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the clash of civilizations and the remaking of world order

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The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order (1998-01-28)
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Autor/Autoren: Samuel P. Huntington
Herausgeber: Touchstone
Taschenbuch

Stichworte: [History] [World politics - 1989-] [International Relations - General] [Modern - 20th Century] [Englische Bücher] [Politik] [Politik- u. Sozialwissenschaft] [Weltpolitik] [Political Science] [Politics / Current Events] [Politics/International Relations] [Politikwissenschaft] [Political Science / International Relations / General] [General] [International relations] [POLITICS & GOVERNMENT] [World history: from c 1900 -] [21. Jahrhundert] [1950-] [1989-] [Civilization, Modern] [Post-communism] [World politics] [History: World & General]

The thesis of the provocative and potentially important Clash of Civilizations is that the increasing threat of violence arising from renewed conflicts between countries and cultures that base their traditions on religious faith and dogma. This argument moves past the notion of ethnicity to examine the growing influence of a handful of major cultures--Western, Eastern Orthodox, Latin American, Islamic, Japanese, Chinese, Hindu and African--in current struggles across the globe. Samuel P Huntington, a political scientist at Harvard University and foreign policy aide to President Clinton, argues that policymakers should be mindful of this development when they interfere in other nations' affairs. -- Christine Buttery Amazon.co.uk
The thesis of this provocative and potentially important book is the increasing threat of violence arising from renewed conflicts between countries and cultures that base their traditions on religious faith and dogma. This argument moves past the notion of ethnicity to examine the growing influence of a handful of major cultures--Western, Eastern Orthodox, Latin American, Islamic, Japanese, Chinese, Hindu, and African--in current struggles across the globe. Samuel P. Huntington, a political scientist at Harvard University and foreign policy aide to President Clinton, argues that policymakers should be mindful of this development when they interfere in other nations' affairs. Amazon.com

Kundenmeinungen:
+++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): dominated by a military perspective ...
The analysis, published 1993 by Huntington, has refocused attention after the 9/11 Islamic terrorist attacks - and there seems to be no end: Madrid (3/11/04), bombings in Istanbul (11/20/03) and now in London (7/7/05) or the ritual assassination of Dutch filmmaker and writer Theo van Gogh in Amsterdam (11/2/04). And therefore there is no end of tv-discussions how to react. The foreign policy aide to the US State Department speaks of so-called "fault-line-wars", which exist between the cultures (religions) and will give endlessly smoldering. As examples the hunter Huntington specifies among other things the Gulf War and Afghanistan. The hotspots today are on the fault lines between the religions in Chechnya, the Middle East, Tibet, Sri Lanka, and Bosnia. In Yugoslavia the Serbs where supported by Russian diplomatics while Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran and Libya provided arms to the Bosnians. Yugoslavia is an example of what happens to a country where religious factors become the means for identifying oneself. And it could develope worse: Koran-Sura 9, verse 5: "Fight and slay the pagans wherever you find them. And seize them, beleaguer them and lie in wait for them, in every stratagem [of war]." Islam teaches that Muslims must not befriend Jews and Christians. Surat Al-Maidah 5:51 says, "O ye who believe, take not the Jews or the Christians for your friends and protectors. They are but friends and protectors to each other." In the chapter about how to stop those "break-line-wars" Huntington writes: "The force along cultural break lines may stop for a while completely, but it rarely ends really." "These problems become still more complicated, if the cultures involved do not have a core state." Hierarchy-creditor finishing sentence of this important chapter: "A break line war cooks from down highly, a break line peace seeps from above down". We hope, Huntington will know with security, who at the end is "above". Another unsentimental, very tough-minded Huntington analysis: "The conflict can disappear fast and brutally, as a group extinguishes the other one." The fact that cultural difference could brought to coexistence, into an equilibrium, supported by a progressive deliberated secularization of all denominations (accompanied by a sober transformation of all too denomination-linked educating systems) - such trains of thought we unfortunately miss in this provoking sermon, mainly dominated by a military perspective...
+++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Ein Wegweiser für das 21. Jahrhundert
In diesem wahrhaft großen Buch, das sich im englischen Original übrigens sehr leicht liest, behandelt Huntington das Thema der Neuen Welt, einer Welt, die nun multi-polar ist, nicht mehr "einfach" und bi-polar wie noch vor kurzem, im Kalten Krieg. Was ist eine Zivilisation und welche großen Zivilisationen sollte man heute in der Welt unterscheiden? Wie wirken sie zusammen? Welche Konflikte wären zwischen ihnen in Zukunft möglich und wieso? Was ist- und wo endet der "Westen"? Wie wird er definiert? Wer gehört dazu? Sollten Bulgarien, Serbien, Griechenland und Rumänien sich zu einem "orthodoxen" Bündnis unter russischer Führung zusammenschließen? Was lehrt uns der Jugoslawien-Krieg, in dem sich drei Zivilisationen begegnet sind - die westliche, die orthodoxe und die islamische? Macht es einen Sinn, daß die Türkei und Griechenland, zwei Länder von denen keines "westlich" ist (laut Huntington) in der NATO und in der EU sind? Wird die Türkei vielleicht irgendwann zum Zentrum eines moslemischen Blocks? Was wird aus dem fernen Osten und China? Warum sollte "Muslim Resurgence" groß geschrieben werden? Auf alle diese und noch viele andere weitere Fragen versucht dieses hochinteressante Buch eine Antwort zu geben. Ich habe es gern und in kürzester Zeit gelesen, weil es Politik und Geschichte spannend zu machen vermag. Huntington versteht es, den Leser zu überzeugen. Er entwirft vor seinen Augen eine Welt der Gegenwart und der Zukunft, eine Welt, die nie so interessant war, wie heute.
+++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): A Brilliant New Framework
Huntington draws on the work of the finest anthropologists, including the likes of Spengler, Toynbee, Braudel, Weber, and Quigley, to support and illustrate his masterful analysis. Both these naive assumptions are overcome in favor of a brilliant, balanced, more appropriate framework: that somehow East and West will overcome their significant differences and unite to form one world (governed under Western democratic principles), and that we will remain opposed to Eastern cultures, destined to defeat \'oriental tyranny.\' First, Huntington attempts to define what \'culture\' is. "Of all the objective elements which distinguish civilizations, however, the most important usually is religion, as the Athenians emphasized." Religion being the differentiating characteristic of a civilization, Huntington then lists the major contemporary civilizations which include the Sinic, Japanese, Hindu, Islamic, and Western. The author refutes the arguement for Western universalism. He points out the phenomenon of cultural indigenization which occurs during or after the process of modernization and generally necessitates the rejection of foreign cultural influences. Huntington further argues for the imminent decline of the West, at least in relation to up and coming powers, in terms of economic influence and military prowess. Islam and China emerge as the principal challengers to Western hegemony; Islam primarily because of demography and militant cultural universalism and China (the Sinic civilization) due to its emerging extreme economic prosperity. The cultures of East and West are certainly not irreconcilable, as Huntington later asserts. Each civilization has (at the very least) basic commonalities with ohers, though there are many scenarios in which serious conflicts (aside from ethnic and isolated fault line skirmishes) might occur. Samuel P. Huntington\'s analysis is bold and sweeping, if perhaps disappointingly egalitarian and idealistic toward its conclusion. Yet it is stunning, provocative and required reading for those interesting in foreign policy, indeed those fascinated by anthropology as well. As Wang Gungwu has said, "It is not just about the future, but may actually help to shape it."

