Understanding Contemporary Asia Pacific provides a comprehensive introduction to one of the most complex and rapidly changing regions in the world today. This thoroughly revised new edition reflects more than a decade of major developments in the region (encompassing China, Japan, the Koreas, and all of the ASEAN member states), including the impact of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. With accessible discussions of history, politics, economics, international relations, society, and culture, it provides the tools essential to understanding the dynamic Asia Pacific and its influence in the global arena.

The premise of this new text is straightforward: Religion matters in world politics. Therefore, to comprehend the world around us, we need to understand how and why religion matters, analyze the interaction in a systematic way, and have a framework in which to fit facts and events that we cannot yet anticipate. The goal of Religion and Politics on the World Stage is to provide the information and tools necessary to accomplish those tasks. Designed with undergraduate students in mind, the book: Explains theories, trends, assumptions, and situations in an accessible way; consistently applies an international relations framework; and presents individual, state, and global levels of analysis. The vignettes that open each chapter, depicting key aspects of the nexus between religion and world politics, quickly engage readers and serve as compelling entryways into discussions of broader issues

Frustrated by the abrogation of promises by nuclear weapons states to disarm, countries that have foregone nuclear weapons joined forces with key members of civil society in efforts that culminated in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). How did this initiative succeed—in defiance of the major powers—in changing the discourse around nuclear weapons? What roles did the various actors play, and how did the language of the treaty evolve? Answering these questions, Jean Krasno and Elisabeth Szeli provide a deeply researched account of the TPNW campaign, the negotiations, and the ongoing challenges of ratification and impementation.

As Miles Larmer writes in the foreword, Adventures in Zambian Politics is unlike any political memoir you have ever read.It is ..

“An essential introductory read..

“Offer[s] fresh perspectives..

Praise for the first edition:"A well-written, accessible, and well-rounded introduction to disability studies for all levels of education. Readers will find excellent sociological grounding of the historical, cultural, and legal factors that inform our understanding of disability and ableism." —-Christina Papadimitriou, Sociology of Disabilities"A welcome, accessible introduction to the growing field of disability studies. " —Michelle Jarman, Disability Studies Quarterly"Offer[s] a much-needed perspective to balance negative socially constructed opinions regarding disability."—Jane Crawford, International Journal of Disability, Development, and Education The new edition of this acclaimed text is an up-to-date introduction to the key themes, research, and controversies in disability studies.The authors' innovative approach offers thorough coverage of: diverse theoretical perspectives historical context, from ancient times to the present the impact of disability throughout the life course a range of physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments the place of disability in popular culture ethical issues, such as genetic selection and physician-assisted suicideWhile giving prominence to the voices of individuals, they provide a solid foundation for making sense of disability not only as a personal experience, but also as a social phenomenon.

“Required reading for understanding Taiwan politics.” —Tommy Chung-Yin Kwan, Pacific Affairs"Combines superb historical background and quantitative analysis to illustrate the intricacies of one of the world’s most geopolitically significant democracies." —Marc Marmino, Asian Affairs"Captures the essence of Taiwan's political and democratic development during the Ma Ying-jeou presidency. ... A highly enjoyable read." —Wai Fong Chau, Democratization"This excellent collective analysis of the Ma Ying-jeou presidency reveals an era of fascinating contradictions.... Highly recommended." —Choice"Provides valuable insight into the difficult choices faced by Taiwan during the Ma Ying-jeou era ... an important case study for anyone who is interested in the nexus between the international environment and domestic political dynamics." —John Hsieh, University of South Carolina During the Ma Ying-jeou presidency in Taiwan (2008–2016), confrontations over relations with mainland China stressed the country’s institutions, leading to a political crisis. Nevertheless, its democracy proved to be resilient. The authors of Dynamics of Democracy in Taiwan explore key aspects of the complicated Ma era, including party politics and elections, the sources of Ma's governance challenges, changing public opinion, protest movements, and shifts in the regional balance of power.

