The term "middle power" is conceptually fragile. Some scholars have even argued for abandoning it. This book argues that the concept needs to be analysed more profoundly and that new analytical tools need to be developed to better understand the phenomenon. The traditional approach, based on Western states, is insufficient and has become increasingly irrelevant in a transformed global environment. Instead of drawing from a single theory of international relations, the contributors have chosen to build upon a wide range of theories in a deliberate demonstration of analytic eclecticism. A pluralistic approach provides stronger explanations while remaining analytically and intellectually rigorous. Many of the theory contributions are reconsidering how the largely "Western" bases of such theorising need revising in light of the "emerging middle powers", many of which are in Asia. Presenting a strong argument for studying middle powers, this book explores both the theory and empirical applications of the concept by rethinking the definition and characteristics of middle powers using a range of case studies. It examines changes in the study of middle powers over the last decade, proposing to look at the concept of middle powers in a coherent and inclusive manner. Finally, it aims to further the discussion on the evolution of the international system and provides sound conclusions about the theoretical usefulness and empirical evolution of middle powers today.

The term "middle power" is conceptually fragile. Some scholars have even argued for abandoning it. This book argues that the concept needs to be analysed more profoundly and that new analytical tools need to be developed to better understand the phenomenon. The traditional approach, based on Western states, is insufficient and has become increasingly irrelevant in a transformed global environment. Instead of drawing from a single theory of international relations, the contributors have chosen to build upon a wide range of theories in a deliberate demonstration of analytic eclecticism. A pluralistic approach provides stronger explanations while remaining analytically and intellectually rigorous. Many of the theory contributions are reconsidering how the largely "Western" bases of such theorising need revising in light of the "emerging middle powers", many of which are in Asia. Presenting a strong argument for studying middle powers, this book explores both the theory and empirical applications of the concept by rethinking the definition and characteristics of middle powers using a range of case studies. It examines changes in the study of middle powers over the last decade, proposing to look at the concept of middle powers in a coherent and inclusive manner. Finally, it aims to further the discussion on the evolution of the international system and provides sound conclusions about the theoretical usefulness and empirical evolution of middle powers today.

Current preoccupations with the 'rise of Asia' attest to the nascent contestation of the very idea of what the pattern of international politics should look like and how it should be practiced. In this respect, the growing reference to a 'shift to the East' in global politics has become a popular shorthand for the nascent 'power transition' in world affairs. This volume offers a detailed conceptual and empirical investigation of the dynamics of power transition in Asia and details the accommodation strategies and coping mechanisms of different small and middle powers in Asia and, importantly, China's responses to these approaches.

Musculoskeletal Pain - Assessment, Prediction and Treatment presents a common sense approach to interpreting and applying existing clinical knowledge and new research to help clinicians make sense of the complex phenomena of acute and chronic post-traumatic musculoskeletal pain. Built upon the Assess, Predict, Treat framework, the authors offer a method to help clinicians better understand their patients' pain. They present evidence-based decision tools to predict the natural and clinical course of common conditions, such as neck and low back pain, and they then synthesize that information into a logical, integrated treatment approach, which respects the individuality of the patient, the experiences of the clinician, and the value of evidence-informed practice. David Walton and James Elliott are leaders in the field of post-traumatic pain and recovery. Their work provides a valuable framework to facilitate novice clinicians in their transition towards experts and helps mid- and late-stage clinicians better interpret, synthesize, and discuss complex information on pain with the goal of optimised outcomes for patients.

Current preoccupations with the 'rise of Asia' attest to the nascent contestation of the very idea of what the pattern of international politics should look like and how it should be practiced. In this respect, the growing reference to a 'shift to the East' in global politics has become a popular shorthand for the nascent 'power transition' in world affairs. This volume offers a detailed conceptual and empirical investigation of the dynamics of power transition in Asia and details the accommodation strategies and coping mechanisms of different small and middle powers in Asia and, importantly, China's responses to these approaches.

New Approaches to Human Security in the Asia-Pacific offers a distinctly Asia-Pacific-oriented perspective to one of the most discussed components of international security policy, human security. This volume of regional experts assess countries that have either spearheaded this form of security politics (Japan and Australia) or have recently advanced to become a key player on various aspects of human security in both a domestic and global context (China). The authors provide an interesting investigation into the continued relevance and promise of the human security paradigm against more 'traditional' security approaches. Accordingly the book will appeal to readers across a wide band of the social sciences (international relations, security studies, development studies and public policy) and to practitioners and analysts working in applied settings.

Conservation of biodiversity is best achieved through the management of natural communities, but progress in increasing our understanding of communities remains slow. The study of Antarctic communities can provide a valuable step forward in investigating the control of community development, the utilisation of habitats and the interaction between species in both species-rich and species-poor communities. This book contains chapters characterising the current approaches to both aquatic and terrestrial communities in the Antarctic. From biodiversity to trophic flows, from ecophysiological strategies to the impacts of environmental change and the effects of human disturbance, this volume provides an up-to-the-minute overview of community studies in an area covering ten per cent of the Earth's surface.

"Will be a very useful tool for any student trying to make sense of the vast expanses of contemporary cultural theory and criticism. Well-written and admirably self-reflective, it combines rigorous explications and applications of many of the most influential concepts and theorists." - Lawrence Grossberg, University of North Carolina "Accessible and insightful throughout; offering help to both experienced and inexperienced students of cultural theory. Highly recommended." - John Storey, University of Sunderland Doing Cultural Theory teaches more than just the basics of cultural theory. It unpacks its complexities with real-life examples, and shows readers how to link theory and practice. This book: Offers accessible introductions to how cultural studies has engaged with key theories in structuralism, poststructuralism and postmodernism Teaches straightforward ways of practising these theories so students learn to think for themselves Uses 'practice' boxes to show students how to apply cultural theory in the real world Guides students through the literature with carefully selected further reading recommendation. Other textbooks only show how others have analyzed and interpreted the world. Doing Cultural Theory takes it a step further and teaches students step-by-step how to do cultural theory for themselves.