when in germany, do as the germans do: the clued-in guide to german life, language and culture (when in... do as the locals do)

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When in Germany, Do as the Germans Do: The Clued-in Guide to German Life, Language and Culture (When In... Do as the Locals Do) (2002-07-01)
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Autor/Autoren: Hyde Flippo
Herausgeber: Mcgraw-Hill Professional
Taschenbuch

Stichworte: [German language] [Travel - Foreign] [Geografie] [Subjects & Themes - Travel - General] [Travel / Europe / Germany] [Language Teaching & Learning (Other Than ELT)] [Travel (Europe)] [Usage & Writing Guides] [Deutsche] [Deutschland; Volkskunde] [Civilization] [Cultural studies] [Places & peoples: general interest] [Europe - Germany] [German] [Germany - History - Post Unification (1989-)] [History Of Civilization And Culture (General)] [History] [Travel] [Culture shock] [Etiquette] [Germany] [National characteristics, German]

Kundenmeinungen:
+++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Wie ein Ausländer Deutschland betrachtet
Es ist immer sehr interessant zu lesen, wie ein Ausländer Deutschland betrachtet, insbesonders ist die Sicht der US-Amerikaner interessant, nachdem diese aus einem weit entfernten Land kommen, welches heute die verbliebene Ordnungsmacht der Welt ist, und alle US-Amerikaner, wie alle Angehörige einer gemeinsamen Staatskultur, in ihrem Denken sehr ähnlich geprägt sind, egal ob volksbritische US-Bürger der US-Unterklasse, der US-Oberklasse, und damit auch jene im Weißen Haus.
++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Gut geschrieben, schlecht recherchiert
Der Autor schafft es in recht kurzweiliger Form, dem Deutschland-Neuling ein z.T. recht akkurates Bild zu vermitteln. Einige Aspekte (z.B. die gerade für einen Amerikaner recht schwer verständliche, gespaltene Einstellung der Deutschen zum Patriotismus) sind m.E. sehr treffend beschrieben. Auf der anderen Seite schreibt Mr. Flippo zu manchen Themen Dinge, die daran zweifeln lassen, ob man ihn tatsächlich als "Insider" bezüglich deutscher Lebensgewohnheiten betrachten kann. Zwei Beispiele: Wer behauptet, dass es in Deutschland als ineffizient gilt, Überstunden zu leisten, der hat in den letzten fünfzehn Jahren keinen Fuss mehr in ein modernes deutsches Unternehmen gesetzt. Es ist vielmehr der Regelfall, dass ab einer bestimmten Stufe eine Mindestanzahl von Überstunden geradezu vorausgesetzt wird. Wer weniger arbeitet, gilt nicht als effizient, sondern schlichtweg als faul. Geradezu grotesk ist Mr. Flippos Behauptung, dass die in Deutschland üblichen Kreditlaufzeiten von 5-10 Jahren dazu führen, dass das Eigenheim für viele Deutsche schwer finanzierbar ist (im Gegensatz zu den USA, wo die Kredite i.d.R. 30 Jahre und länger laufen). Glaubt Mr. Flippo denn wirklich, dass wir in Deutschland unsere Häuser in 5-10 Jahren abbezahlen ? Da hat er wohl Zinsbindungsfrist und Finanzierungslaufzeit verwechselt. Natürlich ist der Hausbau in Deutschland teuer und für viele kaum erschwinglich, was aber primär mit den Grundstückspreisen und der aufwendigen Bauweise zu tun hat. Mein Fazit: stellenweise recht unterhaltsam, aber gerade für jemanden, der sich einen realistischen Eindruck der deutschen Gesellschaft verschaffen möchte, zu schlecht recherchiert. Also: When writing a book about Germany, have it proof-read by someone who actually lives there.
++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Herrliches "Spiegel vorhalten"
Teilweise sehr lustig zu lesen, teilweise stimmen die Texte über uns Deutsche sehr nachdenklich. Der Autor hat es geschafft, über gewisse Aspekte unseres "Deutschseins" so zu berichten, das man unwillkürlich den Spiegel sieht, den er einem dort unbeabsichtig (das Buch ist ja primär für US-Amerikaner und Engländer geschrieben) hingehalten hat. Obwohl man im täglichen Leben darüber eigentlich nie nachgedacht hat, hält man hier den Atem an und denkt: Da hat er recht! Ok, es trifft wohl nicht auf alles zu. Vor allem ist Winnetous bester Freund nicht Old Firehand. Aber ich bin beeindruckt über die Fülle von Themen und Inhalten, die der Autor zwar kurz, aber sehr gut erklärt hat und ich bin sicher, das der US-amerikanische und britische Leser am Ende der Lektüre um einige Vorurteile ärmer und um eine Menge an Wissen über Deutschland und wie wir Deutsche sind reicher sein wird.

ghost wars: the secret history of the cia, afghanistan, and bin laden, from the soviet invasion to september 10, 2001

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Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 (2005-01-30)
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Autor/Autoren: Steve Coll
Herausgeber: Penguin Usa
Taschenbuch

