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    • Trusted Partner
      Comparative politics
      July 2012

      Abandoning historical conflict?

      Former political prisoners and reconciliation in Northern Ireland

      by Peter Shirlow, Jon Tonge, James McAuley, Catherine McGlyn

      Drawing on over 150 interviews with former IRA, INLA, UVF and UFF prisoners, this is a major analysis of why Northern Ireland has seen a transition from war to peace. Most accounts of the peace process are 'top-down', relying upon the views of political elites. This book is 'bottom-up', analysing the voices of those who actually 'fought the war'. What made them fight, why did they stop and what are the lessons for other conflict zones? Based on a Leverhulme Trust project and written by an expert team, the book offers a new analysis, based on subtle interplays of military, political, economic and personal changes and experiences. Combined, these allowed combatants to move from violence to peace whilst retaining core ideological beliefs and maintaining long-term constitutional visions.

    • Trusted Partner
      Humanities & Social Sciences
      June 2012

      Abandoning historical conflict?

      Former political prisoners and reconciliation in Northern Ireland

      by Peter Shirlow, Jon Tonge, James McAuley, Catherine McGlynn

      Drawing on over 150 interviews with former IRA, INLA, UVF and UFF prisoners, this is a major analysis of why Northern Ireland has seen a transition from war to peace. Most accounts of the peace process are 'top-down', relying upon the views of political elites. This book is 'bottom-up', analysing the voices of those who actually 'fought the war'. What made them fight, why did they stop and what are the lessons for other conflict zones? Using unrivalled access to members of the armed groups, the book, available for the first time in paperback, offers a critical appraisal of one-dimensional accounts of the onset of peace, grounded in 'mutually hurting stalemate' and 'ripeness', which downgrade the political and economic aspects of conflict. Military stalemate had been evident since the early 1970s and offers little in explaining the timing of the peace process. Moreover, republicans and loyalists based their ceasefires upon very different perceptions of transformation or victory. Based on a Leverhulme Trust project and written by an expert team, Abandoning Conflict offers a new analysis, based on subtle interplays of military, political, economic and personal changes and experiences. ;

    • Trusted Partner
      Humanities & Social Sciences
      July 2010

      Abandoning historical conflict?

      Former political prisoners and reconciliation in Northern Ireland

      by Peter Shirlow, Jon Tonge, James McAuley, Catherine McGlynn

      Drawing on over 150 interviews with former IRA, INLA, UVF and UFF prisoners, this is a major analysis of why Northern Ireland has seen a transition from war to peace. Most accounts of the peace process are 'top-down', relying upon the views of political elites. This book is 'bottom-up', analysing the voices of those who actually 'fought the war'. What made them fight, why did they stop and what are the lessons for other conflict zones? Based on a Leverhulme Trust project and written by an expert team, the book offers a new analysis, based on subtle interplays of military, political, economic and personal changes and experiences. Combined, these allowed combatants to move from violence to peace whilst retaining core ideological beliefs and maintaining long-term constitutional visions. ;

    • Trusted Partner
      Humanities & Social Sciences
      September 2016

      Electoral competition in Ireland since 1987

      The politics of triumph and despair

      by Gary Murphy

      This major new account of the politics of modern Ireland offers a rigorous analysis of the forces which shaped both how the Irish state governed itself from the period since 1987 and how it lost its economic sovereignty in 2010. This study comprehensively assess the last quarter century in Irish electoral politics from the time of the end of a deep recession in 1987 to the general election of 2011 where Ireland was ruled by the Troika and austerity was a by-word for both policy-making and how many Irish people lived their lives. It analyses why the political system in Ireland was unable to stop the country losing its economic sovereignty and why the Irish electorate kept returning to political alternatives which they had rejected in the past. Written in a lively and engaging style it offers rich insights into the politics of modern Ireland and how Irish citizens have lived through a period combining triumphant euphoria and deep despair. ;

