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Unravelling Gramsci: Hegemony and Passive Revolution in the Global Political Economy (Reading Gramsci)
by Adam David Morton‘Powerful and clarifying ... The book’s combination of careful argument and cogent illustration will make this a landmark volume in Gramscian studies.’ John Agnew, University of California, Los Angeles, and author of Hegemony: The New Shape of Global Power*BR**BR*‘Morton draws upon an impressive knowledge of Gramsci’s writings to provide new insights into key processes in today’s world order.’ Anne Showstack Sassoon, Emeritus Professor, Kingston University and Visiting Professor, Birkbeck College, University of London*BR**BR*Unravelling Gramsci makes extensive use of Antonio Gramsci’s writings, including his much-overlooked pre-prison journalism, prison letters, as well as his prison notebooks, to provide a fresh approach to understanding his contemporary relevance in the current neoliberal world order. Adam Morton examines in detail the themes of hegemony, passive revolution and uneven development to provide a useful way of analysing the contemporary global political economy, the project of neoliberalism, processes of state formation, and practices of resistance. The book explores the theoretical and practical limitations of how Gramsci’s ideas can be used today, offering a broad insight into state formation and the international factors shaping hegemony within a capitalist framework.
Empire's Law: The American Imperial Project and the War to Remake the World
by Amy BartholomewCan democracy and human rights really be imposed 'by fire and sword'? *BR**BR*This is a collection of essays debating empire and international law, concerning the relationship between American imperialism, the abuse of 'humanitarian intervention' and its legal implications.*BR**BR*Covering everything from the role of Europe and the UN, to people's tribunals, to broader accounts of the contradictions of war and human rights, the contributors offer new and innovative ways of examining the problems that we face.*BR**BR*Contributors include Leo Panitch, Sam Gindin, Jurgen Habermas, Ulrich Preuss, Andrew Arato, Samir Amin, Reg Whitaker, Denis Halliday and Hans von Sponeck.
Not a Normal Country: Italy After Berlusconi
by Geoff Andrews'I know of no book in English dedicated with such focus and depth on Berlusconi’s politics. ... Geoff Andrew's grasp of political culture is profound and reflective.' Gino Bedani, Research Professor in Italian, University of Swansea*BR**BR*'[Andrews provides] unusually penetrating insights ... Beautifully written.' Jim Newell, Reader in Politics, University of Salford*BR**BR*Not a Normal Country explores Italian politics and culture in the era of Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s richest man and one of its longest serving prime ministers. Geoff Andrews argues that the ‘Berlusconi phenomenon’ was a populist response to widespread cynicism towards politics. Berlusconi posed as an ‘anti-politician’, and based his appeal on his virtues as a salesman rather than a statesman.*BR**BR*The second part of the book discusses the varied opposition to Berlusconi. This ranges from the anti-global demonstrations in Genoa in 2001 to unconventional protests such as the Girotondo movement led by the film director Nanni Moretti. According to Andrews, this new associationism has helped rebuild Italian politics.*BR**BR*Finally, Andrews looks to the future and, through the examples of anti-mafia protests in Sicily as well as opposition to the Americanisation of Italian culture, considers the prospects for the new post-Berlusconi Italy.
The West Bank Wall: Unmaking Palestine
by Ray DolphinSince Israel began its construction in 2002, the Wall has sparked intense debate, being condemned as illegal by the International Court of Justice. *BR**BR*Israel claims it is a security measure to protect Israeli citizens from terrorist attacks. Opponents point to the serious impact on the rights of Palestinians, depriving them of their land, mobility and access to health and educational services. *BR**BR*This book explores the Palestinian experience of the Wall in their international context. What are the real intentions behind the Israeli security argument? Is it a means of securing territory permanently through an illegal annexation of East Jerusalem? The West Bank Wall is a cutting account of the impact of the wall and how it affects prospects of a future peace in the Middle East.
Terror and Violence: Imagination and the Unimaginable (Anthropology, Culture and Society)
by Andrew Strathern Pamela J. Stewart Neil L. WhiteheadWhat is terror? What are its roots and its results -- and what part does it play in human experience and history? This volume offers a number of timely and original anthropological insights into the ways in which acts of terror -- and reactions to those acts -- impact on the lives of virtually everyone in the world today, as perpetrators, victims or witnesses. *BR**BR*As the contributors to this volume demonstrate, what we have come to regard as acts of terror -- whether politically motivated, or state-sanctioned -- have assumed many different forms and provoked widely differing responses throughout the world.*BR**BR*At a deeper level, the contributors explore the work of the imagination in extreme contexts of danger, such as those of terror and terrorism. By stressing the role of the imagination, and its role in amplifying the effects of experience, this collection brings together a coherent set of analyses that offer innovative and unexpected ways of understanding a major global problem of contemporary life.