Stichworte: [Afghanistan] [Asia - Central Asia] [Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism] [11. September 2001] [Bin Laden, Osama] [CIA] [Englische Bücher] [Geheimdienst] [Geschichte, Kulturgeschichte, Zeitgeschichte] [Politik, Staat, Zeitgeschichte] [Politik, Zeitgeschichte, Recht] [USA] [History - General History] [Politik (ab 1949)] [Zeitgeschichte] [Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations] [Central Intelligence Agency] [History] [History: World] [Middle East - General] [Soviet occupation, 1979-1989] [United States.] [Afghanistankrieg (1979-1989)] [CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)] [Pulitzer Prize] [1989-2001]

Steve Coll's Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 offers revealing details of the CIA's involvement in the evolution of the Taliban and al Qaeda in the years before the September 11 attacks. From the beginning, Coll shows how the CIA's on-again, off-again engagement with Afghanistan after the end of the Soviet war left officials at Langley with inadequate resources and intelligence to appreciate the emerging power of the Taliban. He also demonstrates how Afghanistan became a deadly playing field for international politics where Soviet, Pakistani and US agents armed and trained a succession of warring factions. At the same time, the book, though opinionated, balances accounts of CIA failures with the success stories, such as the capture of Mir Amal Kasi. Coll, managing editor for the Washington Post , covered Afghanistan from 1989 to 1992. He demonstrates unprecedented access to records of White House meetings and to formerly classified material, and his command of Saudi, Pakistani and Afghani politics is impressive. He also provides a seeming insider's perspective on personalities such as George Tenet, William Casey and anti-terrorism czar Richard Clarke ("who seemed to wield enormous power precisely because hardly anyone knew who he was or what exactly he did for a living"). Coll manages to weave his research into a narrative that sometimes has the feel of a Tom Clancy novel yet never crosses into excess. While comprehensive, Coll's book may be hard going for those looking for a direct account of the events leading to the 9/11 attacks. The CIA's 1998 engagement with bin Laden as a target for capture begins a full two-thirds of the way into Ghost Wars , only after a lengthy march through developments during the Carter, Reagan and early Clinton Presidencies. But this is not a criticism of Coll's efforts; just a warning that some stamina is required to keep up. Ghost Wars is a complex study of intelligence operations and an invaluable resource for those seeking a nuanced understanding of how a small band of extremists rose to inflict incalculable damage on American soil. --Patrick O'Kelley, Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk
Steve Coll's Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 offers revealing details of the CIA's involvement in the evolution of the Taliban and Al Qaeda in the years before the September 11 attacks. From the beginning, Coll shows how the CIA's on-again, off-again engagement with Afghanistan after the end of the Soviet war left officials at Langley with inadequate resources and intelligence to appreciate the emerging power of the Taliban. He also demonstrates how Afghanistan became a deadly playing field for international politics where Soviet, Pakistani, and U.S. agents armed and trained a succession of warring factions. At the same time, the book, though opinionated, is not solely a critique of the agency. Coll balances accounts of CIA failures with the success stories, like the capture of Mir Amal Kasi. Coll, managing editor for the Washington Post , covered Afghanistan from 1989 to 1992. He demonstrates unprecedented access to records of White House meetings and to formerly classified material, and his command of Saudi, Pakistani, and Afghani politics is impressive. He also provides a seeming insider's perspective on personalities like George Tenet, William Casey, and anti-terrorism czar, Richard Clarke ("who seemed to wield enormous power precisely because hardly anyone knew who he was or what exactly he did for a living"). Coll manages to weave his research into a narrative that sometimes has the feel of a Tom Clancy novel yet never crosses into excess. While comprehensive, Coll's book may be hard going for those looking for a direct account of the events leading to the 9-11 attacks. The CIA's 1998 engagement with bin Laden as a target for capture begins a full two-thirds of the way into Ghost Wars , only after a lengthy march through developments during the Carter, Reagan, and early Clinton Presidencies. But this is not a critique of Coll's efforts; just a warning that some stamina is required to keep up. Ghost Wars is a complex study of intelligence operations and an invaluable resource for those seeking a nuanced understanding of how a small band of extremists rose to inflict incalculable damage on American soil. --Patrick O'Kelley Amazon.com