Quintessence Sky continues where the events of Quintessence (Tor Books, 2013) left off.

At the edge of the flat Earth, a strange fire in the sky burns, altering the balance of the elements and threatening all life on Horizon Island. Matthew Marcheford experiments to determine the cause, while the growing animosity of the manticores and the arrival of more ships from Europe jeopardize the colony's fragile peace. When Matthew's fiancee, Catherine Parris, is betrayed and abandoned deep underground, the secrets she uncovers there may be Horizon's last hope.

King Philip of Spain, determined to control quintessence, hires a Jesuit priest named Ramos de Tavera. Ramos unlocks secrets that would give Philip the power to conquer the world, but he hesitates, knowing the king's ambition and brutality. Instead, he seeks the advice of Princess Elizabeth, imprisoned in the Tower, and his faith in church and country begins to falter. To protect his family from the king's wrath, Ramos must work together with Matthew and Catherine across thousands of miles to rescue Elizabeth and save the Horizon colony from destruction.

The Philip K. Dick award-winning SF dystopian novel. Years in the future, the U.S. is a splintered country. The city-state of Philadelphia is ripe for revolution. Mark McGovern, the son of a rich politician, lives in a world of expensive parties and frivolous biological mods, a sharp contrast to the poor underworld of his best friend, Darin Kinsley. When the two accidentally release a sophisticated virus called a 'slicer' into the net, Mark must try to stem the tide of casualties before the charged political situation explodes. But the slicer is more than a virus. To destroy it, Mark must first sort truth from lies, not only for himself, but for the mind of the child who holds his fate.

Five hundred years ago, ""in an alternate Age of Exploration, the earth is flat. Alchemy is a true science, sea monsters menace the oceans, and Europe is embroiled in religious controversy. At the edge of the world, where the stars reach down close to the Earth, wonders abound. This drives the bravest explorers to the beckoning Western Ocean.
Christopher Sinclair is an alchemist who cares only about one thing: quintessence, a substance he believes will grant magical powers and immortality. And he has a ship.

Fleeing an inquisition, physician Stephen Parris follows Sinclair to an island that perches upon the farthest horizon, bringing his daughter Catherine with him. The island teems with fantastical animals and alluring mysteries...and may even harbor the most coveted secret of all ... in this novel by David Walton.

This book considers contending views on security ten years after the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington in September 2001. In this context the editors have endeavoured to offer a diverse range of perspectives on security with the intention of contributing to existing literature and understanding of what security means in the first decade after 9/11. The editors have invited perspectives from Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, as well as the United States. Traditional and non-tradition approaches towards security are examined. The diversity of views in this volume is indicative of the range of complex and challenging security issues that exist in the new international environment. This book's main focus is to showcase important themes in the discourse on broader post-9/11 security debates.

"A survivor of the 1916 torpedo attack on a Cross channel ferry, Sussex, recognised Spanish composer Granados in a lifeboat, his wife in the water. Granados dived in to save her and perished. Subsequently, the Sussex incident became a pawn in the propaganda battle of WW1. Extensive research into family involvement in WW1 put Walton in possession of historical detail not generally known. He assisted American novelist John Milton to obtain background material for 'The Fallen Nightingale'. Walton subsequently wrote his own account of the composer's unhappy final journey.This is the truth behind the story. David Walton graduated in Modern Languages at University College, London, and undertook further studies at the University of Florence and at Trinity College of Music. He worked for some years as a Civil Servant, notably at the port of Folkestone, where he became very familiar with cross-Channel ferries between England and France. Book includes translations in Spanish and Catalan."

David Walton's collection of eight stories, five of which are set in Pittsburgh, offers darkly humorous meditations on modern life. In "Skin and Bone" an unexpected, strange, and ultimately tragic encounter between a karate student and his instructor raises questions about guilt and responsibility. "The Sundeck" touches on sex, loneliness, and the difficulty for people to meaningfully connect. In the title story, a dinner party attended by a struggling academic begins with the toast "No more angst or ennui" only to end in hostility and disaster. "Evening Out" was the first book to win the Flannery O'Connor Award for Short Fiction.

Chronic pain affects huge numbers of people - the WHO estimates that 37-41% of people across developed and developing countries suffer, and the figure rises in countries like the UK where the population is ageing. From arthritis to migraine, back pain to diabetes, chronic pain is a huge problem for individuals, their families and carers, health providers and employers. David Walton, a clinical and cognitive psychologist who experiences chronic pain himself, guides readers through an understanding of the nature of pain; how the body and mind react to it; how to minimise pain; and how to choose the right therapies, medication and relief strategies. Modern research is presented in an engaging and positive way, alongside self-assessment questionnaires, case studies and practical do's and don'ts. Through an understanding of pain mechanisms and relief strategies, readers will be enabled to manage their symptoms better and regain some control over their daily lives.

This book fills a serious lacuna in the contemporary research on post-war Japan by examining Japan and Southeast Asia through the lens of conflict and the role of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as Prime Ministerial (and senior minister) initiatives in response to these crises. Specifically, it examines how Japan diplomatically responded to various conflicts in a region where it holds considerable political and especially economic sway. Documents from the Japanese archives, alongside other primary sources, are used to supplement existing knowledge and to showcase Japanese perspectives, while shedding light on Japanese foreign policy planning priorities and its particularistic notion of national security, as defined in largely economic terms.