- Table View
- List View
Indonesia’s Economy After Joko Widodo: Economic Growth and Transformation
by Csaba MoldiczThis book examines the transformation of the Indonesian economy during the presidency of Joko Widodo and the economic policies that have underpinned it, with a particular focus on manufacturing, services and infrastructure development. It not only assesses the current social and economic conditions within Indonesia, but also explores Indonesia's place within the global economy and the important role it will play in the future, particularly with regard to global supply chains. The need to balance technological modernization and capital investment with economic and strategic autonomy is also discussed. This book outlines Indonesia's economic development in recent years and considers the country's potential for further development in the coming years. It will be relevant to researchers and policymakers interested in development economics and economic policy.
Home Literacy Environment and Literacy Acquisition: Evidence from Different Languages and Contexts (Literacy Studies #26)
by George Georgiou Tomohiro InoueThis book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the literature on home literacy environment and its association with literacy skills in different languages and contexts. Home literacy environment (HLE), an umbrella term that encompasses various activities parents engage in with their children, has been studied extensively by psychologists, linguists, behavioral geneticists, and educators. However, no systematic effort has been put into synthesizing this growing body of research in a coherent manner, making it difficult for researchers and various stakeholders to understand the key points of past research while keeping up with the latest research findings. To address this need, the first part of the book provides an overview of the current literature on conceptualizations of HLE, covering prominent theoretical models, the measurement of HLE, the potential extension and generalizability of models across contexts, the intersections between home learning environment in literacy, numeracy, and other domains, and the genetic and environmental etiology of literacy development The second section of the book hosts a wide variety of studies from all over the world, conducted in English-speaking countries (UK, U.S., Canada), Finland, Greece, Turkey, China, Japan, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries, and Chile and other Latin American and Caribbean countries, while it includes chapters with both typically-developing children and children at familial risk of dyslexia. The third section of this book offers a comprehensive collection of chapters on intervention studies examining the role of family literacy programs, dialogic reading, and onscreen digital access. Together, the 22 chapters of this book elucidate the complex nature of HLE and provide future research directions and instructional recommendations on how parents and policymakers can improve home literacy practices around the world. As such, this book is valuable for researchers, educators, and other professionals, and the readership ranges from graduate students and scholars to parents and policymakers.
Empirical Applications of the Median Voter Model (Studies in Public Choice #45)
by Joshua Hall Katherine StarrThis book contains eight empirical applications of the median voter model. There exists a large literature in economics explaining public policy outcomes using the median voter model. The papers in this volume contribute to our understanding of how the institutional context of voting matters for collective decision-making. The authors of this volume apply the median voter model in a variety of different contexts, from testing the interest group orientation of government spending to voting by members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Chapters also focus on the political economy of: state-level psychedelic drug legalization, bank entry restrictions, public pension reform, state renewable portfolio standards, automobile insurance regulation, and profits in the dialysis market.
Teacher Power in the Digital Age: The Fight for the Soul of American Public Education in the Early 21st Century (Social Movements and Transformation)
by Matt ReichelThis book is an examination of the confluence of social, political, and communicative forces animating the teachers&’ uprising of the last decade: beginning with the accession of a militant slate to the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) in 2011 and continuing with myriad strikes, walkouts and other protest actions taken throughout the country since then. During this time, thousands of teachers have participated in protest actions in dozens of states and jurisdictions throughout the country, thus ending a lengthy period of relative dormancy on the part of teachers&’ unions as a political organizing force. This movement is situated amongst the other digitally-enabled &“movements of the squares&” that have occurred in recent years, including the Occupy movement and the Arab Spring, which all emerge out of the ongoing crisis of neoliberal capitalism, though this book argues that the teachers&’ movement has been central to this wave of contestation due its institutional grounding. This book will be of interest to readers with a background in Political Sociology, Education Policy, Political Communication and related fields.
Housing in Crisis: Policies and Challenges in Europe
by Björn Egner Max-Christopher KrappThis book provides a comparative assessment of housing policies in Europe, paying particular attention to the causes and consequences of rising rents and energy costs, and the various policy instruments implemented to deal with these challenges. Adopting a country case study approach, the book examines the ways in which housing costs differ across the continent, and the reasons behind these variations. Each chapter examines the idiosyncrasies of issues such as tenure structure, housing stock and housing supply structures within a particular country, and their impact on housing and energy costs. A concluding chapter offers a comparative analysis of developments across Europe. With housing and energy costs proving to be a significant issue currently facing policymakers, this book provides important insights for all those interested in public policy, housing policy, sociology, and political science.