Kundenmeinungen:
+++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Endlich verstanden...
Wer hat sie nicht in seinem twenty-something Freundeskreis, die Bekannten die in Afghanistan Entwicklungshilfe betreiben. Doch wie war es noch einmal mit Afghanistan, dem CIA, der Sowjetunion, den Taliban und bin Laden? Zahlreiche Fernsehbeiträge verwirren ein doch mehr als, daß sie helfen. Bei Adam und Eva angefangen, gibt dieses dicke Buch eine Menge antworten, zeigt Zusammenhänge und vor allem gibt einem Einblicke, wie manchmal Außenpolitik betrieben wird, nämlich ziemlich planlos. ?Was wäre wenn?? ist dann auch die Frage, welche einen bei der Lektuere des Buches beschäftigt. Gut zu lesen, macht man eigentlich nur Pausen um die Informationen zu verdauen, die einem dargereicht werden.
+++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Verstehen, woher der Terror kommt - ein exzellentes Werk
Lesen Sie es. Das ist alles, was man dazu sagen kann. Wenngleich es sehr viel Text ist, der mit Details manchmal geradezu überfliesst, ist dieses Buch ein faszinierender, glaubwürdiger, genauer Grundstein, der einem ermöglicht, zu verstehen, wie der islamische Terrorismus entstanden ist. Woher er kommt, wer welche Rolle darin spielt. Der \'aha!\'-Effekt ist unübersehbar. Warum sind die Saudis so eng mit Bin Laden verknüpft? Woher kommt Bin Laden eigentlich und wieso ist er so reich? Welche Rolle spielt die Besatzung durch die UdSSR bei der Entstehung von terroristischen Unterstützungsstrukturen in Afghanistan? Woher kam das Geld, mit dem Pakistan milliardenschwer die Freiheitskämpfer in Afghanistan unterstützte? Warum ist Afghanistan heute im Chaos? Antworten auf all diese und weit mehr Fragen gibt es in einem Erzählfluss besonderer Qualität in diesem Buch. Einfach nur unglaublich spannend!
++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Akribische Fleißarbeit
Steve Coll, Verlagsdirektor der Washington Post, hat ein sehr lesenswertes Sachbuch geschrieben, in dessen Zentrum jenes Land steht, das von 1979 bis heute nie mehr zur Ruhe gekommen ist: Afghanistan. Coll kennt die Gegend selber aus eigener Erfahrung, da er von 1989 bis 1992 leitender Korrespondent der Washington Post für Südasien war. Er untersucht das für Außenstehende nur schwer durchschaubare Interessengeflecht von CIA, saudi-arabischem und pakistanischem Geheimdienst, von denen jeder sein eigenes Süppchen kochte. Es handelt sich um ein in jeder Hinsicht sehr journalistisches Buch. In jahrelanger Kleinarbeit hat der Autor unzählige Interviews und andere Quellen ausgewertet. Dies hat auch Einfluss auf den Stil des Buches. Es wird eben überwiegend eher "berichtet" als "erzählt". Im Wesentlichen ist das Buch strikt chronologisch aufgebaut. Es umfasst als Ereigniszeitraum die Zeitspanne von der sowjetischen Invasion Afghanistans bis zum 10.September 2001. Es soll somit natürlich auch der Epochencharakter des 11. September 2001 betont werden. Eine Ausnahme vom chronologischen Schema ist geschickterweise der Prolog, der im September 1996 beginnt, zu einem Zeipunkt, als Gary Schroen, nun Stationschef der CIA in Islamabad, seinen ehemaligen Standort Kabul besucht, 6 Jahre nach dem Ende des Kalten Krieges, zu einem Zeitpunkt, als die Taliban auf dem besten Weg sind das ganze Land zu erobern. Daraufhin ist Colls Werk in drei klar unterscheidbare Abschnitte unterteilt. "Blood Brothers" erstreckt sich von November 1979 bis November 1989 und untersucht, wie der Titel suggeriert, im Wesentlichen die Zusammenarbeit zwischen CIA und den Mujaheddin im Kampf gegen die sowjetischen Invasoren. Auch die Beziehung zwischen Bin Laden und dem saudischen Geheimdienst bleibt hier nicht außen vor. Der zweite Teil "The One-Eyed Man was King" beleuchtet den Aufstieg der Taliban unter Führung Mullah Mohammed Omars von März 1989 bis Dezember 1997. Der dritte Teil "The Distant Enemy" schließlich widmet sich der Jagd auf Osama Bin Laden von Januar 1998 bis zum 10.9.2001. Coll verucht alles in seinen größeren Berichtsrahmen zu rücken, ob es sich um die seit den 90er zahrleicher werdenen Terroranschläge der Al-Quaida handelt oder um die zahlreichen Meinungsverschiedenheiten zwischen State Department und CIA. Er zeigt ebenso auf, wie grundlegende Positionen Ende der 90er Jahre oft völlig andere waren als Ende der 80er Jahre. Ein wenig störend waren die teils etwas zu ausführlichen Personenbeschreibungen (er war so und so alt, sah so und so aus und hatte diese und jene Hobbys), ansonsten haben wir es hier mit einem sehr ausführlich recherchierten Kapitel der jüngsten Zeitgeschichte zu tun, das seinesgleichen sucht.

