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Midwest Book Review
Feb 4, 2012, 6:52:48 PM2/4/12
to
The Political Science Shelf
Testing the National Covenant
William F. May
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
9781589017658, $24.95, www.press.georgetown.edu
Testing the National Covenant: Fears and Appetites in American
Politics provides the author's vision for America and uses this
country's political and religious history to consider the concepts of
contract and covenant at play in American politics for centuries. It
argues that the biblical idea of a covenant offers more promise than
that of a contract in binding and directing the key players in
American political and social circles. Any college-level American
political studies shelf needs this!
Injustice
J. Christian Adams
Regnery Publishing
One Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001
9781596982772, $27.95, www.regnery.com
Obama's justice department is lawless and ridden with scandals and
corruption: that's the basic message from an attorney who probes
Obama's 'radical racial agenda' and policies which discriminate
against White Americans. Cases are used to explore how the government
responsible for enforcing equal protection in fact has been going in
the other direction. Conservative and legal and social issues holdings
will find this fiery and thought-provoking.
Crude Awakening
Amanda Coyne and Tony Hopfinger
Nation Books
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
9781568584478, $26.99, www.nationbooks.org
CRUDE AWAKENING: MONEY, MAVERICKS, AND MAYHEM IN ALASKA is a 'must'
for any collection strong in either Alaskan history and culture or
natural resource issues. It focuses on three people involved in
Alaskan politics - Senator Ted Stevens, oil tycoon Bill Allen, and
former governor Sarah Palin - and comes from investigative journalists
who consider corruption and political scandals at the heart of oil
interests. Any collection strong in political influences upon natural
resources will find this a powerful pick!
Capitol Punishment
Jack Abramoff
WND Books
9781936488445, $25.95, www.wndbooks.com
CAPITOL PUNISHMENT: THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT WASHINGTON CORRUPTION FROM
AMERICA'S MOST NOTORIOUS LOBBYIST blends autobiography with an
assessment of the corrupt world of federal politics, and comes from a
man who became the most powerful lobbyist on Capitol Hill during a 10-
year period. The author was at the center of a huge scandal and was
sentenced to prison: his expose reveals the actions of politicians as
well as his own actions, and is a key acquisition for any who would
uncover truths about how America's politics really work.
The Dictator's Handbook
Bruce Bueno de Mesquite and Alastair Smith
Public Affairs
250 West 57th St. #1321, New York NY 10107
9781610390446, $27.99, www.publicaffairsbooks.com
The Dictator's Handbook: Why Bad Behavior is Almost Always Good
Politics comes from two political scientists who consider the
successes and failures of different politicians, viewing government
from the perspective of leader survival patterns. The unusual focus on
political survival tactics makes for a powerful survey on revolutions,
political reforms, and why natural disasters seem to strike poorer
nations more than rich. Politicians aren't depicted as villains, just
leaders often struggling to balance and achieve their political
objectives. Any political studies collection needs this!
Crimes Against Liberty
David Limbaugh
Regnery Publishing
One Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001
1596986247, $29.95, www.regnery.com
Crimes Against Liberty: An Indictment of President Barack Obama offers
a documented case against Obama's presidency and appears in paperback
with a new introduction offering close examination of Obama's politics
and policies. It basically attacks his system and counters Obama's
conventions. Any who would take a different look at Obama's policies
will find this passionate, inflammatory and critical.
The Change I Believe In
Katrina vanden Heuvel
Nation Books
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
9781568586885, $16.99, www.nationbooks.org
The Change I Believe In: Fighting for Progress in the Age of Obama
comes from The Nation's editor who considers how liberals should
respond to the disappointments of the Obama administration and
Republication extremism. She offers a collection of essays that flow
from Obama's election and its exciting potential to changes in her
perceptions in years after, considering what real change should look
like and how it can be achieved. From politics to social issues, this
traces the look and progress of change and is a pick for any political
or social issues collection.
