Governance failures, combined with 21st-century social, economic, environmental and demographic conditions, have all contributed to paving the way for the rise of highly heterogeneous non-state and quasi-state actors in the Middle East. Has the state, then, been irremediably undermined, or will the current transition lead to the emergence of new state entities? How can the crumbling of states and the redrawing of borders be reconciled with the exacerbation of traditional inter-state competition, including through proxy wars? How can a new potential regional order be framed and imagined? This volume provides a historical background and policy answers to these and a number of other related questions, analysing developments in the region from the standpoint of the interplay between disintegration and polarization.
The Frailty of Authority explores the social, economic, cultural, and historical forces that shape and constrain the common worldviews that give ideological legitimacy to collectivities ranging from dynastic American families to Communist party cadres in China. The Frailty of Authority is the fifth consecutive volume in the series, Political Anthropology. It offers original analyses in a pioneering, multidisciplinary field concerned with understanding political man. Articles cover a wide range of theoretical, conceptual, and methodological approaches in exploring the complex inter-relationships among socioeconomic, cultural, and political phenomena.
The Frailty of Authority explores the social, economic, cultural, and historical forces that shape and constrain the common worldviews that give ideological legitimacy to collectivities ranging from dynastic American families to Communist party cadres in China. The Frailty of Authority is the fifth consecutive volume in the series, Political Anthropology. It offers original analyses in a pioneering, multidisciplinary field concerned with understanding political man. Articles cover a wide range of theoretical, conceptual, and methodological approaches in exploring the complex inter-relationships among socioeconomic, cultural, and political phenomena.
Maria Kuznetsova’s book, "Russia Reimagined," details Russia's geopolitical evolution from the Soviet collapse to the present day, covering economic turmoil, political consolidation under Putin, relations with the West, and Russia's evolving domestic and foreign policies. Key Takeaways The Soviet collapse left Russia facing immediate challenges including economic disintegration, social unrest, and ethnic tensions. The leadership transition from Gorbachev to Yeltsin marked a pivotal shift towards market economics and democratization, though this transition was turbulent. Putin's rise in centralized power, leading to political consolidation and a managed democracy, is often criticized for its authoritarian aspects. Russia's relationship with the West is characterized by tensions stemming from NATO expansion, conflicts in Georgia and Ukraine, and information warfare. Economic sanctions against Russia have had significant macroeconomic and sectoral impacts, leading to policy adjustments and countermeasures. Russia's energy sector is crucial to its economic stability and geopolitical leverage. The book concludes by reflecting on three decades of Russia's geopolitical evolution and offering predictions for its future path in a multipolar world. Contributions of the Book - Geopolitical Influence and Strategies: The book delves into Russia's geopolitical strategies, particularly focusing on its influence in regions like the South Caucasus and Central Asia. It highlights the historical associations and ongoing tensions in areas such as Nagorno-Karabakh, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, emphasizing the need to thoroughly examine Russia's influence and interrelations in these critical areas. - Economic and Energy Partnerships: The book discusses the economic collaborations between Russia and European nations, which include trade, investment, and technological exchanges. These partnerships have facilitated mutual economic growth and technology transfers, although they have also faced challenges such as regulations, sanctions, and trade disputes. - Cultural Influence and Soft Power: The book explores Russia's use of cultural influence and soft power as part of its geopolitical strategies. This includes disseminating ideas and cultural exchanges, which influence Russia's broader global influence. - Unintended Outcomes and Challenges: The book addresses the unintended outcomes of Russia's geopolitical actions, such as the complexities and challenges that arise from its interventions and alliances. These outcomes highlight the intricate nature of international relations and the potential for unforeseen consequences. - Future Projections and Resolutions: The book proposes potential resolutions for geopolitical conflicts, such as deploying a United Nations peacekeeping mission and using international legal mechanisms for arbitration. These suggestions aim to foster stability and uphold international law in disputed territories. - Transformation and Challenges in Russia: The book examines Russia’s internal transformations and challenges, including economic and political shifts. It provides insights into the country's domestic changes and their implications for its international strategies. These contributions collectively offer a comprehensive analysis of Russia's geopolitical strategies, economic collaborations, cultural influence, and the challenges it faces both domestically and internationally. A Must Read.
"The word of God is living and operative" (Hebrews 4:12a). It is "living" and not just letter because it gives life. The Scriptures are "operative" because they contain not only theological ideas to be pondered but also spiritual realities to be experienced. For "every scripture is divinely inspired [God-breathed], and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, fully fitted to every good work" (II Timothy 3:16-17). "Ye search the scriptures," said the Lord Jesus Christ, "for ye think that in them ye have life eternal, and they it is which bear witness concerning me; and ye will not come to me that ye might have life" (John 5:39-40). It behooves us, therefore, to diligently read the Bible and meditate on it. To encourage God's people to study God's word, brother Stephen Kaung delivered a series of messages on the sixty-six books of the Bible. Commencing in 1983, each Lord's day the survey of one book was shared from the New Testament; and a similar sharing from the Old Testament commenced in 1986. Each message is merely a panoramic view of each book of the Bible; a tasting of the sweetness of God's word. The aim is to provide the saints with some basic understanding in their search of God's word. These being spoken messages, no acknowledgement of the names of the many commentaries consulted is indicated. This survey of the Holy Bible will be published as Volume I and Volume II under the overall title of God Has Spoken: with Volume I bearing the subtitle, Seeing Christ in the Old Testament, and consisting of two physical volumes, Part One (Genesis to Song of Songs) and Part Two (Isaiah to Malachi); and Volume II bearing the subtitle, Seeing Christ in the New Testament. May God use these volumes to increase our love for His word.
A monumental six-volume set that presents an undeniable case for the revealed authority of God to a generation that has forgotten who he is and what he has done.
Part 4 in a monumental six-volume set that presents an undeniable case for the revealed authority of God to a generation that has forgotten who he is and what he has done.
This book brings together key articles that trace the development of British education policy since 1975 and provides a valuable route map to developments within education policy during this period. It includes twenty-six seminal articles from the Oxford Review of Education written by many of the leading authors in the field and covering issues and topics with a wide significance beyond Britain. In one, easy-to-access place, this authoritative reference book provides a collection of articles that have made an important impact on policy studies and cover a broad range of significant policy issues, including: equality in education school effectiveness special educational needs school choice fourteen to nineteen education the structure of the educational system. The book has been compiled by the current editors of the journal to show the development of the field, and their specially written introduction contextualises the selection and introduces students to the main issues and current thinking in the field.
This book presents an analysis of organizational wisdom via an embedded single case study of a group's attempt to develop and spread a medical innovation within a Canadian healthcare authority. By offering a unique insight into how values, rationality, and power interact in a real social setting, the book explores how they create positive change.