Strength and Conditioning for the Human Weapon System
by Christopher Myers Cj FrenchA central focus of the US Military is the Human Weapon System (HWS) and the optimization of this weapon system. Over the past decade, the Department of Defence has invested in programs termed Human Performance Optimization (HPO) programs. Human performance for the human weapon system is much different than the civilian athlete. Therefore, the human weapon system's rehabilitation and performance training requirements are different and must be considered. This book demonstrates the following to strength coaches and practitioners: Why to view the HWS as a multi-faceted system that requires a more inclusive program than needed by athletes. Provide updated methodology to create a strength and conditioning program specifically for the HWS populations. Introduce and define advanced strength and conditioning methodologies SC professionals use within the US Military and law enforcement performance programs.
Comedy and Satire in Zimbabwe: The Poetics and Politics of Resistance After Mugabe (Palgrave Studies in Comedy)
by Rodwell MakombeThe book is about comedy, the nation, and resistance in Zimbabwe, following the fall of Robert Mugabe in 2017. It explores how satiric comedies and comic texts in post-Mugabe Zimbabwe contest hegemonic narratives of the nation and authorise alternative narratives from the margins. Drawing on postcolonial theories of the nation, it analyses subversive comedies and social media texts that contest official political narratives in Zimbabwe, including the comedies of four Zimbabwean comedians—Kapfupi and Marabha, Doc Vikela, and Sabhuku Vharazipi—as well as social media texts on President Mnangagwa&’s Facebook Page and cartoons published by the Zimbabwean newspaper ZimDaily. Primarily found via social media platforms (Facebook and Youtube), these texts centre alternative views and narratives of ordinary citizens, contesting established truths and providing a counter-narration to official hegemonic discourses of the nation. Where existing scholarship on post-Mugabe politics in Zimbabwe focuses on issues such as the coup, militarisation, and discourses of "newness", little attention has been paid to the forms of resistance used in everyday discourse by Zimbabweans, and particularly via satire and comedy. These comic texts, shared by comedians and normal citizens on social media, can provide a useful alternative perspective to make sense of the politics and political performances that characterize the new political dispensation after Mugabe.
Geopolitics and strategy: China, the Quad and the Southeast Asian Pivot (Palgrave Studies in Maritime Politics and Security)
by Leszek BuszynskiChina seeks geopolitical space in the Western Pacific . The spearhead of China's expansion is the navy which is now the world's largest with an expanding carrier force to enforce its maritime claims in the South China Sea and elsewhere. The geopolitical pivot for China is Southeast Asia. In view of China's constricted maritime geography, Southeast Asia is the one place that can provide access for its expanding navy allowing China to expand in different directions. Control of this region would deprive the US of a positional advantage in the Western Pacific, It would divide the Indo Pacific into two sections, the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific., separating Japan from India and nullifying the Quad grouping which brought together the US, Japan, Australia and India to counter Chinese expansionism. Because of its strategic value, Southeast Asia has become a key region in the rivalry between China and the US with its partners in the Quad. However, Southeast Asia is a region of great diversity and some countries would side with China while others would resist it. Whether China can achieve control of this region is of great concern to the US and the Quad as it relates to Chinese long term ambitions and its challenge not just to the region but to the global order.
Talibanland - Paradise Under the Shadow of Sabers in Afghanistan
by Georgi AsatryanThis book analyses the Taliban&’s rise to power and its rule in Afghanistan from various perspectives. Analyzing the ideology and evolution of the radical movement, sociocultural aspects of Afghanistan in relation to the group&’s rise to power as well as personal interviews with Taliban leaders, Asatryan sketches out a multifaceted picture of the domestic scene for further analysis of the regime&’s role in international security and affairs. In so doing the author examines Afghanistan&’s political state from different geopolitical positions and discusses the international relations and policy strategies employed by major world powers and regional actors in relation to Taliban rule. The research is interdisciplinary. The book is a social study of Afghan societies and the Taliban. On the other hand, the monograph presents an analysis of the evolution of the political strategies of various powers regarding Afghanistan.
Artificial Intelligence in Government: Latin America Challenges and Expectations (Public Administration and Information Technology #41)
by Rodrigo Sandoval-Almazán David Valle-Cruz This edited volume discusses the challenges of digital transformation in Latin America, specifically regarding the use of AI for government management in the public sector. This book brings together leading scholars and practitioners from the region to address the legal and regulatory frameworks needed to introduce AI into government processes, as well as the infrastructure requirements for successful implementation. It explores potential resistance from public officials towards technology adoption and ways to overcome it. Moreover, the book considers the digital divide that exists within Latin American societies, which may hinder access to AI tools for some citizens. It also discusses ethical considerations related to AI use in government processes, such as privacy concerns and algorithmic bias. Providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for Latin American governments, this volume will be of use to students and scholars interested in governance, public management, AI, and Latin American studies.