the return of history and the end of dreams

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The Return of History and the End of Dreams (2008-04-29)
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Autor/Autoren: Robert Kagan
Herausgeber: Knopf, N.Y.
Gebundene Ausgabe

Stichworte: [International Relations - General] [Political Freedom & Security - International Secur] [Englische Bücher] [Geschichte, Kulturgeschichte, Zeitgeschichte] [Politik] [Weltpolitik] [International Relations Theory] [Political Philosophy] [Political Science] [Politics / Current Events] [Politics/International Relations] [Politik (ab 1949)] [Zeitgeschichte] [World politics] [sears] [Demokratie] [Weltordnung] [Modern - 21st Century] [1989-] [1991-] [21st century.] [World history]

Kundenmeinungen:
++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Baby it's a Wild World
This far-sighted examination of global politics identifies a new axis of evil rising in opposition to the West, based on rejection of democracy and the rule of law. Kagan predicts the return of nationalism and confrontation between the forces of democracy and autocracy. He believes that a nation\'s type of government instead of its culture, religion or geographic location will determine its global alignment. While not dismissing the terrorist threat, he does not consider it a primary menace as history proves that modernity has never lost against the traditionalism represented by the Islamists. That is true, but acts of terror might have unintended consequences in the development of state structures & the formation of alliances. It\'s irresistible to compare Kagan\'s analysis with Margaret Thatcher\'s 2002 book Statecraft, in which she assessed the state of the globe and possible future trajectories. In chapters 3 and 4 Thatcher looks at Russia and China and India. Rogue states, religion and terrorism are discussed in chapter 6 with the emphasis on North Korea, Islam, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Iran. Another relevant work, The New Cold War by Edward Lucas, corroborates Kagan\'s view. Russia is pursuing policies detrimental to its own citizens, neighboring states and the world at large. Lucas scrutinizes the ruling elite which emerged from the ranks of the old KGB. This dominant class harbors resentment against the West as a whole in an interesting parallel to the hostility of the Brussels Eurocracy towards the USA and Israel. The Russian government now openly competes with the West on the economic and political fronts. Freedom of expression and the rule of law exist in name only; the state controls all the economic activity, political institutions and media that matter. Putin\'s term "managed" or "sovereign" democracy really means a revived Czarism. Despite Russia\'s demographic implosion, pervasive corruption and widespread lawlessness, it wages a new cold war through criminal actions against Ukraine, Moldova, Estonia, Georgia and the UK (in the Litvinenko case) and by supplying arms to rogue states Iran and Syria and their terrorist proxies Hamas and Hezbollah. The Putin gang eagerly befriends all enemies of the West and it\'s becoming clear that Russia seeks an alliance with the Islamic world and a partial restoration of the Warsaw Pact through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) of which China is a member. The Kremlin ignores the long-term threat from China despite the particularly drastic demographic and infrastructural implosion in Russia\'s Far East. Russia\'s rejection of Western values promises to make it more barbaric internally and considerably more dangerous on the global stage. One may confidently expect it to supply Iran with nuclear weapons technology and to support every oppressive regime that pollutes the planet. It is pursuing an energy policy aimed at squeezing the liberal democracies through a gas cartel. An enlarged SCO that includes Iran, other Middle Eastern and African states like Libya and Sudan, plus Venezuela is a real possibility. The SCO will lock the Turkic speaking states of Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan (plus Persian Tajikistan) firmly in the bear\'s embrace. The future role of Turkey will be crucial; it remains to be seen how its current pro-religious government will adapt its foreign policy in response to the country\'s certain exclusion from the European inner core. Economic ties to Europe are of course assured but it might significantly upgrade relations with the Central Asian states. Kagan considers closer ties between the USA, India and Japan more important than a larger NATO role. Affirming the ideal expressed by Anne Bayefsky amongst others, Kagan calls for an international organization of democratic states. Perhaps he underestimates the ambition of the Brussels Eurocracy and its resentment of Israel and the US. Prospects for the closer union of a core group that includes Germany, France, the Benelux countries, Italy, Spain and a few others look promising. Such a restructuring could be triggered by various factors such as the refusal of current member states to relinquish further sovereignty, severe economic problems or security concerns caused by terrorism or the behavior of Russia. Such a central Superstate will undoubtedly dictate the foreign policy of all Europe. By remaining a member, the UK will diminish the Anglosphere. A US alliance with India and Japan, on the other hand, might formidably enhance its influence and assure its strategic advantage of continued dominance over three of the world\'s oceans. Isolationism is not an option anymore. Kagan\'s conclusions are markedly distinguished from those disproved notions of the 90s - Fukuyama\'s fatuous futurology and Huntington\'s culturally based theory. The paranoid and the resentful that demonized the "Hyperpower" will look back on the era of American "hegemony" with yearning and remorse once the dynamics of the new multipolar world become clear. How comfortable the decade of the Clintons now appears in the light of contemporary trends. Alarming as it may be, Kagan\'s message is the right medicine for identifying the formidable challenges of the future.
++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Worst of all possible worlds?