Endless War?: Hidden Functions of the 'War on Terror'
by David KeenWas the Iraq war really an act of goodwill to liberate people from injustice? Or was it a strategic move to maintain US dominance globally? *BR**BR*This book casts a critical light on the real motives behind war and conflict. David Keen explores how winning war is rarely an end in itself; rather, war tends to be part of a wider political and economic game that is consistent with strengthening the enemy. Keen devises a radical framework for analysing an unending war project, where the 'war on terror' is an extension of the Cold War.*BR**BR*The book draws on the author's detailed study of wars in Sudan, Sierra Leone, as well as in a range of other conflicts.
The Politics of Human Rights: A Global Perspective (Human Security in the Global Economy)
by Tony EvansIn the past, violations of human rights were commonly portrayed as atrocities perpetrated by tyrannical dictatorships. Today, the images of torture at Abu Ghraib in Iraq, and the treatment of detainees at Guantanamo Bay, put the lie to this assumption. State violations of human rights have a global reach.*BR**BR*Tony Evan's introduction to the politics of human rights examines the impact of globalisation on global human rights. He argues that the state’s role in protecting and promoting rights has been severely weakened under globalisation – and that the emerging global order may be a cause of many human rights violations. As the value of the market grows, the value of individual human rights decreases.*BR**BR*The Politics of Human Rights departs from traditional interpretations of human rights by focusing on the political economy of human rights, rather than on the philosophical or legal aspects.
Manufacturing Discontent: The Trap of Individualism in Corporate Society
by Michael PerelmanCorporate power has a huge impact on the rights and privileges of individuals -– as workers, consumers, and citizens. This book explores how the myth of individualism reinforces corporate power by making people perceive themselves as having choices, when in fact most peoples' options are very limited.*BR**BR*Perelman describes the manufacture of unhappiness - the continual generation of dissatisfaction with products people are encouraged to purchase and quickly discard - and the complex techniques corporations employ to avoid responsibility and accountability to their workers, consumers and the environment. He outlines ways in which individuals can surpass individualism and instead work together to check the growing power of corporations. *BR**BR*While other books have surveyed the corporate landscape, or decried modern consumerism, Perelman, a professor of economics, places these ideas within a proper economic and historical context. He explores the limits of corporate accountability and responsibility, and investigates the relation between a wide range of phenomena such as food, fear and terrorism.*BR**BR*Highly readable, Manufacturing Discontent will appeal to anyone with an interest in the way society works - and what really determines the rights of individuals in a corporate society.
Frustrated Empire: US Foreign Policy, 9/11 to Iraq
by David RyanExamining the broad contexts of US foreign policy and the lingering aftermath of the Vietnam War, David Ryan argues that these events created an opportunistic framing of 9/11, paving the way for the long-held neo-conservative desire for regime change and war in Iraq. *BR**BR*He examines the construction of the cultural framework for war following 9/11, the legitimacy of military force in Afghanistan, the rise of anti-Americanism, within the broader contexts over the struggle over legitimacy, identity and leadership.*BR**BR*Turning the 'clash of civilisations' thesis on its head, Ryan presents a careful analysis of the evolution of US foreign policy and its engagement with Iraq through the 1980s. While 9/11 provided the opportunity, the post-Vietnam context provides a more pertinent framework for this reflection on the Gulf War, the Iraq War and the strategic implications for US foreign policy.
The Dark Sahara: America's War on Terror in Africa
by Jeremy KeenanThis book reveals the secret US agenda behind the 'war on terror' in Africa and the shocking methods used to perpetuate the myth that the region is a hotbed of Islamic terrorism.*BR**BR*Africa expert Jeremy Keenan points to overwhelming evidence suggesting that, from 2003, the Bush administration and Algerian government were responsible for hostage takings blamed on Islamic militants. This created a permissive public attitude, allowing the US to establish military bases in the region and pursue multiple imperial objectives in the name of security.*BR**BR*The shocking revelations in this book undermine the mainstream view of Africa as a legitimate 'second front' in the 'war on terror'.