Youth Activism in the Radical Right of Brazil and Germany: On the Thresholds of Politics
by Beatriz BesenThis book offers a comprehensive analysis of radical right youth activism in Brazil and Germany, examining the complex pathways of political engagement through innovative biographical and narrative research. By exploring the tensions between democratic and anti-democratic practices, the study reveals how young activists navigate political landscapes, uncovering the intricate relationships between conservative discourses, neoliberalism, and political identity formation. Drawing on political psychology and post-structuralist approaches, the author challenges traditional interpretations of youth political participation. Combining in-depth interviews and comparative analysis, the book sheds light on the motivations, discourses, and mechanisms that have driven and sustained their engagement. By offering a comparative perspective, it reveals both the specific national dynamics and the transnational patterns that characterize radical right youth activism today. Youth Activism in the Radical Right of Brazil and Germany: On the Thresholds of Politics is essential for scholars of psychology, politics and sociology, as well as for students and policymakers seeking to understand the growing youth engagement in radical right-wing movements and its challenges for contemporary democracy.. The original manuscript of this book was written in Brazilian Portuguese and translated into English with the help of artificial intelligence. A subsequent human revision was done primarily in terms of content.
Cybercrime and Cyber Terrorism: A View from the Philosophy of Social Science
by Tim OwenThis book examines the cyber terrorist offender through social and biological theories. It critiques how traditional criminology theory falls short when applied to cyber-terrorism. Using a four-fold lens, it takes into analytical consideration a cluster of psychological, social, genetic and neurological variables. It uses multiple examples to show how this approach can be applied to selected aspects of cyber terrorism, including definitions of terrorism per se, forms of cyber terrorism, examples of counter terrorism and attempts to combat cyber terrorism, and the possible motivations for cyber terrorism. This Genetic-Social approach seeks to ‘build bridges’ between the biological and social sciences, providing an ontologically-flexible, more integrationalist conceptualisation of the phenomena of cyber terrorism. It includes a chapter explaining how the post-Covid era has changed the playing field in a way that advantages cyber-terrorists and it also discusses a blueprint for a potential predictive model of cyber terrorism.
The Impact of European Human Rights Bodies on Penal Policies (Human Rights Interventions)
by Gaëtan CliquennoisA new framework for penal and prison policies in Europe has been progressively established by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), the Council of Europe (CoE) and the European Union (EU) to protect the human rights of detainees in Europe. European countries have reacted in very diverse ways to this influence. This book looks at the evolving content of case law and European Standards and their effects through a range of national reactions, processes and policies in different European countries.
Food, Environmental Degradation and Injustices: How the Way We Eat Will Destroy Us (Palgrave Studies in Green Criminology)
by Simon SneddonWhat if the global trade in key food commodities suddenly ceased? This book takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the environmental, ethical, and social justice issues embedded in our food systems. From meat and seafood to staple crops like tomatoes, potatoes, palm oil, and soya, it explores how industrial agriculture and aquaculture drive deforestation, biodiversity loss, labour exploitation, and species injustice. Drawing on green criminology and eco-justice principles, the book uncovers how corporations, weak regulations, and economic inequalities sustain harmful practices—often legally sanctioned but morally indefensible. Through an innovative &“what-if&” approach, it challenges readers to rethink the true cost of their food and the power of their choices. This compelling book is essential reading for anyone concerned with sustainability, corporate accountability, and the future of global food production.
Bulgaria in the Global Economy: Dynamics, Challenges, and Opportunities (Societies and Political Orders in Transition)
by Paskal ZhelevThis book presents an in-depth analysis of Bulgaria's integration into the global economy, analyzing the evolution, current status, and prospects for the country&’s positioning in the ever-complex system of international economic relations. The book provides a comprehensive examination of Bulgaria's economic trajectory from its historical development to its current role in the global economy. Presenting important periods throughout Bulgaria's economic evolution, including the planned economy era and the subsequent transition to a market-oriented system, the work analyzes the profound shifts and challenges faced by the country. The book examines the integration into the European Union, assessing both the benefits and risks associated with this pivotal relationship. Furthermore, it investigates Bulgaria's foreign economic partnerships, analyzing its interplay with major actors such as the USA, China, and Russia. Systematically exploring foreign trade in goods and services, participation in global value chains, foreign direct investment trends, and the complex dynamics of international labor migration, the book is based on rich empirical data and comparative analyses with similar economies. It addresses emerging trends, with dedicated chapters on green transition, technological advancement, and digital transformation. Finally, the book presents policy implications derived from Bulgaria's experiences and concludes with a forward-looking perspective on enhancing Bulgaria's global economic competitiveness, making it relevant to both academic audiences and policy practitioners.