The Justice Cascade
Kathryn Sikkink
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393079937, $27.95, www.wwnorton.com
The Justice Cascade: How Human Rights Prosecutions are Changing World
Politics tells of a general who in 1981 visited the U.S. and gave a
speech rejecting the idea he could be judged for human rights
violations committed as part of Argentina's military Junta. Four years
later he was convicted for these crimes - and human rights trials have
become a modern political tool that is changing global politics. The
author's personal experience and research traces a worldwide movement
from Germany to modern nations, considering the creation of the
International Criminal Court and its cases. A range of college-level
collections, from legal to political holdings and international civil
liberties, will find this a solid piece of research.
Predicting the Unthinkable, Anticipating the Impossible
Georgie Anne Geyer
Transaction Press
Rutgers University
35 Berrue Circle, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8042
9781412814874, $39.95 www.transactionpub.com
Predicting the Unthinkable, Anticipating the Impossible: From the Fall
of the Berlin Wall to America in the New Century comes from an author
who outlined the probability of the collapse of Communism - in the
1980s. Her travels and interviews with top officials anticipated the
conflicts that were to come. Her assessment of events leading to 9/11
and her current observation that America's smaller wars have eroded
its system lends to a fine guide that explains declines, considers
human nature and political systems, and warns that world changes need
to be better anticipated. PREDICTING THE UNTHINKABLE shows how - and
is a pick for any college-level political and social studies holding.
Libertarianism, from A to Z
Jeffrey A. Miron
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Books Group
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
9780465025077, $15.99, www.basicbooks.com
Libertarianism, from A to Z presents a case for libertarian policy
conclusions and applies principles of these policies to a range of
social and political issues, making this a fine addition to any
political science library. Chapters clarify libertarian thinking by
using existing and proposed government policy as a foundation for
examination, considering general wide-ranging policies such as civil
rights and gun control and more. A fine starting point for debate and
illustration of libertarian thinking!
Disconnect
Morris P. Giorina with Samuel J. Abrams
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman OK 73069
9780806142289, $24.95, www.oupress.com
DISCONNECT: THE BREAKDOWN OF REPRESENTATION IN AMERICAN POLITICS
analyzes the decline of the political center in American party
politics and uses polling results and other data to consider the rift
between politicians and citizens. Chapters consider the growing rift
between America's leaders and its public, offering insights on paths
for change along with a historical survey of how we arrived at this
point. Political studies collections will find this perfect for debate
and classroom discussion.
Reverse Mission
Timothy A. Byrnes
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
9781589017757 $44.95 hc
9781589017689 $26.95 pbk www.press.georgetown.edu
In 1989, the murder of six Jesuits in El Salvador sparked widespread
outrage among Jesuit communities in America because the murderers were
in part funded by the US Government - this was far from the only
instance in which American religious missions abroad would ultimately
have an effect on American foreign policy. Author Timothy A. Byrnes
(professor of political science, Colgate University) offers a close
study of the interplay between American religious missions abroad and
efforts to lobby the government's decision-making in Reverse Mission:
Transnational Religious Communities and the Making of US Foreign
Policy. Chapters particularly explore the dynamic history and
political repercussions of Jesuit missions in El Salvador; how
American government practices in Nicaragua were swayed by the
Maryknoll sisters; and the connections between Benedictine communities
in Vermont and Mexico. A scholarly and serious-minded study, Reverse
Mission is quite thought-provoking and a worthy addition to college
library political studies or religious studies shelves.
The Craft of Political Analysis for Diplomats
Raymond F. Smith
Potomac Books
22841 Quicksilver Drive
Dulles, VA 20166
9781597977296, $30.00, www.patomacbooksinc.com
As the world grows more intertwined, diplomacy may be more important
than ever. "The Craft of Political Analysis for Diplomats" discusses
the importance of understanding political analysis in today's world
where everything is sensitive, such as the case of the state
department cables from WikiLeaks. Presenting insight into the
diplomatic process and communications between them all, the importance
of being professional, and much more, "The Craft of Political Analysis
for Diplomats" is an excellent addition to community library politics
collections.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to
promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We
accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given
to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites,
newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational
newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest
Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines
"California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch",
"MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch".