Social Movements and State Power: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador
by James Petras Henry VeltmeyerThe 2003 electoral victory of Lucio Gutiérrez in Ecuador was met with the same sense of optimism that greeted the election of Ignacio 'Lula' da Silva in Brazil, and Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. Gutierrez's victory was viewed as a major advance for the country in its 500 year-long struggle for freedom and democracy. *BR**BR*In Bolivia, Evo Morales similarly came within an electoral whisker of achieving state power in 2002, and in 2003 Nestor Kirchner became President of Argentina. *BR**BR*Many journalists , academics and politicians speak of a "left-turn" in Latin America, characterizing these regimes as "center -left". They came to power on the promise of delivering a fundamental change of direction that would steer their countries away from neo-liberal economic policies, and towards greater social equity. Their success awakened major hopes on the Left for a new dawn in Latin American politics. *BR**BR*This book challenges these assumptions. It critically examines their agreements with the IMF, their social and economic policies, and the economic ties of leading policy makers, as well as the beneficiaries and losers under these regimes. *BR**BR*Latin America is unique in that it has experienced two decades of popular resistance to neo-liberal policies: each of the four countries examined here has a rich history of diverse indigenous and working class movements coming together to promote radical political change. *BR**BR*The authors examine the political dynamics between the state and its agenda, and the strategy of mass mobilisation taken by the mass movements. They explore the intensifying conflicts between the movements and their former allies in the state.
Empire in Denial: The Politics of State-Building
by David ChandlerThis book argues that state-building, as it is currently conceived, does not work. *BR**BR*In the 1990s, interventionist policies challenged the rights of individual states to self-governance. Today, non-western states are more likely to be feted by international institutions offering programmes of poverty-reduction, democratisation and good governance. *BR**BR*States without the right of self-government will always lack legitimate authority. The international policy agenda focuses on bureaucratic mechanisms, which can only institutionalise divisions between the West and the non-West and are unable to overcome the social and political divisions of post-conflict states. Highlighting the dangers of current policy - including the redefinition of sovereignty, and the subsequent erosion of ties linking power and accountability.
A War Too Far: Iraq, Iran and the New American Century
by Paul RogersThere are few today who can claim that the US occupation of Iraq has been a success, for either side. A War Too Far takes this on by looking back on the many unanswered questions about the invasion itself. What was the real reason for the Iraq War? Did George Bush ever have a strategy to confront al-Qaida in one arena? How does the invasion alter Iraq's relationship with Iran? And what does this mean for the future?*BR**BR*Examining the delicate balance of power in Iraq, this book explores the options for a US exit strategy, and how the invasion affects America's relationship with Iran.*BR**BR*Paul Rogers explores:*BR*• The neo-conservative vision of a US-dominated Middle East*BR*• The oil link – Iraq's significance in energy geopolitics*BR*• Links with Israel – the development of close military co-operation between the US and Israeli military*BR*• The growing possibility of a war on Iran and its potential repercussions
Sinn Féin and the Politics of Left Republicanism (Irish Left Republicanism)
by Eoin Ó BroinSinn Fein is a growing force in Irish politics. Now the country's third largest party, Sinn Fein have been one of the central architects of the peace process and are increasingly setting the terms of political debate in Ireland north and south. Despite this, the party remains much misunderstood and often misrepresented.*BR**BR*Sinn Fein and The Politics of Left Republicanism explores the ideological and organisational origins of the party, charts their history and recent political development and assesses their possible futures.*BR**BR*Eoin O Broin argues that Sinn Fein is part of a distinct left-republican tradition in Irish society whose future lies in the globally resurgent radical democratic left.
From Pinochet to the 'Third Way': Neoliberalism and Social Transformation in Chile
by Marcus TaylorThis is a comprehensive analysis of three decades of neoliberal policies in Chile, from the Pinochet dictatorship until today.*BR**BR*Chile is often described as a 'model' of neoliberal development policy. Marcus Taylor questions this description. Examining the contradictions of neoliberlism, he demonstrates how it has created a society that is deeply ridden with inequalities.*BR**BR*Taylor shows how the tensions that arose from this social inequality led to the emergence of a 'Third Way' neoliberalism in the post-dictatorship period. Taylor argues that this new development paradigm has failed. This is a result of the inability of 'Third Way' neoliberalism to transform social relationships and institutions.*BR**BR*The nature of this failure affects the direction of popular movements for social change in Latin America during a time of renewed social and political upheaval.
