The Phoenix Factor


Book Description

We wrote this book for anyone who has been devastated by a major crisis--the death of a loved one, the loss of an important relationship, a financial setback, serious illness, traumatic injury, or any of a host of personal catastrophes. We aim for more than simple repair or recovery. Crisis theory points to a remarkable fact of human growth and development: a crisis does not have to end in total loss, but can mark the beginning of newer, more satisfying, and more productive ways of living. A crisis can be conquered. If you are hurting, trying to cope with perhaps the worst ordeal you have ever experienced, this book is for you.




The War Ledger


Book Description

The War Ledger provides fresh, sophisticated answers to fundamental questions about major modern wars: Why do major wars begin? What accounts for victory or defeat in war? How do victory and defeat influence the recovery of the combatants? Are the rules governing conflict behavior between nations the same since the advent of the nuclear era? The authors find such well-known theories as the balance of power and collective security systems inadequate to explain how conflict erupts in the international system. Their rigorous empirical analysis proves that the power-transition theory, hinging on economic, social, and political growth, is more accurate; it is the differential rate of growth of the two most powerful nations in the system—the dominant nation and the challenger—that destabilizes all members and precipitates world wars. Predictions of who will win or lose a war, the authors find, depend not only on the power potential of a nation but on the capability of its political systems to mobilize its resources—the "political capacity indicator." After examining the aftermath of major conflicts, the authors identify national growth as the determining factor in a nation's recovery. With victory, national capabilities may increase or decrease; with defeat, losses can be enormous. Unexpectedly, however, in less than two decades, losers make up for their losses and all combatants find themselves where they would have been had no war occurred. Finally, the authors address the question of nuclear arsenals. They find that these arsenals do not make the difference that is usually assumed. Nuclear weapons have not changed the structure of power on which international politics rests. Nor does the behavior of participants in nuclear confrontation meet the expectations set out in deterrence theory.




The Resilient Mindset


Book Description

In a world filled with constant challenges and uncertainties, cultivating resilience has become an indispensable skill. "The Resilient Mindset" is a ground breaking book that will empower you with the tools and strategies to build unwavering mental strength and face adversity head-on. In this transformative guide, the author takes you on a profound journey to discover the untapped power within yourself. Drawing from extensive research and real-life examples, he unveils the secrets to developing a resilient mindset that will reshape your life, enabling you to overcome setbacks, navigate through difficult times, and embrace opportunities for personal growth. Through a combination of insightful wisdom, practical exercises, and inspiring stories, "The Resilient Mindset" equips you with the essential skills to: •Thrive in the face of adversity: Discover how to harness the power of resilience to bounce back from setbacks, setbacks, and challenges stronger than ever before. Learn to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success and develop a growth mindset that fuels your motivation and perseverance. •Cultivate emotional intelligence: Gain a deeper understanding of your emotions and learn how to regulate them effectively. Unlock the ability to navigate through intense emotions, manage stress, and build stronger relationships, both personally and professionally. •Overcome limiting beliefs: Unleash the power of your mind by identifying and challenging self-limiting beliefs. Break free from negative thought patterns, self-doubt, and fear, and cultivate a mindset that fosters self-confidence, resilience, and success. •Develop a positive mindset: Discover the transformative effects of optimism and gratitude on your overall well-being. Learn how to reframe negative experiences, embrace change, and cultivate a positive outlook on life, even in the face of adversity. •Build strong support networks: Understand the importance of social connections and build meaningful relationships that enhance your resilience. Learn effective communication skills, develop empathy, and create a support system that will uplift you during challenging times. •Thrive in uncertain times: Develop the adaptability and flexibility to navigate through an ever-changing world. Gain practical strategies to cope with uncertainty, manage stress, and embrace new opportunities for personal and professional growth. "The Resilient Mindset" is not just another self-help book; it's a life-changing road




Parity and War


Book Description

Formal and empirical explanations of peace and war




The Destruction of Cities in the Ancient Greek World


Book Description

From the Trojan War to the sack of Rome, from the fall of Constantinople to the bombings of World War II and the recent devastation of Syrian towns, the destruction of cities and the slaughter of civilian populations are among the most dramatic events in world history. But how reliable are literary sources for these events? Did ancient authors exaggerate the scale of destruction to create sensational narratives? This volume reassesses the impact of physical destruction on ancient Greek cities and its demographic and economic implications. Addressing methodological issues of interpreting the archaeological evidence for destructions, the volume examines the evidence for the destruction, survival, and recovery of Greek cities. The studies, written by an international group of specialists in archaeology, ancient history, and numismatic, range from Sicily to Asia Minor and Aegean Thrace, and include Athens, Corinth, and Eretria. They highlight the resilience of ancient populations and the recovery of cities in the long term.




Portland


Book Description

Portland is often associated with the mythological phoenix, the animal that rises out of the ashes of its apparent death. Life here has often been a struggle: to overcome the disastrous fires of 1775 and 1866; to rebuild after the change in Canadian policy in 1920 that devastated the waterfront; and to outlast the Depression and the other economic crises that have affected the area. The people of Portland have always faced these problems head on, survived, and rebuilt the city stronger then it was before. This delightful pictorial history is a moving tribute to their spirit and drive. Portland features more than 200 images that together document life in Maine's largest city over the last 130 years. We see immigrants arrive from all corners of the world and watch as they build lives and businesses in their new home; we witness the waterfront and Congress Street rise, fall, and rise again; and we observe how the political scene has changed and been changed by everyday people. Perhaps the most interesting photographs are those of everyday life: of people working, playing sports, relaxing, falling in love, and living life to its fullest.




The Scientific Study of Peace and War


Book Description

This widely used and acclaimed text reader brings together some of the best work on the onset of war, the expansion of war, the conditions of peace, and the termination and impact of war. Editorial commentary on the major findings and the statistical analysis used in each study teaches students how to read the article so that they can become literate in social science methods. A learning package in the appendix provides a programmed text to teach students how to interpret tables, read basic statistics, and conduct elementary data analysis. Correlates of War data on European countries is provided, and a methodological table of contents allows instructors to assign articles from the easiest (simple percentages) to the most advanced (time series and formal modeling).




Power, Space, and Time


Book Description

Undergraduate students in most preliminary courses in international politics are introduced to realist, liberal, and constructivist approaches, supplementing this theoretical introduction with conceptual discussions of the state, international system, and/or decision-making and policy formation. By the end of their college experience, undergraduate IR majors will engage coursework more narrowly focused on an empirical outcome, such as war, economic integration, development, or migration. These advanced courses are directly linked to modern research agendas and graduate level course material, usually with few references to the theoretical paradigms taught in introductory classes. This volume seeks to bridge the gap between what is taught in early undergraduate education and what is created by scholars, uniting abstract theoretical principles with practical contemporary policy and testable empirical questions.




Parameters


Book Description




War and State Making


Book Description

Originally published in 1989, this is an empirical study of the impact of global war on the expansion and shaping of nation-states. Individual chapters examine the effects of such wars, and the preparation for them, on debt financing, expansion, military spending, welfare spending, GNP and domestic violence. The authors conclude that by virtue of the changes they spurn, global wars are inherently ‘accelerators of social change’.