This is a perceptive and far-sighted examination on the state of global politics as the decade approaches its end, in the form of an extended essay. A new axis of evil is rising in opposition to the West, one not guided by a shared ideology except in so far as hostility to the rule of law and democracy might be considered ideological. Kagan predicts that the future will see the return of nationalism, growing tensions and confrontation between the forces of democracy and autocracy. What matters is a nation\'s nature of government, he observes, not its culture, religion or geographic location; and this will determine its international alignment. While not dismissing the terrorist threat, he does not consider it a primary menace as history proves that modernity has never lost against the traditionalism represented by the Islamists. True, but terrorism might have unintended consequences in the formation of alliances and the development of state structures. It is interesting to compare Kagan\'s analysis with Margaret Thatcher\'s Statecraft, published in 2002, in which she assessed the state of the world and possible future trajectories. In chapters 3 and 4 of her book Thatcher looks at Russia and the Asian Giants China (including Taiwan and Hong Kong) and India. Rogue states, religion and terrorism are discussed in chapter 6, with particular reference to North Korea, Islam, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Iran. Another must-read: The New Cold War by Edward Lucas, already confirms Kagan\'s view. Russia is pursuing policies that threaten its own citizens, neighboring states and the world at large. Lucas takes a hard look at the ruling elite which emerged almost entirely from the ranks of the old KGB. This dominant class harbors resentment against the West as a whole in an interesting parallel to the hostility of the Brussels Eurocracy towards the USA and Israel. The Russian government now openly competes with the West on the economic and political fronts. Freedom of expression and the rule of law exist in name only; the state controls all the economic activity, political institutions and media that matter. Putin\'s term "managed" or "sovereign" democracy really means a malignant form of Czarism. Despite Russia\'s demographic implosion, pervasive corruption and widespread lawlessness, a new cold war is being waged. Not only has the country displayed thuggish behavior against Ukraine, Moldova, Estonia, Georgia and the UK in the Litvinenko case, it is supplying arms to rogue states Iran and Syria and their terrorist proxies Hamas and Hezbollah. Anna Politkovskaya\'s Russian Diary: A Journalist\'s Final Account of Life, Corruption, and Death in Putin\'s Russia exposes the mentality and incompetence of the ruling class. The geopolitical implications are staggering, as the Putin gang eagerly befriends all enemies of the West. Evidence is accumulating that Russia seeks an alliance with the Islamic world and a partial restoration of the Soviet Empire through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) of which China is a member. The Kremlin ignores the long-term threat from China despite the particularly drastic demographic and infrastructural implosion in Russia\'s Far East. Whatever other evils follow from Russia\'s abandonment of Western values, it is sure to become a more barbaric society for its citizens and a considerably more dangerous international player. One may confidently expect it to supply Iran with nuclear weapons technology and to support every loathsome thugocracy that defiles the planet. Russia is pursuing an energy policy aimed at strangling the liberal democracies by e.g. establishing a gas cartel. An expanded SCO that includes Iran, other Middle Eastern and African states like Libya and Sudan, plus Venezuela is a real possibility. Kagan correctly identifies it as a revived Warsaw Pact. The SCO will lock the Turkic speaking states of Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan (plus Persian Tajikistan) firmly in the bear\'s embrace. The future role of Turkey will be crucial; it remains to be seen how its current pro-religious government will adapt its foreign policy as reaction to the country\'s certain exclusion from the European inner core. Economic ties to Europe are of course assured but the country might significantly upgrade relations with the Central Asian states and the SCO. Kagan foresees closer future ties between the USA, India and Japan, rather than a larger role for NATO. Echoing the idea expressed in The UN and Beyond: United Democratic Nations (edited by Anne Bayefsky), Kagan proposes the same type of international organization consisting of democratic states co-coordinating their policies. Perhaps he underestimates the ambition of the Brussels Eurocracy and its resentment of the US. The likelihood of all 27 states uniting is slim, but prospects for closer union of a core group including Germany, France, the Benelux countries, Italy, Spain and a few others are bright. Such a restructuring could be triggered by many factors like the refusal of current member states to relinquish further sovereignty, economic problems or security concerns. While retaining nominal autonomy, the other countries of Europe will undoubtedly accept the Superstate\'s foreign policy. The loss of the UK will diminish the Anglosphere whilst an alliance with India and Japan might formidably enhance its influence and assure its strategic advantage of continued dominance over three of the world\'s oceans. One fact is certain: the USA follows the siren calls of isolationism at its great peril. And the paranoids that tried to demonize the "Hyperpower" will look back on the period of American "hegemony" with affection and nostalgia once the dynamics of the new multipolar world become clear. What distinguishes Kagan\'s conclusions from the discredited popular notions of the 90s - Fukuyama\'s fatuous futurology and Huntington\'s culturally based theory - is that elements of it have already begun to unfold. How comfortable the decade of the Clintons now seems in comparison to contemporary trends. Kagan\'s book is alarming and unsettling but a much needed tonic for identifying, and preparing for, the coming challenges.