Democracy and Revolution: Latin America and Socialism Today
by D.L RabyIs socialism dead since the fall of the Soviet Union? What is the way forward for the Left? This book argues that Cuba and Venezuela provide inspiration for anti-globalisation and anti-capitalist movements across the world. Another world Is possible, but only through an effective political strategy to win power on a popular and democratic basis. *BR**BR*D. L. Raby argues that the way forward for progressives is not the dogmatic formulae of the Old Left, nor in the spontaneous autonomism of John Holloway or Tony Negri. Instead, it is to be found in new, broad and flexible popular movements with bold and determined leadership. Examining the relationship of key leaders to their people, including Hugo Chávez and the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, Raby shows that it is more necessary than ever to take power, peacefully where possible, but in all cases with the strength that comes from popular unity backed by force where necessary. *BR**BR*In this way it is possible to build democratic power, which may or may not be socialist depending on one’s definition, but which represent the real anti-capitalist alternative for the twenty-first century.
Oil Wars
by Mary Kaldor Terry Lynn Karl Yahia SaidAre oil-rich countries prone to war? And, if so, why? There is a widely held belief that contemporary wars are motivated by the desire of great powers like the United States or Russia to control precious oil resources and to ensure energy security.*BR**BR*This book argues that the main reason why oil-rich countries are prone to war is because of the character of their society and economy. Sectarian groups compete for access to oil resources and finance their military adventures through smuggling oil, kidnapping oil executives, or blowing up pipelines. Outside intervention only makes things worse. The use of conventional military force as in Iraq can bring neither stability nor security of supply.*BR**BR*This book examines the relationship between oil and war in six different regions: Angola, Azerbaijan, Colombia, Indonesia, Nigeria and Russia. Each country has substantial oil reserves, and has a long history of conflict. The contributors assess what part oil plays in causing, aggravating or mitigating war in each region and how this relation has altered with the changing nature of war. It offers a novel conceptual approach bringing together Kaldor's work on 'new wars' and Karl's work on the petro-state.
State Formation: Anthropological Perspectives (Anthropology, Culture and Society)
by Christian Krohn-Hansen Knut G. NustadWhat is the 'state' and how can we best study it? This book investigates new ways of analysing the state.*BR**BR*The contributors argue that the state is not a fixed and definite object. Our perceptions of it are constantly changing, and differ from person to person. What is your idea of the state if you are a refugee? Or if you are living in post-aparteid South Africa? Our perceptions are formed and sustained by evolving discourses and techniques -- these come from institutions such as government, but are also made by communities and individuals. *BR**BR*The contributors examine how state structures are viewed from the inside, by official state bodies, composed of bureaucrats and politicians; and how these state manifestations are supported, reproduced or transformed at a local level. An outline of theoretical approaches is followed by nine case studies ranging from South Africa to Peru to Norway. *BR**BR*With a good range of contributors including Cris Shore, Clifton Crais, Ana Alonso and Bruce Kapferer, this is a comprehensive critical analysis of anthropological approaches to the study of state formation.
Thinker, Faker, Spinner, Spy: Corporate PR and the Assault on Democracy
by David Miller William DinanThe public relations industry is not just about celebrity gossip. This book shows how, whenever big business is threatened, spin doctors, lobbyists, think tanks and front groups are on hand to push the corporate interest, often at the public's expense. *BR**BR*Written by leading activists and writers, this book reveals the secrets of the PR trade including deception, the use of fake 'institutes', spying and dirty tricks. The impact can be devastating -- when the public is denied access to the truth, the results are rising inequality and environmental catastrophe. *BR**BR*Exposing the misdeeds of famous companies including Coca Cola, British Aerospace, Exxon and Monsanto, and revealing information about the covert funding of various apparently independent thinks tanks and institutes, the authors offer a guide to campaigns that can help us roll back corporate power and resist deceptive PR.
Empire in the Age of Globalisation: US Hegemony and Neo-Liberal Disorder (Critical Introductions to World Politics)
by Ray KielyThis book examines the relationship between US hegemony and contemporary globalisation. *BR**BR*Many introductory textbooks on globalisation tend to be simplistic and conservative. This book moves things forward, providing a critical review of the globalisation debate. Kiely reveals the weaknesses of globalisation theory, and argues that we can only approach a proper understanding of the contemporary world order by linking globalisation to debates on capitalism, imperialism, neo-liberalism and universal human rights. He explores US hegemony in the light of these issues, showing how 'liberal internationalism' cannot be separated from capitalism, neo-liberalism and US empire-building.