    • Trusted Partner
      Humanities & Social Sciences
      March 2016

      Indian foreign policy

      An overview

      by Harsh Pant

    • Trusted Partner
      Humanities & Social Sciences
      September 2016

      Indian foreign policy

      An overview

      by Harsh Pant

      This book is an overview of Indian foreign policy as it has evolved in recent times. The focus of the book is on the twenty-first century with historical context provided. It examines India's relationships with major powers, with its neighbours and other regions, as well as India's stand on major global issues. With a gradual accretion in its powers, India has become more aggressive in the pursuit of its interests, thereby emerging as an important player in the shaping of the global order in the new millennium. Since all issues, regions, and countries cannot be covered in a single volume, small snapshots of important issues are provided in each section. ;

    • Trusted Partner
      Humanities & Social Sciences
      August 2010

      Understanding British and European political issues

      Second edition

      by Neil McNaughton

      This new edition will be essential reading for all students studying politics at A2 level, as it covers the important issues as required by the main examining boards, and has been specifically tailored to the brand new Edexcel Route A specification. Fully updated to include the global recession and other recent political developments, it looks at the important issues in British politics since 1945. It is also useful as an introductory reader for all those who are interested in the field. Neil McNaughton is a seasoned writer at this level. He examines, on a chapter by chapter basis, the key issues of British politics today; economic policy, the Welfare State, law and order, environment policy, Northern Ireland, issues concerning women, European integration and the European Union, and the impact of the European Union on Britain. In each case he describes the issues in detail and places them in their political context. Written in an accessible style, with helpful features such as summaries, definition, tables and boxes to illuminate the points made and suggestions for additional reading and research, this book is urgently needed as students grapple with the issues thrown up by the new examinations. ;

    • Trusted Partner
      Humanities & Social Sciences
      August 2012

      Understanding Chinese politics

      An introduction to government in the People's Republic of China

      by Neil Collins, Andrew Cottey

      The Chinese political system is the subject of much media and popular comment in part because China supports an economy with an apparently inexorable dynamic and impressive record of achievement. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to China's political system, outlining the major features of the Chinese model and highlighting its claims and challenges. It explores the central role of the Communist Party in the country's politics and the way in which the Party controls most elements of the political system. The book also draws parallels with previous historical periods in China's history. Finally, it addresses the question of what kind of role the People's Republic of China will play in global politics as a whole, the implications for the West and the rebalancing of relations between China and its neighbours. ;

    • Trusted Partner
      Comparative politics
      August 2012

      Understanding Chinese politics

      An introduction to government in the People's Republic of China

      by Neil Collins, Andrew Cottey

      The Chinese political system is the subject of much media and popular comment in part because China supports an economy with an apparently inexorable dynamic and impressive record of achievement. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to China's political system, outlining the major features of the Chinese model and highlighting its claims and challenges. It explores the central role of the Communist Party in the country's politics and the way in which the Party controls most elements of the political system. The book also draws parallels with previous historical periods in China's history. Finally, it addresses the question of what kind of role the People's Republic of China will play in global politics as a whole, the implications for the West and the rebalancing of relations between China and its neighbours.

    • Trusted Partner
      Humanities & Social Sciences
      June 2012

      The social construction of Swedish neutrality

      Challenges to Swedish identity and sovereignty

      by Christine Agius, Peter Lawler, Emmanuel Pierre Guittet, Martin Hargreaves

      Since the end of the Cold War, and particularly in the post-9/11 international environment, neutrality has been conceptualised as a problematic subject. With the end of bipolarity, neutrality as a foreign and security policy lost much of its justification, and in the ongoing 'War on Terror', no state, according to the Bush Administration, can be neutral. However, much of this debate has gone unnoticed in IR literature. This book, newly available in paperback, examines the conceptualisation of neutrality from the Peloponnesian War to the present day, uncovering how neutrality has been a neglected and misunderstood subject in IR theory and politics. By rethinking neutrality through constructivism, this book argues that neutrality is intrinsically linked to identity. Using Sweden as a case study, it links identity, sovereignty, internationalism and solidarity to the debates about Swedish neutrality today and how neutrality has been central to Swedish identity and its world-view. ;