how to rebuild and modify porsche 911 engines 1965-1989 (motorbooks workshop)

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How to Rebuild and Modify Porsche 911 Engines 1965-1989 (Motorbooks Workshop) (2004)
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Neu: ab EUR 19,51(lt. Amazon) · Gebraucht: ab EUR 27,04

Autor/Autoren: Wayne R. Dempsey
Herausgeber: Motorbooks Intl
Taschenbuch

Stichworte: [Motor cars: general interest] [Road & motor vehicles: general interest] [Sports & Outdoor Recreation] [Transport: General Interest] [Vehicle Maintenance & Manuals] [Porsche 911 automobile - Motors - Maintenance and repair.] [Automotive] [Automotive - General] [Automobile Engine] [Foreign Auto And Light Truck Repair] [Transportation] [Ratgeber] [Sachbuch] [Transportation / Automotive / General] [Road Vehicles (Civil)] [Vehicle maintenance] [Automotive - Repair & Maintenance] [Maintenance and repair] [Modification] [Motors] [Porsche 911 automobile]

Kundenmeinungen:
+++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Besser als Telekolleg
Diese Buch ist die Bibel fü Porschefahrer und Fans. Mit zahlreichen Abbildungen auch mit Schulenglisch sehr gut zu verstehen. Nach der Lektüre möchte man den Motor auseinander schrauben- auch wenn der gar nicht defekt ist.
+++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Fast schon wie Telekolleg
Dieses Buch ist ein Muß für alle Porschebesitzer und Fans. Die Bebilderung ist sehr gut und die Texte sind auch mit Schulenglisch zu verstehen. Auf Grundlage des Buches lassen sich typische Motorenprobleme lokalisieren und eine Kostenabschätzung ist kombiniert mit Ersatzteilkatalogen aus dem Internet möglich. Nach dem Lesen diese Buches möchte man einen Porschemotor zerlegen - auch wenn dieser nicht kaputt ist.
++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Suuuuperteil
350 Farbfotos lassen die Motorüberholung leicht von der Hand gehen, auch dann, wenn man mit "Schulenglisch" an die Sache harangeht. Eigentlich unbzahlbar, für mich auf jeden Fall!

the end of the history and the last man

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The End of the History and the Last Man (2006-02-28)
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Neu: ab EUR 6,00(lt. Amazon) · Gebraucht: ab EUR 4,80

Autor/Autoren: Francis Fukuyama
Herausgeber: Free Press
Taschenbuch

Stichworte: [Political] [Englische Bücher] [Geschichte, Kulturgeschichte, Zeitgeschichte] [Liberalismus - Neoliberalismus] [Neoliberalismus ( Liberalismus )] [Conservatism] [History] [Philosophy] [History: World] [Politik (ab 1949)] [Zeitgeschichte] [Demokratie] [Geschichtsphilosophie] [Osteuropa; Politik/Zeitgesch.] [Weltgeschichte] [Historiography] [Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism] [1945-1989] [World politics]

Kundenmeinungen:
++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): rethink the development of historical stream
i have read the THE END OF HISTORY AND THE LAST MAN in chinese version,which enlighten us to rethink the Hegel,marxism,and the democracy.

the globalization of world politics: an introduction to international relations

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The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations (2007-12-06)
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Neu: ab EUR 27,95(lt. Amazon) · Gebraucht: ab EUR 38,40