How do autocratic governments exploit communication technology in their efforts to maintain power? Can prodemocracy activists successfully use that same technology to support the overthrow of autocratic rulers? Rachel Vanderhill addresses these two questions, exploring in detail how social media are both aiding and undermining autocratic regimes in the Middle East, North Africa, and the former Soviet republics.

"A wonderful starting point for anyone seeking to understand the politics and society of China today."—Chen Shen, American Journal of Chinese StudiesPraise for the previous edition:"An ideal introductory textbook..

“An extremely valuable and usable introductory textbook.” —Simon Lewis, African Studies ReviewThe sixth edition of Understanding Contemporary Africa, and the first under the editorship of Peter Schraeder, combines the strengths of the previous editions with coverage of new topics suggested over the years by the many instructors who regularly assign the text in their classes.Entirely new chapters on the politics of public health, the changing roles of women, LGBTIQ rights, environmental challenges, and population and urbanization, along with new treatments of such classic topics as geography, history, politics, economics, international relations, and more, make for an unparalleled introduction to the complexities of Africa today.

“An invaluable piece of literature for students of intelligence studies and cognate disciplines.” —Aidan Parkes, Journal of Asian Security & International Affairs"A highly recommended reference text for understanding the characteristics of intelligence in about two dozen Asian countries. The editor succeeded in compiling many different pieces in English about countries that are largely absent from intelligence studies research. " —Ryan Shaffer, Intelligence and National SecurityHow are intelligence systems structured in countries across Asia and the Middle East—from Russia to India, from Turkey to China and Japan, from Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia? In what ways did decolonization and the Cold War influence their organization? What is their mission, and to what extent do they come under public scrutiny?The authors of this comprehensive reference delve into these questions, and more, to provide a unique, systematic survey of intelligence practices and cultures in 22 countries.

“Provides both a comprehensive survey of scholarship on violence against civilians and a plausible theory to help explain why armed actors target civilians with violence.” —Carrie Manning, The Journal of Social EncountersConventional wisdom tells us that targeting civilians in civil wars makes little sense as a combat strategy. Yet, the indiscriminate violence continues. Why?To tackle this vexing question, Jürgen Brandsch looks closely at the on-the-ground impact of indiscriminate violence—and what he finds shows that there often is, in fact, a method to the madness. Making the provocative argument that slaughtering innocent civilians may be rational behavior on the part of the perpetrators, Brandsch provides an important piece in the puzzle of how to understand, and ultimately prevent, such atrocities.

"A good starting place for anyone seeking a better understanding of Japanese thinking on imperial and Second World War historical issues." —Joel Campbell, International AffairsMemories can be shared—or contested. Japan and Korea, just one case in point, share centuries of intertwined history, the nature of which continues to be disputed, particularly with regard to World War II. The authors of History, Memory, and Politics in Postwar Japan explore Japan's historical narratives, and their impact on both domestic politics and diplomatic relations, as they have evolved from 1946 to the present. Presenting the results of more than a decade of collaborative research, their book is a rich contribution to our understanding not only of Japanese politics, but also of how the historical narratives that we embrace have far-reaching consequences.

In this new, significantly revised edition of an acclaimed text, Andrew Woolford and Amanda Nelund reconsider restorative justice and its politics both globally and locally. The authors clarify key theoretical issues while offering fresh perspectives and provocative questions. Observing that "transformative justice is an always unfinished project," they ask how the approach might be more effective; and they explore in depth how intersecting sociopolitical contexts—gendered, racialized, and colonial, among others—contour the practice and potential of restorative justice.

Alan Doss offers a rare window into the real world of UN peacekeeping missions in Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Doss's story is one of presidents and prelates, warlords and warriors, heroes and villains, achievements and disappointments—and innocent people caught in the midst of deadly violence. As he shares his front-line experiences, he reflects on the reasons for successes and failures and on the qualities that leaders need to successfully guide efforts to rebuild peace and prosperity in devastated societies. Not least, he also considers the UN's future role in conflict prevention and peacekeeping in a climate of increasing resistance to intervention in "other people's wars."