI, "Algorithmic Gold" equips you with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to navigate this rapidly evolving digital landscape. Your roadmap to algorithmic gold starts here.
Understanding twenty-first century global financial integration requires a two-part background. The Handbook of Key Global Financial Markets, Institutions, and Infrastructure begins its description of how we created a financially-intergrated world by first examining the history of financial globalization, from Roman practices and Ottoman finance to Chinese standards, the beginnings of corporate practices, and the advent of efforts to safeguard financial stability. It then describes the architecture itself by analyzing its parts, such as markets, institutions, and infrastructure. The contributions of sovereign funds, auditing regulation, loan markets, property rights, compensation practices, Islamic finance, and others to the global architecture are closely examined. For those seeking substantial, authoritative descriptions and summaries, this volume will replace books, journals, and other information sources with a single, easy-to-use reference work. - Substantial articles by top scholars sets this volume apart from other information sources - Diverse international perspectives result in new opportunities for analysis and research - Rapidly developing subjects will interest readers well into the future
At the outbreak of World War I, the Gold Coast of Long Island was home to the most concentrated combination of financial, political and social clout in the country. Bankers, movie producers, society glitterati, government officials and an ex-president mobilized to arrange massive loans, send supplies and advocate for the Allied cause. The efforts undercut the Wilson administration's official policy of neutrality and set the country on a course to war with Germany. Members of the activist families--including Morgans, Davisons, Phippses, Martins, Hitchcocks, Stimsons and Roosevelts--served in key positions or fought at the front. Historian Richard F. Welch reveals how a potent combination of ethno-sociological solidarity, clear-eyed geopolitical calculation and financial self-interest inspired the North Shore elite to pressure the nation into war.
The fully-revised second edition of the bestselling textbook—an original interpretation of the entire span of California history The rich history of California can best be told through its connection with the Pacific Basin. From the geological origins of the land and its earliest seafaring inhabitants, to current economic trade relationships and remarkably diverse cultural influences, the factors that continue to shape the Golden State are inseparably linked to the vast ocean to its west. Pacific Eldorado is a comprehensive exploration of the entire sweep of California’s past in relation to the maritime world of the Pacific Basin. Offering a bold and original interpretation of the history of the region, prominent historian Thomas J. Osborne enables readers to view the state’s development through a Pacific-focused lens. Now in its second edition, this acclaimed textbook reflects new scholarship, places greater emphasis on environmental topics, and examines recent California history. Designed to help students think critically about commonly-held ideas, the author challenges conventional views, such as those of pre-Gold Rush California, confronts the traditional Atlantic-centric approach to American history, and presents a new analytic framework for studying the state’s past. The text enables students to understand the evolution of California, from the time of prehistoric Asian seafarers to the state’s present-day position as the nation’s wealthiest and most populous state. Rigorous yet accessible, this text: Explores a “Greater California” history that extends beyond geographic borders Offers new, expanded, and revised coverage of plate tectonics, the citriculture boom of the late 1800s, the environmental history of California, and more Features “Pacific Profiles,” brief chronicles of notable figures who have made an impact on the state’s history Has a new feature, “Transpacific Connections” that illustrates further the fascinating ties between California and the Pacific World; for example, comparing the California gold rush to the contemporaneous New Zealand gold rush and indicating the connections between the two Supports a Pacific-centric approach with compelling examples, such as the building of the transcontinental railroad to increase the China trade Includes new and updated photographs, illustrations, maps, references, and reading suggestions Already adopted by a wide range of institutions, the new edition of Pacific Eldorado: A History of Greater California continues to be an essential resource for students and instructors in California history courses, as well as those required to pass exams on California history and government to obtain California teaching credentials.
'The environmentalist's bible' Times Higher Education Supplement. 'Essential reading' The Good Book Guide. In this 23rd edition of State of the World - long established as the most authoritative and accessible annual guide to our progress towards a sustainable future - the studies pay particular attention to China and India, two of the world's most rapidly developing countries in terms of industry, population and significance to the global economy, and associated impacts on the environment. Published in 27 countries and 22 languages, State of the World draws on the breadth of expertise in the Worldwatch Institute's team of writers and researchers. Each year's edition of State of the World is relied upon by national governments, UN agencies, development workers and law-makers for its up-to-the-minute analysis and information. It is essential for anyone concerned with building a positive, global future. This year's edition covers: China, India and the new world order; rethinking the global meat industry; safeguarding freshwater ecosystems; cultivating renewable alternatives to oil; an introduction to nanotechnology; curtailing mercury's global reach; turning disasters into peacemaking opportunities; reconciling trade and sustainable development; building a green civil society in China; and, transforming corporations.
