Politics at Continuum

Coming up at Continuum

We have some exciting new politics titles coming up in February 2012, including:

Governance in Pacific Asia: Political Economy and Development from Japan to Burma
by Peter Ferdinand

The Arab-Israeli Conflict: A Guide for the Perplexed
by Ian Bickerton

Embassies in Armed Conflict (Key Studies in Diplomacy Series)
by G. R. Berridge 

Identity as Reasoned Choice: A South Asian Perspective on The Reach and Resources of Public and Practical Reason in Shaping Individual Identities
by Jonardon Ganeri

New Dynamics in East Asian Politics: Security, Political Economy, and Society
edited by Zhiqun Zhu

Nuclear Weapons in the Information Age
by Stephen J. Cimbala 

 

Book Review: Federalism by Kyle Scott

Federalism: A Normative Theory and its Practical Relevance by Kyle Scott is reviewed in the December issue of Choice .

Scott (Univ. of Houston) seeks to formulate a theory of federalism based on popular sovereignty. He begins with an examination of the relevant thoughts of Althusius, Aristotle, and Tocqueville and suggests that federalism offers answers to some criticisms of deliberative democracy. Drawing on Plato and Montesquieu, in chapters 2 and 3, Scott argues that federalism's protection of local variations is not a form of relativism but serves instead as a framework for popular views. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 examine, respectively, nullification, veto, and secession as protections for federalism. Scott sees nullification as strengthening federalism and the right of secession as "integral" to "healthy" federalism. His discussion of veto focuses on protecting the rights of religious minorities. The final chapter analyzes Calhoun's theory of the concurrent majority and concludes with an assertion of the inadequacy of "top-down" approaches for dealing with problems Iraq and the Israel-Palestine conflict pose. Although this is a useful contribution to discussions of federalism, Scott's mixing of the ideas and processes of direct democracy with the institutions of federalism, as normally understood, needs further explanation for his perspective to be theoretically persuasive. Summing Up: Recommended. Research collections. -- R. Heineman, Alfred University

Scott, Kyle.  Federalism: a normative theory and its practical relevance.  Continuum International Publishers Group, 2011.  216p bibl index afp; ISBN 9781441197641, $90.00; ISBN 9781441177148 pbk, $27.95. Reviewed in 2011dec CHOICE. Scott (Univ. of Houston) seeks to formulate a theory of federalism based on popular sovereignty. He begins with an examination of the relevant thoughts of Althusius, Aristotle, and Tocqueville and suggests that federalism offers answers to some criticisms of deliberative democracy. Drawing on Plato and Montesquieu, in chapters 2 and 3, Scott argues that federalism's protection of local variations is not a form of relativism but serves instead as a framework for popular views. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 examine, respectively, nullification, veto, and secession as protections for federalism. Scott sees nullification as strengthening federalism and the right of secession as "integral" to "healthy" federalism. His discussion of veto focuses on protecting the rights of religious minorities. The final chapter analyzes Calhoun's theory of the concurrent majority and concludes with an assertion of the inadequacy of "top-down" approaches for dealing with problems Iraq and the Israel-Palestine conflict pose. Although this is a useful contribution to discussions of federalism, Scott's mixing of the ideas and processes of direct democracy with the institutions of federalism, as normally understood, needs further explanation for his perspective to be theoretically persuasive. Summing Up: Recommended. Research collections. -- R. Heineman, Alfred University

Review: Alexis de Tocqueville

Alexis de Tocqueville, by Alan S. Kahan was reviewed in the journal, French Studies.  You can read the full text of the review by clicking on: Download Kahan FS review 2011

The book is part of Major Conservative and Libertarian Thinkers, a series that provides comprehensive accounts of the works of seminal conservative thinkers . This volume includes an intellectual biography, historical context, critical exposition of Alexis de Tocqueville's work, reception and influence, contemporary relevance, bibliography including references to electronic resources and an index.