Herausgeber: Oxford University Press
Taschenbuch

Stichworte: [Globalization] [Politics & government] [Political Science] [Politics / Current Events] [Politics/International Relations] [Politikwissenschaft] [Soziologie] [Government - International] [International Relations - General] [Political Science / International Relations / General] [Globalisierung] [Weltpolitik] [1989-] [International Relations] [Textbooks] [World politics]

Kundenmeinungen:
++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): Brilliant, yet not complete
I think "Globalization Of World Politics" is a great introduction to recent issues of IR theory. However, any interested individual should try to get hold of some book, that describes the evolution of IR theory in detail, too (e.g. "Contending Theories Of International Relations"). This would provide you with a more complete knowledge about the studies of International Relations.
+++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): A concise text for the student of International Relations!
The field of International Relations is vast and ever changing. This text by Drs. Baylis and Smith is clearly written, smartly organized, and as relevant as you can get for a field that has undulated in the time it has taken me to write this short review. I would recommend this text to any and all students in their graduate programs who need a text that will tie together the "loose ends" of their programs and form an invaluable reference guide for years to come. This text is especially useful for students in the United States in order to break out of the US-centric model of thought and be exposed to the prominent theorists and practitioners in the UK.
++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): sehr gute Einführungung mit angloamerikanischem Schwerpunkt
Das Werk bietet in der Tat einen sehr guten Überblick und ist als Einführung sehr zu empfehlen. Auch die Strukturierung ist sehr leserfreundlich. Jedoch merkt man dem Buch eine gewisse Einseitigkeit an, die durch den fast ausschließlich angloamerikanischen, insbesonderen britischen Hintergrund der Autorinnen und Autoren unumgänglich ist. Hier besteht zum Anspruch des Buches, Weltpolitik darzustellen ein gewisses Spannungsverhältnis. Auch inhaltlich kommt m.E. z.B. die Perspektive der früheren Sowjetunion bzw. des heutigen Rußlands oder anderer nichtwestlicher Staaten, bspw. im Hinblick auf die Sicherheitspolitik, etwas zu kurz. Wohl neben Herkunft und Sprachkompetenz der Mitarbeiter auch mit Hinblick auf englischsprachige Studierende als Hauptzielgruppe des Buches beschränkt sich auch die weiterführende und überhaupt sämtliche angegebene Literatur fast ausschließlich auf englischsprachige Titel. - Aus meiner Sicht ein Manko eines ansonsten überzeugenden Buches.
+++++ (ein Amazon Kunde): The best book in it's field.
This is a book that all students of Intrnational Politics and International Relations should have on their shelves. Professors Smith and Baylis have managed to create the finest textbook ever written on the subject, it is put together in such a way that it is both easy to use and full of relavant in-depth information. Very highly recommended.

afghan guerilla warfare: in the words of the mujahideen fighters

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Afghan Guerilla Warfare: In the Words of the Mujahideen Fighters (2001-12-31)
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Autor/Autoren: Ali Ahmad Jalali, Lester W. Grau
Herausgeber: Motorbooks Intl
Taschenbuch

Stichworte: [Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -] [Irregular or guerrilla forces & warfare] [Military history] [c 1980 to c 1990] [Asia - General] [Military - General] [History - Military] [War] [History] [History - Military / War] [History: World] [Ratgeber] [Sachbuch] [History / Military / General] [World history] [Asia - Central Asia] [20th century] [Afghanistan] [Guerrilla warfare] [Soviet occupation, 1979-1989] [Regional History]

barbie, the first 30 years: 1959 through 1989 and beyond: identification & value guide (barbie, the first 30 years: 1959 through 1989 & beyond: an identification & value guide)

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Barbie, the First 30 Years: 1959 Through 1989 and Beyond: Identification & Value Guide (Barbie, the First 30 Years: 1959 Through 1989 & Beyond: An Identification & Value Guide) (2008-09-23)
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Neu: ab EUR 13,40(lt. Amazon) · Gebraucht: ab EUR 23,19

Autor/Autoren: Stefanie Deutsch, Bettina Dorfmann
Herausgeber: Collector Books
Gebundene Ausgabe

Stichworte: [Antiques] [Dolls] [Popular Culture] [Reference - Price Guides] [Collectibles] [Antiques & Collectibles] [Antiques / Collectibles] [Antiques/Collectibles] [Sammlerkataloge] [Reference - General] [Toys]

101 projects for your porsche 911, 1964-1989 (motorbooks workshop)

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101 Projects for Your Porsche 911, 1964-1989 (Motorbooks Workshop) (2001-06-30)
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Neu: ab EUR 16,40(lt. Amazon) · Gebraucht: ab EUR 9,46

Autor/Autoren: Wayne R. Dempsey
Herausgeber: Motorbooks Intl
Taschenbuch

Stichworte: [Automotive (motor mechanic) skills] [Motor cars: general interest] [Vehicle maintenance] [Automotive] [Automotive - Customizing] [Automotive - Repair & Maintenance] [Foreign Auto And Light Truck Repair] [Transportation] [Auto] [Moped] [Motorrad] [Transportation / Automotive / Repair & Maintenance] [Road Transport] [Amateurs' manuals] [Maintenance and repair] [Porsche 911 automobile] [Road & Motor Vehicles: General Interest]