The Protection of Community Interests in the International Law of State Responsibility: Insights from Rational Choice Theory (International Law and Economics)
by Julia LemkeThis book redefines the traditional understanding of state responsibility. It presents a compelling argument that international law's effectiveness hinges on its ability to protect not only state interests but also those of the global community. Drawing from principles established in the Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts (ARSIWA), the book examines how states, conceptualised as rational actors, navigate collective action challenges. Through a law and economics lens, it sheds light on the role of international state responsibility in providing global public goods and safeguarding common pool resources. This interdisciplinary book offers valuable insights and normative suggestions for enhancing the ARSIWA's efficacy in promoting community interests. It will appeal to scholars and practitioners in public international law, law and economics, and international relations, interested in a better understanding of international law's role in tackling pressing global issues.
Sauna Culture, Sweat and Spirituality: On the Architectonics and Cosmology of Sacred Space (Springer Studies on Populism, Identity Politics and Social Justice)
by Kaarina KailoThis book explores spiritual and sacred practices in Finnish saunas and Native North American sweat lodges through a comparative study. It also sheds light on ancient traditions from Ireland and Galicia, tracing their evolution and shared spiritual features. The book further analyzes gendered rituals, woman-centered lifeways, and cyclical worldviews rooted in rebirth and regeneration. This book shows how these practices reflect a deep, cross-cultural matrix of symbols celebrating Heaven and Earth. It presents the Delaware Sweat Lodge and Big House as prototypes of sacred structures for world renewal and their connections to sauna cultures worldwide. By defining key concepts from patriarchal, feminist, and Indigenous perspectives, this book challenges normative, unquestioned notions of the sacred and the divine. The book's interdisciplinary approach will appeal to students, scholars, and researchers of gender studies, Indigenous studies, cultural studies, religious studies, philosophy, and anthropology interested in a better understanding of how ancient rituals hold ecological significance for addressing today&’s planetary crises and social imbalances, revealing like-mindedness across diverse faith traditions.
American Economic History: Earliest Americans to 1914 (Classroom Companion: Economics)
by John F. McDonaldThis textbook introduces undergraduate and advanced undergraduate students to the economic foundations of America. Providing a rigorous yet accessible exploration of American Economic History from pre-Columbian times up to 1914, it explains the economic and demographic nuances of colonial America, including the Spanish, French, and English colonies and how they were governed. The book presents the details of the controversy between the English colonists and the English Parliament. It further features the impact of slavery, the Revolutionary and Civil War eras, and it includes extensive economic analysis of the post Civil War nation up to 1914. Based on the author's lectures, the book allows an easy understanding of the economic evolution from the earliest Americans to World War I. Instructors can customize their curriculum by supplementing this fundamental text with additional readings, offering flexibility while ensuring a solid knowledge of the economic aspects of American history.
How Can We Explain Black Support For Donald Trump?: The Impact of Black Identity and Religiosity on Black Voting Patterns (Springer Series in Electoral Politics)
by Kofi ArhinAfrican Americans have long been the backbone of the Democratic Party. Yet, the rise of Donald Trump, with his radical Republican stance, did not diminish their support for him compared to previous Republican candidates. This book analyzes an intriguing question: Why are some African American voters not deterred by Trump’s rhetoric? Exploring a new theory, the book argues that Black Trump voters have varying degrees of attachment to Black identity. Those with weaker ties to Black identity are less likely to conform to the expected political behavior of their community. Instead, their primary identity, often Christianity, guides their voting decisions. This shift in identity prioritization leads them to support the Republican Party, regardless of the candidate. This book provides a fresh perspective on race, identity, and political allegiance in contemporary America. It will appeal to students, scholars, and researchers of political science in general and electoral studies in particular.
The Populist Aesthetic of the Rassemblement National and la France Insoumise: To Be or Not Be in the System? (Political Campaigning and Communication)
by Morgane BelhadiThis book analyses visual expressions of populism in France to provide new insights into contemporary political communication. It focuses on images produced by the Rassemblement National and la France insoumise – parties on the far right and far left respectively – as part of their political campaigns. The author explores issues such as representation, symbolism, the power of narratives, dystopian imagery and counterculture, throughout posters and social media. It highlights the strategies of these parties, particularly in relation to the use of the themes of resistance, revolution and patriotism. The book is a valuable resource for academics, students and practitioners who seek to better understand populism in France and beyond.