Book Review: US Civil-Military Relations After 9/11

US Civil-Military Relations After 9/11 by Mackubin Thomas Owens was reviewed in The Providence Journal. You can read the review at http://www.projo.com/books/content/BOOK-CIVIL-MILITARY_08-21-11_HDPH81O_v11.6dd35.html

" This is the finest work available today for a serious student of how the military can best serve the Republic."--James N. Mattis, General, U.S. Marines

 

Just Published: Women Waging War and Peace

Women Waging War and Peace: International Perspectives of Women's Roles in Conflict and Post-Conflict Reconstruction, edited by Sandra I. Cheldelin and Maneshka Eliatamby, examines how women actively contribute not only to conflict, but also to peace and social change in diverse contexts around the world.

"Tremendoulsy rich in cross-national case studies, Women Waging War and Peace critically examines the complex agency of girls and women in the contexts of child soldiers, suicide bombers, front-line soldiers, peace negotiators, and peacebuilders.  By combining primary research, theoretical lenses from various academic disciplines, and women's lived experiences in all their trauma, healing, and triumph, Women Waging Peace and War reinforces the critical need for international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and policy leaders to empower women.  The Institute for Conflict Analysis & Resolution at George Mason University has provided a tremendous contribution to the fields of conflict analysis, peace studies, and women's studies." -Paige Eager, Associate Professor, Hood College

For more information, please visit our website at: http://www.continuumbooks.com/books/detail.aspx?BookId=158837&SearchType=Basic

Understanding the Crisis

What happened is the question many would like to see answered in a clear manner when it comes to today's global financial crisis. David Coates's two books, Answering Back and Making the Progressive Case might help!

 

"Answering Back is a very timely book. It will deepen the reader's understanding of the main issues in the debates between liberals and conservatives--especially those on the far right. The book is written from a liberal perspective, but it documents both the liberal and conservative sides of the issues. It achieves one of its main objectives very well--raising the quality of these debates." -Dr. Ray Marshall, University of Texas

"Perhaps no U.S.-based scholar is better equipped and more able to “Make the Progressive Case” than David Coates. Convincingly arguing in favor of regulated markets, managed trade, and a green economy, Coates offers a superior liberal alternative economic model to the emerging center-right consensus in the U.S., after the Tea Party revolt in November 2010. His book is a genuine tour de force and should be read by anyone worried about the future of the American economy and the revival of the American dream. Superbly written, with genuine wit and scholarly sophistication, this book could not be more important and timely. Making the Progressive Case underscores Coates’ credentials as one of America’s greatest political economic thinkers, as he lays the intellectual groundwork for a persuasive liberal answer during the 2012 presidential elections." -Matthias Matthijs, Assistant Professor of International Political Economy, American University, Washington DC

New Title: Achieving Democracy

Achieving Democracy, a new textbook edited by Mary Fran T. Malone, analyzes why some nations become democratic while others remain authoritarian by looking at issues of democratization from a cross-national and historical perspective.

"Achieving Democracy provides undergraduate students with all the elements needed to think about the various aspects of democratization around the world. The volume explores processes of democratization in the first, second and third waves as well as current debates on democracy promotion. This book challenges students to test theories of democratization, thus asking them to take a proactive role vis-a-vis one of the most important topics of our times. Strongly recommended."- Ariel C. Armony, Director, Center for Latin American Studies and Weeks Professor in Latin American Studies Professor of International Studies, University of Miami, USA.

New Series: Key Studies in Diplomacy

Continuum is proud to launch its new series, Key Studies in Diplomacy edited by Lorna Lloyd from Keele University.

The first volume to publish is 21st Century Diplomacy by Kishan Rana, to be followed by Embassies in Armed Conflict by G.R. Berridge.

