Political and Economic Systems

The concept of democracy is far from new, but this comprehensive volume addresses some of the volatile questions that continue to puzzle even the best of us. Readers will get a survey of the development of this form of government, dating back to its invention in ancient Athens and continuing to the present, following its development with the changing times. Thoughtful questions provoke discussion about its pros and cons, its strengths and weaknesses, and how, even after all these years, this method of governing could be even more effective in the future.

The story of socialism and communism is a saga of idealism and cynicism, revolution and repression, power and powerlessness. The entire political and economic history of the modern era is contained in this account, forming a detailed and lively panorama. The world is still grappling with age-old questions regarding governance, equality, justice,and freedom. As this enthralling text details so vividly, socialism and communism attempted to answer these questions definitively. In that they failed, but in doing so, they highlighted the importance of the questions themselves and of the ordinary people whose lives hang in the balance, waiting for answers.

Capitalism is first and foremost an economic system that prizes free and competitive markets, private ownership, and a comparatively small role for government intervention and regulation. Yet capitalism also has many political undertones and has become associated with notions of freedom, individualism, self-determination, and anti-unionism. As a political and economic philosophy, it was a major player in the Cold War, squaring off against communism and seemingly triumphing. The colorful history of this economic system that doubles as a political philosophy is recounted here, from Medieval-era experiments in agraian capitalism and mercantilism to the 21st century digital economiy and bitcoins. This is a fascinating and provocative read and an immersive journey through the political and economic history of the modern world.

Stories of pageantry associated with kings, queens, and the upper class have long captivated readers of all ages. The reality behind how these entities have operated within set governmental systems has not always been as glamorous as these tales, but it retains an allure of its own nonetheless. This book provides a firm grounding in the historic political, social, and economic implications of rule by monarchy, including the prevalence of the feudal system in medieval Europe. Modern monarchies and the role of the aristocracy in every age are also detailed.

Gaining momentum in the early decades of the 20th century, a number of fascist and other authoritarian regimes could be found around the world by the 1950s. Many persist into the present day. Often led by oppressive dictators, these regimes share many characteristics, though each differ in various ways as well. This volume examines the historical trajectory of dictatorship, fascism, and totalitarianism; their characteristics; where they intersected and how they differed; and some of the individuals-including Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, among many others-infamous for violently imposing their often extreme agendas.

Anthropology, politics, and history come together to form an insightful blend in this authoritative title covering kinship, tribalism, and nonurban cultures the world over. Both the theory and practical examples of tribal cultures are presented, with several chapters dedicated to the various schools of anthropological thought on nonurban societies, accompanied by a survey of tribal and indigenous cultures both historically and in modern times. American Indians, the indigenous peoples of South America, nomadic tribes of the Middle East, and Aboriginal Australians are a few of the societies explored in this extensive text.

This title is an indispensable resource for those who are interested in the ways that small ideological groups can and have overthrown governments to further their political agendas. Spanning history, this resource looks at some of the most famous revolutionary groups, their beliefs, and the ways in which they achieved their goals. From national revolutions to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, this book shows how revolutionaries have changed the world, for both good and evil.