All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www
(dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them
to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to
Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title,
author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number,
13-digit ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
Testing the National Covenant
William F. May
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
9781589017658, $24.95, www.press.georgetown.edu
Testing the National Covenant: Fears and Appetites in American
Politics provides the author's vision for America and uses this
country's political and religious history to consider the concepts of
contract and covenant at play in American politics for centuries. It
argues that the biblical idea of a covenant offers more promise than
that of a contract in binding and directing the key players in
American political and social circles. Any college-level American
political studies shelf needs this!
Injustice
J. Christian Adams
Regnery Publishing
One Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001
9781596982772, $27.95, www.regnery.com
Obama's justice department is lawless and ridden with scandals and
corruption: that's the basic message from an attorney who probes
Obama's 'radical racial agenda' and policies which discriminate
against White Americans. Cases are used to explore how the government
responsible for enforcing equal protection in fact has been going in
the other direction. Conservative and legal and social issues holdings
will find this fiery and thought-provoking.
Crude Awakening
Amanda Coyne and Tony Hopfinger
Nation Books
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
9781568584478, $26.99, www.nationbooks.org
CRUDE AWAKENING: MONEY, MAVERICKS, AND MAYHEM IN ALASKA is a 'must'
for any collection strong in either Alaskan history and culture or
natural resource issues. It focuses on three people involved in
Alaskan politics - Senator Ted Stevens, oil tycoon Bill Allen, and
former governor Sarah Palin - and comes from investigative journalists
who consider corruption and political scandals at the heart of oil
interests. Any collection strong in political influences upon natural
resources will find this a powerful pick!
Capitol Punishment
Jack Abramoff
WND Books
9781936488445, $25.95, www.wndbooks.com
CAPITOL PUNISHMENT: THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT WASHINGTON CORRUPTION FROM
AMERICA'S MOST NOTORIOUS LOBBYIST blends autobiography with an
assessment of the corrupt world of federal politics, and comes from a
man who became the most powerful lobbyist on Capitol Hill during a 10-
year period. The author was at the center of a huge scandal and was
sentenced to prison: his expose reveals the actions of politicians as
well as his own actions, and is a key acquisition for any who would
uncover truths about how America's politics really work.
The Dictator's Handbook
Bruce Bueno de Mesquite and Alastair Smith
Public Affairs
250 West 57th St. #1321, New York NY 10107
9781610390446, $27.99, www.publicaffairsbooks.com
The Dictator's Handbook: Why Bad Behavior is Almost Always Good
Politics comes from two political scientists who consider the
successes and failures of different politicians, viewing government
from the perspective of leader survival patterns. The unusual focus on
political survival tactics makes for a powerful survey on revolutions,
political reforms, and why natural disasters seem to strike poorer
nations more than rich. Politicians aren't depicted as villains, just
leaders often struggling to balance and achieve their political
objectives. Any political studies collection needs this!
Crimes Against Liberty
David Limbaugh
Regnery Publishing
One Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001
1596986247, $29.95, www.regnery.com
Crimes Against Liberty: An Indictment of President Barack Obama offers
a documented case against Obama's presidency and appears in paperback
with a new introduction offering close examination of Obama's politics
and policies. It basically attacks his system and counters Obama's
conventions. Any who would take a different look at Obama's policies
will find this passionate, inflammatory and critical.
The Change I Believe In
Katrina vanden Heuvel
Nation Books
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
9781568586885, $16.99, www.nationbooks.org
The Change I Believe In: Fighting for Progress in the Age of Obama
comes from The Nation's editor who considers how liberals should
respond to the disappointments of the Obama administration and
Republication extremism. She offers a collection of essays that flow
from Obama's election and its exciting potential to changes in her
perceptions in years after, considering what real change should look
like and how it can be achieved. From politics to social issues, this
traces the look and progress of change and is a pick for any political
or social issues collection.