 

"The clichéd image of the venerable profession of diplomacy is one of stuffed shirts living in exotic, well-appointed residences and attending a whirl of cocktail parties. Yet how far this is from reality is superbly described in this new book by Kishan Rana. This seasoned representative of one of the best diplomatic services in the world reveals the true story of diplomats as modern managers of foreign relations, networking and negotiating with politicians, businessmen, academics or artists, and equally at home with the use of modern methods of technology. Rana’s comprehensive picture of the diplomat of the 21st century is not only scholarly and magisterial but also, with its telling use of amusing anecdotes taken from everyday life in embassies and international conference halls, highly entertaining. This excellent volume can be highly recommended to every student of contemporary diplomacy." -Ambassador Hans Winkler

 

The volumes in the series are relatively short handbooks aimed at beginning practitioners and advanced university students. The volumes highlight the ways foreign policy is implemented through the apparatus of diplomacy, the diplomatic system, and diplomats and will discuss:
a) specific aspects of diplomacy, such as the concept of diplomatic relations, the consequences of cutting off diplomatic relations, diplomatic immunity, etc.
b) key diplomatic activities and events, such as an international crisis, or a summit meeting. Such books will focus on the conduct of diplomacy rather than its politics. The focus will be on the contemporary practice of diplomacy, not on foreign policy or the theoretical direction of diplomacy.

Continuum Author on CSPAN

John Celock will be on CSPAN's Washington Journal this coming Sunday, July 3rd from 9:15 am to 10:00 am, to discuss his book, The Next Generation. This live show with viewer call is aired nationally.

Based on first-hand interviews, The Next Generation: Young Elected Officials and Their Impact on American Politics is an in-depth look at the people under 35 years old who run for office in the US.

"John Celock combines the story-telling abilities of a journalist with the systematic approach of a political scientist to produce an engaging and richly textured book of unusual depth and quality.  Celock takes us with him as he crisscrosses the nation conducting extensive interviews aimed at understanding the political trajectories of young elected officials.  His approach to the subject is simultaneously entertaining and systematic while relating the rich political context that surrounds each of the remarkable individuals he profiles.  The Next Generation convincingly makes the argument that “next generation” politicians are bringing fresh ideas to our local, state and national politics and changing the political landscape."--Sean Q. Kelly - Professor of Political Science, California State University Channel Islands

New Politics Titles For July 2011

The following titles will be available from Continuum in July:

Achieving Democracy: Democratization in Theory and Practice
edited by Mary Fran T. Malone

"Achieving Democracy provides undergraduate students with all the elements needed to think about the various aspects of democratization around the world. The volume explores processes of democratization in the first, second and third waves as well as current debates on democracy promotion. This book challenges students to test theories of democratization, thus asking them to take a proactive role vis-a-vis one of the most important topics of our times. Strongly recommended."- Ariel C. Armony, Director, Center for Latin American Studies and Weeks Professor in Latin American Studies Professor of International Studies, University of Miami, USA.

Citizen Islam The Future of Muslim Integration in the West
by Zeyno Baran

"This book is very informative and helps both Muslims and non Muslims understand the ideologies, historical trends and current events in Muslim communities.  It is an especially valuable resource for western countries because it aptly explains how some Muslim societies are evolving and resolving issues of religion and state.  It is also important for Muslims to see how they are being perceived by others. I recommend it highly for those who need to better understand the many facets of Islamic doctrine and beliefs. " - Shaykh Hisham M Kabbani, Chairman of the Islamic Supreme Council of America

Continuum Books available on Kindle

We are delighted to announce that Continuum is now publishing ebooks simultaneously with print editions through Amazon Kindle and other retail partners. 

About 900 titles have started to become available as Kindle edition and, as of today, there are 233 titles available on Kindle. This number will grow significantly over the coming weeks and months as we add backlist and frontlist titles.

   You can also purchase ebooks in epub and PDF formats directly from our website at http://ebooks.continuumbooks.com/BookStore/pagedisplay.do?pub=continuum

IMF Chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn Arrested.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Socialist leader and French Presidential hopeful was arrested in New York last Saturday on charges of sexual assault.

Political scandals are numerous and recurrent, and one of the hardest questions to answer is, simply, why do they do it? Why would a respected politician risk career and reputation? Continuum's upcoming Sex Scandals in American Politics (Sept. 11), edited by Alison Dagnes, seek to address this question, looking at the construction, disgrace, and consequences of political sex scandals.

Political sex scandals are examined from different academic angles, including the politics of place, human communication, political psychology, media, sociology, feminism, and criminology. The essays delve into the role of culture and geography on the political outcome of a scandal, the rhetoric of apologia, the psychology of risk, trends and patterns in media coverage, the impact on different organized interests, legal ramifications, and how different countries view political sex scandal.