    • Trusted Partner
      Comparative politics
      July 2013

      The social construction of Swedish neutrality

      Challenges to Swedish identity and sovereignty

      by Christine Agius

      The end of the Cold War and the 'War on Terror' has signalled a shift in the security policies of all states. It has also led to the reconsideration of the policy of neutrality, and what being neutral means in the present age. This book examines the conceptualisation of neutrality from the Peloponnesian War to today, uncovering how neutrality has been a neglected and misunderstood subject in International Relations (IR) theory and politics. By rethinking neutrality through constructivism, this book argues that neutrality is intrinsically linked to identity. Using Sweden as a case study, it links identity, sovereignty, internationalism and solidarity to the debates about Swedish neutrality today and how neutrality has been central to Swedish identity and its worldview. It also examines the challenges to Swedish neutrality and neutrality broadly, in terms of European integration, globalisation, the decline of the state and sovereignty, and new threats to security, such as international terrorism, arguing that the norms and values of neutrality can be reworked to contribute to a more cosmopolitan international order.

    • Trusted Partner
      Comparative politics
      July 2013

      The social construction of Swedish neutrality

      Challenges to Swedish identity and sovereignty

      by Christine Agius

      The end of the Cold War and the 'War on Terror' has signalled a shift in the security policies of all states. It has also led to the reconsideration of the policy of neutrality, and what being neutral means in the present age. This book examines the conceptualisation of neutrality from the Peloponnesian War to today, uncovering how neutrality has been a neglected and misunderstood subject in International Relations (IR) theory and politics. By rethinking neutrality through constructivism, this book argues that neutrality is intrinsically linked to identity. Using Sweden as a case study, it links identity, sovereignty, internationalism and solidarity to the debates about Swedish neutrality today and how neutrality has been central to Swedish identity and its worldview. It also examines the challenges to Swedish neutrality and neutrality broadly, in terms of European integration, globalisation, the decline of the state and sovereignty, and new threats to security, such as international terrorism, arguing that the norms and values of neutrality can be reworked to contribute to a more cosmopolitan international order.

    • Trusted Partner
      Humanities & Social Sciences
      June 2012

      The end of Ulster loyalism?

      by Peter Shirlow

      The end of Ulster loyalism? explores the dynamics and divisions within paramilitary groups since the mid-1970s. It, despite contrary public opinion, details and explains the nature of Loyalist conflict transformation. A key model of transition that is relevant to arenas beyond Northern Ireland. The book also discusses the nature and extent of loyalist violence and provides a rarely heard voice regarding State-led collusion. It locates Loyalist ideas and opinions that have been largely invisible and highlights how an extensive element of positive Loyalist renewal has been purposefully suppressed and unmentioned. It is a key text for any student of politics, criminology, human geography and conflict and conflict transformation and is particularly relevant to the scholarship of pro-State groups who are infrequently considered in academic deliberations. A book of both hope and despair that emerges from a destabilising past and a yet-to-be-decided future. ;

    • Trusted Partner
      Comparative politics
      June 2012

      The end of Ulster loyalism?

      by Peter Shirlow

      The end of Ulster loyalism? explores the dynamics and divisions within paramilitary groups since the mid-1970s. It details and explains the nature of Loyalist conflict transformation, a key model of transition that is relevant to arenas beyond Northern Ireland. It communicates a history of transition and, at times, regression within the Ulster Volunteer Force, Ulster Defence Association, Loyalist Volunteer Force and Red Hand Commando. It details the internal and external impediments and violence from within regressive elements, the wreckers and spoilers, who aimed to undermine positive peace-building. The book also discusses the nature and extent of loyalist violence and provides a rarely heard Loyalist voice regarding State-led collusion. Loyalist ideas and opinions are revealed that until now have been largely invisible, and the book highlights how an extensive element of positive Loyalist renewal has been purposefully suppressed and unmentioned. In examining both positive and regressive Loyalism this book creates a holistic and honest analysis of groups that are emerging, sometimes awkwardly, out of violence. From violence to the location of Loyalist transition, through internal feuding and towards restorative justice, community leadership and mural re-imaging this book asserts a definite and robust examination of the future of Loyalism. This will be a key text for any student of politics, criminology, human geography and conflict and conflict transformation and is particularly relevant to the scholarship of pro-State groups who are infrequently considered in academic deliberations.