Territory and Politics in Contemporary Italy
by Marco AlmagistiThe book is structured around a coherent central theme: the cultural and social basis of democracy in the Italian experience. In particular, it discusses the Italian political system, since Italy is the only country to have experienced the entire party system collapse and facing a crisis that seems endless. This work examines Italian democracy focusing on its territorial dynamics throughout the last two centuries. From the particular context of Italian democracy, the author explores the new cleavage that advances in all consolidated democracies and identifies the reasons for its present crisis and possible ways out.
War on Gaza: Consequences on Sustainability and Global Security (Sustainable Development Goals Series)
by Abdo HassounThe relentless bombardment and blockade on Gaza have not only drastically restricted the inflow of essential food supplies but have also led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis with unprecedented casualties. The widespread destruction has crippled the ability of the population to grow and process food, leaving Gazans without sufficient access to basic nutrition and pushing them to the brink of famine. Building on the previous work of Dr. Hassoun on acute food insecurity and malnutrition in Gaza, this book addresses not only Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2—Zero Hunger, SDG 3—Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 6—Clean Water and Sanitation, but all seventeen SDGs. While brief reports have been published on the topic, this will be the first in-depth scholarly work, offering case studies, data-driven analysis from various fields, and a comprehensive examination of the multidimensional and devastating impacts of war. With an urgent and multidisciplinary perspective, this book highlights the interconnectedness of war, sustainability, and global security, emphasizing how hostilities in Gaza have reversed progress toward achieving all SDGs, both in Gaza and beyond. Bringing together diverse expertise from 60 authors across 27 countries, the book showcases the international and interdisciplinary collaboration underlying its research. Through a series of carefully curated chapters written by specialists in various fields, it provides a comprehensive analysis of how war has affected societal structure, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability in Gaza. For each issue addressed, the text offers strategic insights and practical measures aimed at mitigating damage and fostering resilience. This book serves as a critical resource for policymakers, researchers, humanitarian organizations, and anyone who is interested in understanding and addressing the complex dynamics of conflict and sustainability.
Proper Economic Policies Under the Post-Pandemic Era: Economic Growth and Stability
by Philip Arestis Nikolaos KaragiannisThis book examines the economic challenges facing the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Monetary Union and discusses the macroeconomic policies pursued by their authorities in detail. It highlights a range of unsuccessful monetary and fiscal policies to establish financial stability and reduce inflation. By assessing the current threats to economic growth and stability, alternative ways in which governments and central banks can create coordinated responses and deliver better economic and social outcomes are outlined. The implications of Artificial Intelligence and cryptocurrencies are also discussed. This book offers a practical framework for realistic modern economic policy that produces economic and environmental sustainability. It will be relevant to students, academics, researchers, and policymakers interested in the political economy, international economics, and economic policy.
Between Markets and Governments: An Institutional Analysis of Development Banking and Economics in Greece
by Konstantinos LoizosThis book proposes an institutional economics approach to development banking in the wake of the 2008 Financial Crisis. The role of national development banks in countering the adverse effects of economic recession is highlighted, alongside ways in which they can contribute to sustainable economic development and institutional change. Through acknowledging the distinctive features of development banks, a new theoretical model for development banking is presented. The proposed model is applied to a case study of the Greek economic development during the post-war period until the early 2020s. The role of development banks in the socio-economic transformation of the country is analyzed along with the evolution of development banking as the economy went through different financial regimes. This book aims to provide a modern framework for understanding the mechanisms for financing economic development and promoting institutional change. It will be relevant to researchers and policymakers interested in development and financial economics.
Discourses of Human Rights Education (Globalisation, Comparative Education and Policy Research #52)
by Joseph Zajda Yvonne VissingThis book examines critically major issues confronting human rights implementation in schools, both locally and globally. It analyzes the challenges that different societies are confronted with, as they attempt to implement, protect and defend democracy, cultural diversity and human rights in schools. The book also documents human rights challenges that result from the increased cultural diversity that occurs in a more mobile and globalized world. By examining education policy shifts in the use of the major discourses in human rights and education, the book offers a comprehensive synthesis of the intersecting and diverse discourses of globalisation, cultural diversity, human rights, and education. It also provides innovative ideas concerning the future directions for authentic models of globalisation, human rights and education.