For more details click here.

Review: The Transforming Fire

HAARETZ.com has published a review of The Transforming Fire: The Rise of the Israel-Islamist Conflict.

Written by Jonathan Spyer, the book sets out to explain how the rise of Islamism is changing the nature of the conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

"in clear language not burdened with academic jargon (despite the author's doctorate in international relations from the London School of Economics ), Spyer lays out the threats against Israel that have worsened in the two decades since Islamists took over from Arab nationalists as Israel's main foes."

To read the full review click on the link: http://www.haaretz.com/culture/books/middle-east-when-force-has-the-final-word-1.361060

What's New?

We have many new politics books! Here's a few examples:

Dictators and Dictatorships: Understanding Authoritarian Regimes and Their Leaders
by Natasha M. Ezrow and Erica Frantz
Discusses how dictatorships work, looking at leaders, elites, and regime dynamics, synthesizing foundational and cutting-edge research on authoritarian politics, and integrating theory with case studies.

 

NATO and Terrorism: Organizational Expansion and Mission Transformation
by James W. Peterson
This book posits that the post 9/11 war on terrorism has had a profound effect on NATO’s post Cold War structure and military missions.

 

Federalism: A Normative Theory and its Practical Relevance
by Kyle Scott
Using case studies from around the world, the book develops a new theory of federalism, showing that it can enhance deliberative democracy and civil society.

New Politics Titles

Check out our great new politics titles! You can download our mini-catalog by clicking on this link: Download Politics catalog February 2011

Most of these books will be featured at ISA in Montreal, March 15-19. Be sure to drop by our booth (#7)!

 

Mac Owens goes spelunking through 'U.S. Civil-Military Relations After 9/11' - By Tom Ricks | The Best Defense

US Civil-Military Relations After 9/11 by Mackubin Owens was cited by Tom Ricks in his blog post on the Foreign Policy website today (Feb. 14).

You can read the post at  ricks.foreignpolicy.com

The Transforming Fire reviewed in Washington Times

The Washington Times reviewed Jonathan Spyer's Transforming Fire: The Rise of the Israel-Islamist Conflict. You can read the full review at http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/2/new-cold-war-in-middle-east/

"How can a society remain perpetually ready for war yet uncorrupted by the readiness?

It is a question posed by Jonathan Spyer in “The Transforming Fire: The Rise of the Israel-Islamist Conflict,” and it’s a thoughtful question that highlights the book’s composition as equal parts philosophical memoir and strategic analysis."

Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera was shut down in Egypt, but you can check the English language website at http://english.aljazeera.net/.

Also, if the media interest you, then check out Continuum's Arab Media: Power and Weakness edited by  Kai Hafez.

  "A remarkable, diverse and thought provoking survey of the state of knowledge about Arab media and its effects on audiences. Newcomers to the topic will be fascinated by the range of fundamental questions in the field that remain unanswered. Veterans will be dazzled by the diversity of insights and new observations contained here."
    --Jon Alterman, Director of the Middle East Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington, D.C.

Continuum Author wins Award

In January 2011, the specialist group ‘Conservatives and Conservatism’ of the UK Political Studies Association awarded its prize for best publication on Conservative and Conservatism to David Seawright for his book, The British Conservative Party and One Nation Politics.

 

New at Continuum: China's Energy Relations with the Developing World

Edited by Carrie Liu Currier and Manochehr Dorraj, China's Energy Relations with the Developing World examines China’s access to the energy resources of the developing world and its impact on Chinese foreign relations.

"This book offers a variety of excellent essays that cover many new developments in China’s quest for energy security, its energy strategies, and its interactions abroad in the developing world, with regional coverage of Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America as playing fields, and country coverage of China, Russia, the United States, Japan, and India as key players in those regions. This book is a must for energy policy analysts and scholars dealing with China’s foreign policy behavior in the developing world. The insights offered by the authors would be invaluable for understanding China’s quest for energy security abroad."
—Sujian Guo, Professor of Political Science and Director of Center for US-China Policy Studies at San Francisco State University