The scholarship of historian and political economist, Robert W Cox, spans some thirty to fifty years. As an outsider to the fields of IR/IPE the inspiration wellspring of his work is often misunderstood and incorrectly represented. This comprehensive overview focuses on the development of his thinking and attempts to set the record straight. The book compares Cox with the critical theory of the Frankfurt school and with scholars who have attempted to incorporate it into IR/IPE theory and finds that they are not the same. A selection of work by those who have been inspired by Coxian Critical Theory has been included to highlight some challenges and opportunities for critical political economists. It is suggested that Cox's tolerance for diversity and his eclecticism can potentially bridge the gap between rationalist and interpretative approaches to political economy by pointing us towards a critical empiricist theory of political economy. It is hoped that the volume will provide a point of entry for younger scholars and that it will refocus the attention of established scholars some 20 years after the publication of Power, Production and World Order: Social Forces in the Making of History.

This book investigates the history, political economy and spatiality of Chinese railway projects in Africa. It examines the financial governance of Sino-African railway projects, their socio-cultural, political and economic effects as well as the regional dimension of Africa’s new railway architecture and its function within China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Leading and emerging scholars from Africa, China, Europe and the Americas offer interpretations through politicoeconomic, historical, geographical and post-colonial conceptual lenses. Case studies on projects in Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia offer an empirically rich and cross-disciplinary picture of Sino-African railway developments at the micro-, meso- and macro-levels. Regional analyses on West and East Africa expose persistent obstacles to the regional integration of Africa’s railways. The volume outlines opportunities and challenges related to Africa’s railway renaissance in the post-COVID-19 global political economy and will be of great interest to academics, students and practitioners interested in Africa-China relations and their developmental effects or in the politics of infrastructure, spatial governance and the political economy of transport.

Dedicated to increasing our knowledge and awareness of the ever-growing diversity and pluralism of global society, Forum A. & A. Leysen has initiated a debate/lecture series, with a focus on Islam in today's world and in Europe in particular. Well-known influential authorities each an active participant in the public debate on the global role of Islam past, present, and future presented papers at the several Intercultural Relations meetings sponsored by Forum A. & A. Leysen. These important contributions are collected in Islam and Europe: Crises Are Challenges.

A common message emerges from the contributors and all their different points of view: only dialogue on the one hand between the West (countries that manifest themselves as Western Democratic constitutional states) and Islam, and on the other hand within and among societies historically identified with Islam will overcome entrenched confrontation and negative animosity. Such dialogue will engender new possibilities and understandings, and, by encouraging free and critical thinking, pave the way to social equity and the scientific innovation that may lead to more prosperity. In the course of the meetings all talks led to fascinating debates. This book includes the papers presented during the period January 2008 to January 2009. Although the question of how to actually construct the dialogue remains unsettled, this pioneering book takes a giant step toward an answer.

Contributors: Ahmed Aboutaleb; Durre S. Ahmed; A.S.A. Al-Saify; Mohamed Benzakour; Helge Daniels; Nadia Fadil; Silvio Ferrari; Marie-Claire Foblets; Fouad Laroui; Paul Lemmens; Rashida Manjoo; Ziba Mir-Hosseini; Bhikhu Parekh; Mathias Rohe; Cedric Ryngaert; Shaheen Sardar Ali; Prakash Shah; Paul Scheffer; Amina Wadud; Sami Zemni"

From author An Leysen who made the breathtaking and magical retellings of classic fairy tales such as Brave Thumbelina, Baba Yaga, Beauty and the Beast and more. Mara's biggest wish is to become an astronaut - to discover new planets. Sometimes dreams and wishes come true . . . She lands on the most beautiful planet she has ever seen. But the planet is in trouble and only Mara can help. A wonderful space adventure about a small girl with big dreams and a big heart. For astronauts and explorers ages 6 and up. "As a child I was obsessed with fairy tales and think I've never outgrown them. In fairy tales anything is possible, even the unthinkable. In that way Mara the Space Traveler is a sort of fairy tale too. Not a classic, like Snow White, Little Red Riding-Hood or Thumbelina, but a modern fairy tale in a contemporary setting and with a topic that's closer to the experiences of young children today. The villain is not a scary wolf or a mean witch but the heat of the sun destroying all life. And you have this young and strong heroine, who travels through space in a self-built spaceship to discover new planets. But above all, it's a story about friendship: how Maura conquers her fears and saves her new friends and finds a solution to avert the fiery look of the sun king from the beautiful garden. In the end, the reader keeps wondering whether or not this adventure really happened. Maybe it was all a dream? But then whose paw print is in the back of the dream diary? I want to leave room for imagination, and inspire the (young) readers to dream and make wild plans, and let them believe that they can come true. I hope this fairy tale may be an open door to a magic world . . ." - An Leysen Guided Reading Level N

A retelling of the classic tale with dreamy illustrations by An Leysen! Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a merchant with his two daughters. The eldest daughter was spoiled and vain, and the youngest preferred to read all day. She was so pretty everyone called her "Belle". One day, the merchant got lost in the forest and stumbled upon a castle that looked enchanted. Suddenly, he stood face-to-face with the castle's sole inhabitant: a beast! The Beast would spare the merchant's life on one condition: he must send one of his daughters to live in the castle. Against her father's will, Belle went to the Beast's castle. The cheerful Belle and the good-natured Beast come to life in this beautiful picture book by An Leysen. For children ages 5 and up, and for everyone who loves timeless fairy tales. Guided Reading Level N

This book, some 20 years after the publication of Robert W. Cox's seminal Production, Power and World Order: Social Forces in the Making of History , offers the reader an analytical and comprehensive overview of his work and illustrates the continuing relevance thereof for contemporary research.