    • Trusted Partner
      Humanities & Social Sciences
      January 2013

      The EU and its neighbours

      Values versus security in European foreign policy

      by Gergana Noutcheva, Emil Kirchner, Karolina Pomorska, Thomas Christiansen, Giselle Bosse

      Is there a tension between the normative fundamentals and strategic objectives of European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)? Is 'values versus security' an unavoidable choice to be made by the EU and its neighbours or, rather, a false dichotomy? The book argues that what is often considered a fundamental dilemma of EU foreign policy - a choice between the EU's values and its quest for security - misrepresents a much more complex reality in which values and security interplay to shape the EU's external positions. The book proposes an original conceptual framework for examining the complex interaction between values and security and situates the ENP in the broader conceptual debate about European Foreign Policy. In this way, it goes beyond the early scholarship on ENP, mainly inspired by the EU enlargement literature. The book examines the EU's evolving relations with its immediate neighbours in areas such as democracy promotion, Common Foreign and Security Policy, conflict management and resolution and soft security issues such as energy or immigration policy. By covering the whole range of EU external relations policies, the contributions to the volume provide a very unique opportunity to compare the complex interplay between values and security and its impacts across the wide policy spectrum of ENP. ;

    • Trusted Partner
      Comparative politics
      May 2013

      The British question

      by Arthur Aughey

      There is a sustained interest amongst students of British politics, as well as an informed public, about the future state of the United Kingdom. The issue at stake is whether the UK's multinational institutions can endure the challenge of political nationalism, especially in Scotland. This has become known as the British Question. This book is designed as both a framework text - setting out concepts by which to understand the British Question - and a synthetic text - providing a digest of significant academic work on historical, conceptual and political matters relevant to that question. The value of the book is its unique focus on the character, resources and function of the United Kingdom as a whole. It will be essential reading for students and teachers of British politics looking for a coherent interpretation of what is at stake when the future of the United Kingdom is being debated.

    • Trusted Partner
      Humanities & Social Sciences
      January 2013

      The British question

      by Arthur Aughey

      There is a sustained interest amongst students of British politics, as well as an informed public, about the future state of the United Kingdom. The issue at stake is whether the UK's multinational institutions can endure the challenge of political nationalism, especially in Scotland. This has become known as the British Question. This book is designed as both a framework text - setting out concepts by which to understand the British Question - and a synthetic text - providing a digest of significant academic work on historical, conceptual and political matters relevant to that question. The value of the book is its unique focus on the character, resources and function of the United Kingdom as a whole. It will be essential reading for students and teachers of British politics looking for a coherent interpretation of what is at stake when the future of the United Kingdom is being debated. ;

    • Trusted Partner
      Comparative politics
      July 2013

      Producing globalisation

      Politics of discourse and institutions in Greece and Ireland

      by Andreas Antoniades

      How can we study globalisation in a way that transcends the material/ideational rift? How has globalisation resonated and/or dominated in different national contexts? What role has been played by national political economies and domestic institutions in this process? Producing globalisation attempts to scrutinise the nature of the interplay between globalisation and national institutional settings. Rather than taking globalisation as a given, this book explores how concrete political actors produced the phenomenon of globalisation. Such an approach aims to bring human agency and its importance to the forefront of theory and practice in world politics and economics. The analysis is based on two case-studies, Greece and Ireland. By examining and comparing the discourses, policies and strategies of key, national institutional actors in these two countries, Producing globalisation offers new insights into the emergence of globalisation as a hegemonic discourse, as well as into the theory of hegemonic discourse itself. Thus the author invites us to think differently both about the nature of globalisation and the nature of the hegemonic within international political economy.

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