Guardians of Power: The Myth of the Liberal Media
by David Edwards David CromwellGuardians of Power is a thought-provoking and controversial challenge to the idea that western media is unbiased, fearless and open to different ideas. *BR**BR*This book argues that a corporate media system be never be expected to tell the truth about a world dominated by corporations. It challenges the complacent view that newspapers, including the 'liberal' Guardian and the Independent, tell the truth about climate change, war and problems in society when they are profit-oriented businesses dependent on advertisers for 75% of their revenues.*BR**BR*Guardians of Power is a radical intervention which will spark debate amongst media students and journalists, and all those who believe in the values of a free and independent media.
Political Philosophy: From Plato to Mao
by Martin Cohen--A revised and expanded edition of this acclaimed introduction to political thought--*BR**BR*'Reliable and fair... Clear, relaxed, jargon-free and often attractively witty.' The Philosopher*BR**BR*'A handbook of the history of political philosophy.' CHOICE*BR**BR*"The central advantages of this book are undoubtedly its lucidity, range and unorthodox approach. ... This wide range is covered with surprising agility and clarity. The book offers an engaging account of political philosophy where great schools of thought are audaciously summarised in a paragraph or two." Times Higher Education Supplement*BR**BR*Guiding the reader through the key arguments of the classic figures of Western political philosophy, from Plato through to the modern era, this revised edition includes new essays on Aristotle's 'Politics', Confucianism, Islamic social philosophy and Nazism, as well as additional material on 'Roman Law', Anarchism and 'anti-capitalism'.*BR**BR*Cohen moves chronologically through the development of political philosophy. He presents key texts in their own terms, before offering short, precise analyses of their strengths, weaknesses and influence. The book finishes with a discussion of modern liberalism and conservatism.*BR**BR*Providing both a broad overview and precise summaries of key ideas, this is an invaluable guide for all students of political thought.
Zapatistas: The Chiapas Revolt and What It Means For Radical Politics
by Mihalis MentinisThe Zapatista Army for National Liberation burst onto the world stage on 1 January 1994. Zapatista commander Subcomandante Marcos announced a revolution, and declared war on the Mexican government and global capitalism. Since then, the Zapatistas have inspired thousands of activists across the world. They have attracted much attention from political theorists and analysts. Despite this, there is little consensus about the real nature and efficacy of the movement. *BR**BR*Zapatistas provides a bold new approach to understanding the insurrection. Mentinis spent nine months visiting the Zapatista autonomous zone, and the result is this unique exploration of the indigenous political theory emerging within the movement. Combining this with an analysis of the integrity of the Zaptista project, Mentinis draws on the concept of the 'event' from Badiou, ideas from Situationism, the 'project of autonomy' of Cornelius Castoriadis and the 'constituent power' of Antonio Negri, to present a rigourous account of the movement and the impact it has had on radical political theory.
The Kurds in Turkey: EU Accession and Human Rights
by Kerim YildizWith a foreword by Noam Chomsky, this is the most up-to-date critical analysis of the problems faced by the Kurds in Turkey. *BR**BR*Turkey has a long history of human rights abuses against its Kurdish population – a population that stretches into millions. This human rights record is one of the main stumbling blocks in Turkey’s efforts to join the EU. The Kurds are denied many basic rights, including the right to learn or broadcast in their own language. *BR**BR*This book, written by a leading human rights defender, provides a comprehensive account of the key issues now facing the Kurds, and the prospects for Turkey joining the EU. Kerim Yildiz outlines the background to the current situation and explores a range of issues including civil, cultural and political rights, minority rights, internal displacement, and the international community’s obligations regarding Turkey.
The Kurds in Syria: The Forgotten People
by Kerim YildizThis is the first book to focus on the plight of the Kurds in Syria. The Kurds are Syria's largest minority, and continue to be subject to extreme human rights abuses. Along with Kerim Yildiz's other recent books -- The Kurds in Iraq, and the Kurds in Turkey -- this builds on his comprehensive analysis of the current human rights situation for the largest ethnic group worldwide without its own state. *BR* *BR*Yildiz examines the contemporary situation of the Syrian Kurds in the context of Syria's own history, and the present situation where it is outlawed as a terrorist state by the USA. Fifty percent of Syria's income now goes on military spending -- for Syria feels threatened by her neighbours, and this is mirrored in the way minorities are treated within the country.*BR**BR*Covering all aspects of Kurdish life including language, education, religion and history, Yildiz offers a unique insight into the human rights situation of the Kurds in Syria.