"An Leysen is a magical artist. Her artwork perfectly makes the transition between ordinary and extraordinary, leading readers in a fascinating world. Just looking at her illustrations, from the very first pages, you know you will have a great experience and... a good, happy ending." - FromWordsToWorldsAn Leysen's breathtaking and magical retelling of the classic fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen! Once upon a time, there was a woman who desperately wanted a child. One day, a good witch passed her house and gave her a flower seed. The woman planted the seed and took good care of it. Before long, two little eyes curiously stared at her between the petals. Inside the flower was a tiny girl! The woman named her Thumbelina. It soon became clear that Thumbelina was a very brave little girl. In this magical picture book, An Leysen retells the classic fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen. For children ages 5 and up and anyone who loves enchanting fairy tales.

Klem Klassen the Klown has the number-one rated late night TV talk show - his ratings far outstrip all competitors. Using his highly popular TV presence as political platform, Klassen decides to run for the Oval Office against the first woman to break the ultimate glass ceiling - incumbent Democrat, President Mildred Sizemore. But first he must out-debate the Republican candidates he dubs the "Seven Drones." Or as he tells his wife, "I'll oppose the opposition." Not only does Klem host his nightly show dressed as a clown, but he also wears the outfit to each debate. Naturally the media scores him for his lack of political, military and corporate experience, giving him a very slim chance of winning. Can he do it?

Recently retired university professor, Lewis Brick, receives a "violation" notice from the HOA. He is instructed that one car must be parked in his garage, something he's not done for over twenty years because he converted his garage into a painting studio. His question is "why now?" If he complies and alters his studio to accommodate one of his cars, it will wreck the space and no longer function as an art studio. He tells his wife, Annette, "It's either a garage or a studio, it can't be both." HOA Board members threaten Brick with fines and possible legal action if he fails to comply, which sets off a rancorous debate at two appointed meetings. Brick asks a lawyer friend if there's a solution to keep the HOA from coming after him. His reply: "don't live where your home is regulated by an HOA." In the end, Lewis Brick finds a solution that no one expected, least of all himself.

Weapons of mass destruction, Nazi occupation, deprivation, assassination, God, immigration, assimilation, the American Dream, infidelity, success, failure and redemption are just some of the ingredients sprinkled into FLEMISH FRIES - a novel of one family's journey from Antwerp, Belgium to America. Intrigued by the promise of year-around sunshine, the Vos family immigrates to California after surviving the dark days of World War II. Assimilation is the new challenge, and Willem, the youngest son, is told by his father to learn English in three months or else. Hugo, the eldest at sixteen, is ordered to find a job immediately. Heartbreaking, heartwarming, and equally comical, FLEMISH FRIES turns a sharp eye towards Americanization, which brings diametrically different results to each family member. Late in life, Willem returns to Antwerp for a three week visit to the city of his birth. He is sixty and it has been forty years since his last visit, and now he must face a crucial life altering decision.

A beautiful edition with two stories: a classical fairy tale and a fun adventure of the seven dwarfs. With games and riddles, for children ages 5 years and up. One day, a beautiful princess is born: Snow White. Then, the queen dies, and a new queen moves into the palace. Every day, the stepmother looks into a magic mirror to hear she’s the fairest of them all. Until one day, the mirror says Snow White is more beautiful than her. From that moment on, the evil queen plots to make Snow White disappear. That’s how the girl ends up with the seven dwarfs. Can they save her? Learn more about the dwarfs in the second part of this story. These friends work together to plan a fun party for Snow White. This wonderful new tale makes the world of Snow White even more magical. 

Sometimes, when Sofia lies in bed at night and closes her eyes, something magical happens: everything she imagines becomes real! Tonight her room changes into a sea with waves as high as the walls. On this occasion, and to the background of Ludwig Beethoven's music playing on demand, her imagination transforms her and she goes on an extraordinary sea adventure, where she is a pirate! She fights off enemy pirates coming on a big ship and becomes Captain Sofia, the bravest pirate of the 7 seas. From there, her sea adventure continues with fantastic images, sea monsters, and mermaids. The adventures of this beautifully illustrated picture book come totally alive with the sounds of classical music turning this into a bi-dimensional sensory experience. This fantastic pirate story with compelling music fragments by Ludwig Beethoven is a tribute to childlike imagination and classical music. For fearless adventurers ages 4 years and up.