The Justice Cascade
Kathryn Sikkink
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393079937, $27.95, www.wwnorton.com
The Justice Cascade: How Human Rights Prosecutions are Changing World
Politics tells of a general who in 1981 visited the U.S. and gave a
speech rejecting the idea he could be judged for human rights
violations committed as part of Argentina's military Junta. Four years
later he was convicted for these crimes - and human rights trials have
become a modern political tool that is changing global politics. The
author's personal experience and research traces a worldwide movement
from Germany to modern nations, considering the creation of the
International Criminal Court and its cases. A range of college-level
collections, from legal to political holdings and international civil
liberties, will find this a solid piece of research.
Predicting the Unthinkable, Anticipating the Impossible
Georgie Anne Geyer
Transaction Press
Rutgers University
35 Berrue Circle, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8042
9781412814874, $39.95 www.transactionpub.com
Predicting the Unthinkable, Anticipating the Impossible: From the Fall
of the Berlin Wall to America in the New Century comes from an author
who outlined the probability of the collapse of Communism - in the
1980s. Her travels and interviews with top officials anticipated the
conflicts that were to come. Her assessment of events leading to 9/11
and her current observation that America's smaller wars have eroded
its system lends to a fine guide that explains declines, considers
human nature and political systems, and warns that world changes need
to be better anticipated. PREDICTING THE UNTHINKABLE shows how - and
is a pick for any college-level political and social studies holding.
Libertarianism, from A to Z
Jeffrey A. Miron
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Books Group
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
9780465025077, $15.99, www.basicbooks.com
Libertarianism, from A to Z presents a case for libertarian policy
conclusions and applies principles of these policies to a range of
social and political issues, making this a fine addition to any
political science library. Chapters clarify libertarian thinking by
using existing and proposed government policy as a foundation for
examination, considering general wide-ranging policies such as civil
rights and gun control and more. A fine starting point for debate and
illustration of libertarian thinking!
Disconnect
Morris P. Giorina with Samuel J. Abrams
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman OK 73069
9780806142289, $24.95, www.oupress.com
DISCONNECT: THE BREAKDOWN OF REPRESENTATION IN AMERICAN POLITICS
analyzes the decline of the political center in American party
politics and uses polling results and other data to consider the rift
between politicians and citizens. Chapters consider the growing rift
between America's leaders and its public, offering insights on paths
for change along with a historical survey of how we arrived at this
point. Political studies collections will find this perfect for debate
and classroom discussion.
Reverse Mission
Timothy A. Byrnes
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
9781589017757 $44.95 hc
9781589017689 $26.95 pbk www.press.georgetown.edu
In 1989, the murder of six Jesuits in El Salvador sparked widespread
outrage among Jesuit communities in America because the murderers were
in part funded by the US Government - this was far from the only
instance in which American religious missions abroad would ultimately
have an effect on American foreign policy. Author Timothy A. Byrnes
(professor of political science, Colgate University) offers a close
study of the interplay between American religious missions abroad and
efforts to lobby the government's decision-making in Reverse Mission:
Transnational Religious Communities and the Making of US Foreign
Policy. Chapters particularly explore the dynamic history and
political repercussions of Jesuit missions in El Salvador; how
American government practices in Nicaragua were swayed by the
Maryknoll sisters; and the connections between Benedictine communities
in Vermont and Mexico. A scholarly and serious-minded study, Reverse
Mission is quite thought-provoking and a worthy addition to college
library political studies or religious studies shelves.
The Craft of Political Analysis for Diplomats
Raymond F. Smith
Potomac Books
22841 Quicksilver Drive
Dulles, VA 20166
9781597977296, $30.00, www.patomacbooksinc.com
As the world grows more intertwined, diplomacy may be more important
than ever. "The Craft of Political Analysis for Diplomats" discusses
the importance of understanding political analysis in today's world
where everything is sensitive, such as the case of the state
department cables from WikiLeaks. Presenting insight into the
diplomatic process and communications between them all, the importance
of being professional, and much more, "The Craft of Political Analysis
for Diplomats" is an excellent addition to community library politics
collections.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to
promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We
accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given
to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites,
newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational
newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest
Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines
"California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch",
"MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch".
All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www
(dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them
to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to
Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title,
author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number,
13-digit ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
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