Fifty years after the creation of the United Nations, there exists a vigorous debate as to its limitations and possibilities. In United Nations in the Contemporary World, David J. Whittaker examines how the UN works and assesses its position as a world organisation. The author explores the nature of the UN as a regime in contemporary international relations. He considers the changing terms of reference of the UN and includes discussion of: * UN organisational procedures and principles; * recent historical case studies, including studies on peacekeeping * the role of the UN in global urbanisation, arms control and in supplying aid for refugees * past and future internal reform, goals, achievements With an annotated bibliography and a helpful glossary United Nations in the Contemporary World provides an interdisciplinary history of the UN and debates the key issues for its future. David J Whittaker gives a cogent analysis of how the UN addresses today's world problems and how it can adapt for the future.

The Terrorism Reader is an intriguing introduction to a notorious and disturbing international phenomenon. The book draws together material from a variety of experts and clearly explains their opinions on terrorism, allowing understanding, conjecture and debate. David J. Whittaker explores all aspects of terrorism from its definition, psychological and sociological effects, legal and ethical issues to counter-terrorism. In a particularly original way, the Reader illustrates the growth and variety of terrorism with a series of case studies from four continents including: the Taliban and the al-Qaida terror network, and America's war against terrorism ETA and Spain the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia the Liberation Tigers in Sri Lanka the IRA and UFF in Northern Ireland the Shining Path in Peru. This new edition includes fully updated chapters on Palestine and Israel, the London 7/7 bombings and a a new chapter on Jihad, as well as a focus on issues of contemporary concern such as state terrorism, terrorist withdrawal and deradicalisation, and human rights.

The Terrorism Reader is an intriguing introduction to a notorious and disturbing international phenomenon. The book draws together material from a variety of experts and clearly explains their opinions on terrorism, allowing understanding, conjecture and debate. David J. Whittaker explores all aspects of terrorism from its definition, psychological and sociological effects, legal and ethical issues to counter-terrorism. In a particularly original way, the Reader illustrates the growth and variety of terrorism with a series of case studies from four continents including: the Taliban and the al-Qaida terror network, and America's war against terrorism ETA and Spain the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia the Liberation Tigers in Sri Lanka the IRA and UFF in Northern Ireland the Shining Path in Peru. This new edition includes fully updated chapters on Palestine and Israel, the London 7/7 bombings and a a new chapter on Jihad, as well as a focus on issues of contemporary concern such as state terrorism, terrorist withdrawal and deradicalisation, and human rights.

The issue of asylum seekers and refugees is one of the most talked about subjects in contemporary politics, fueled by extensive coverage in the media. David J. Whittaker's book provides a balanced introduction to this very controversial subject.
"Asylum Seekers" "and Refugees in the Contemporary World "discusses the international as well as national implications of the issue, looking at the way different governments have dealt with it. Taking a number of case studies, for example Palestinian, Afghan and Iraqi refugees, Whittaker cuts through the emotive language to give an objective introduction to the subject. The book looks in detail at the issue as it has affected Britain and Europe in particular, as well as including material on the UN and its response to the refugee "problem."
Including a final statement on the British government's 2005 proposals for dealing with refugees, "Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the Contemporary World "is essential reading for all students of the history of the modern world and is ideal for newcomers to the subject.

Fueled by extensive coverage in the media, the issue of asylum seekers and refugees is one of the most talked about subjects in contemporary politics. David J Whittaker's book provides a balanced introduction to this very controversial subject. Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the Contemporary World discusses the international as well as national implications of the issue, looking at the way different governments have dealt with it. Taking a number of case studies, for example Palestinian, Afghan and Iraqi refugees, Whittaker cuts through the emotive language to give an objective introduction to the subject. The book looks in detail at the issue as it has affected Britain and Europe in particular, as well as including material on the UN and its response to the refugee 'problem'. Including a final statement on the British government's 2005 proposals for dealing with refugees, Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the Contemporary World is essential reading for all students of the history of the modern world and is ideal for newcomers to the subject.

A concise and accessible survey of this topical and complex subject, this is the first book of its type to focus on the terrorists, and their psychology, in an historical context. Focusing on a variety of prominent terrorist groups together with a number of less notorious ones, the book encourages readers to think about the mindset, motivation and tactics of terrorists. David J. Whittaker analyzes examples of terrorists working as individuals, such as Timothy McVeigh, and those working in groups, such as Al-Qaida, over the last two or three decades. He goes on to discuss the problems of countering these terrorists and the possible forms terrorism could take in the future. Fascinating reading, this book will prove extremely informative to any student or researcher of this complex modern-day issue.

A concise and accessible survey of this topical and complex subject, this is the first book of its type to focus on the terrorists, and their psychology, in an historical context.

Focusing on a variety of prominent terrorist groups together with a number of less notorious ones, the book encourages readers to think about the mindset, motivation and tactics of terrorists. David J. Whittaker analyzes examples of terrorists working as individuals, such as Timothy McVeigh, and those working in groups, such as Al-Qaida, over the last two or three decades. He goes on to discuss the problems of countering these terrorists and the possible forms terrorism could take in the future.

Fascinating reading, this book will prove extremely informative to any student or researcher of this complex modern-day issue.

The ever-present threat of terrorism and the growing human-rights backlash against anti-terrorist policies are becoming ever more significant on the international stage. Constant media-coverage and public concern have characterised the debate over the last ten years.This book is a fair and objective assessment of counter-terrorist policy and human rights worldwide, and covers a wide breadth of international material. While raising key questions for reader consideration, this book aims for straight-forward consideration, leaving polemic to the reader.

Series Information:
The Making of the Contemporary World

This text is an examination of the role of the UN in the major political crises of the postwar world - from Korea to the Gulf War and Yugoslavia. It is intended for use as a textbook for undergraduate courses in international relations and international and diplomatic history, post-1945 world history and special and optional courses on the United Nations.

Originating in Finland in eighteen-sixty-five, Educational Sloyd used handicrafts practised in schools to promote educational completeness through the interdependence of the mind and body. These radical ideas spread throughout Europe and America and had a significant impact on the early development of manual training, manual arts, industrial education and technical education. Today it is generally acknowledged that Educational Sloyd laid the foundations of modern technological education. This book traces the development of Sloyd from its conception by Uno Cygnaeus and the first Sloyd school founded by Otto Salomon, to its enthusiastic take up in Scandinavia and beyond. It examines the debates and controversy which surround the Sloyd system, and considers the transition from 'hands-on' craft work to concepts of technology education. Finally, the investigation reveals the lasting legacy of the ideas and practice of Sloyd education, and how it continues to influence technological education. Included in the book: - the foundations of Educational Sloyd - debates, controversy and rival factions - key case studies in Finland and Iceland - the lasting legacy of Sloyd education. This fascinating and comprehensive historical exploration will be of interest to scholars and researchers in the areas of technology education, comparative education and the history of education.

eBook available with sample pages: HB:041518326X

The United Nations was intended to be a powerful actor in the contemporary world. Fifty years after its creation, there exists a vigorous debate as to its limitations and possibilities. David J. Whittaker offers a concise critical analysis of the UN as a world organization and considers how it works, if its member states fail and what reforms are desireable and feasible. The text explores the nature of the UN as a "regime" in contemporary international relations. It considers the changing terms of reference of the UN and includes a series of case studies to illustrate the multifaceted activities of the UN - in peacekeeping, arms control, aid for refugees and complex issues associated with developing nations and global urbanization. The author also surveys the prospects for internal change and principles of the organization, and provides an interdisciplinary history of the UN and debates the key issues for its future. It includes an annotated bibliography, glossary and guide to further source material to aid individual research.