The euphoria and promise that accompanied the Arab Spring has been replaced with a business-as-usual tone in the MENA. Revolutionary shifts in political and religious power have been tempered and, in some cases, reversed. Observers should not be surprised at these outcomes, but skeptics would be advised to remain attentive to regional factors that continue to present potentials for reform. This volume examines a variety of such factors as mediators of MENA political reform, including: Islam, political party and government relations, regime type, elite influence, and Internet access. By providing both a broad review of the relevant literatures and a flexible assessment of the region's political prospects in the post-Spring period, the volume leverages insights from a series of regional experts and political analysts to offer a useful contribution to the continuing work of reform by MENA scholars, policymakers, and the general public.

The role that race and religion play in American presidential elections is attracting national attention like never before. The 2008 presidential candidates reached out to an unprecedented number of racial and religious voting constituencies including African Americans, Latinos, Muslims, Mainline Protestants, Catholics, Evangelicals, Jews, women, the non-religious, and more. Religion, Race, and the American Presidency focuses on the roles of these racial and religious groups in presidential elections over the last forty years, and in elections since 2000 in particular. Drawing upon survey data, interviews, and case studies of recent presidents, the contributors examine the complicated relationships between American presidents and key racial and religious groups. The paperback edition features a new capstone chapter on the 2008 elections. Contributions by Brian Robert Calfano, David G. Dalin, Paul A. Djupe, Gaston Espinosa, John C. Green, Melissa V. Harris-Lacewell, Lyman A. Kellstedt, So Young Kim, David C. Leege, Laura R. Olson, Corwin Smidt, Katherine E. Stenger, and Adam L. Warber.

Traditional textbooks on American government focus on the foundations and structures of our political system. Seldom do such texts explore American government, its processes, procedures, challenges, and opportunities, from the unique perspectives of individuals with a developing awareness of their responsibilities as citizens. "American Democracy and Citizenship" departs from the norm of introductory texts by weaving the personal stories of individuals new to political consciousness into its discussion of American government. Rather than relate these personal stories through a third-person narrative, the book is written as a collection of personal essays. These are based on the long-form interviews Dr. Brian Calfano has conducted with his students in introductory American government courses during the past eight years.
"American Democracy and Citizenship" is designed to offer students a fresh take on the motives, means, and opportunities for personal engagement in our political system. The book includes the basic information contained in traditional American government texts, but it also explores psychological, social, and media paths toward political engagement for the millennial generation.
Brian Robert Calfano (PhD, University of North Texas 2007) is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Missouri State University. He is the author of over twenty peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on topics ranging from religion and politics, media influence on emotion, to candidate issue marketing. He is the Director of "The Missouri State University Poll," and hosts a daily radio talk show in Springfield, Missouri. Dr. Calfano is also a regular contributor to television affiliates covering local and state politics. He uses these opportunities, first and foremost, to introduce students to the connections between media, elite influence, and perception on political behavior. "American Democracy and Citizenship" is the culmination of several years of work with beginning college students on their understanding of government, and the motives they have for taking control of their political identity.