Global Geopolitical Power and African Political and Economic Institutions: When Elephants Fight describes the emergence and nature of the prevailing African political and economic institutions in two periods. In the first, most countries adopted political and economic institutions that funneled significant levels of political and economic power to the political elites, usually through one- or no-party (military) political systems, inward-oriented development policies, and/ or state-led-and often state-owned-industrialization. In the second period, most countries adopted institutions that diluted the overarching political and economic power of ruling elites through the adoption of de jure multiparty electoral systems, more outward-oriented trade policies, and the privatization of many state owned or controlled sectors, though significant political and economic power remains in their hands. The choices made in each period were consistent with prevailing ideas on governance and development, the self-interests of political elites, and the perceived availability of support or autonomy vis-a-vis domestic, regional, and international sources of power at the time. This book illustrates how these two region-wide shifts in prevailing political and economic institutions and practices of Africa can be linked to two prior global geopolitical realignments: the end of WWII with the ensuing American and Soviet led bipolar system, and the end of the Cold War with American primacy. Each period featured changed or newly empowered international and regional leaders with competing national priorities within new intellectual and geopolitical climates, altering the opportunities and constraints for African leaders in instituting or maintaining particular political and economic institutions or practices. The economic and political institutions of Africa that emerged did so as a result of a complex mix of contending domestic, regional, and international forces (material and intellectual)-all which were themselves greatly transformed in the wake of these two global geopolitical realignments.

'There are two people, and only two, whose ideas must be taught to every MBA in the world: Michael Porter and Henry Mintzberg.' - Forbes Magazine The Strategy Process is a truly original and authoritative strategy textbook. The author team of Mintzberg, Lampel, Quinn and Ghoshal introduce a richness of theory and practice into this text, offering an ideal introduction for those who want to develop a deep understanding of strategy. Now into its fifth edition, this text does not shy away from the complexity of strategy but rather seeks to illuminate where it can and encourage debate and reflection at every turn. It shows that strategy is intimately connected with organizational politics and individual management styles, and is firmly grounded in the real world rather than pushing pure theory. As well as offering a comprehensive overview of the huge body of academic knowledge in this area, The Strategy Process encourages a practical perspective through 36 substantial case studies. From modern multinationals to the battlefields of 19th century Europe, this book shows that strategy is everywhere, and understanding it is essential.

Irish travellers live in a closed community. What we think we know about them is based on hearsay, rumour and stereotype. But not any more. Knuckle is the true story of James Quinn McDonagh - clan head and champion bare-knuckle fighter. It's a journey from his grandfather's horse-drawn caravan at the side of the road to the country lanes of Ireland where he stood, fists bloodied and bandaged, fighting a clan war that he never asked for. Two men, two neutral referees, a country lane. No gloves, no biting, no rests. The last man standing wins, takes home the money, and more importantly, the bragging rights. Caught in a brutal cycle of violence that has left men dead, houses burned and lives destroyed, James tells a story that opens up a hidden world - revealing why history repeats itself, and why he can never go home...

A young poet wishing to take his own life soon finds events have overtaken him in this experimental 1960s drama from director Don Levy. Disillusioned poet Max (Michael Gothard) decides to commit suicide, but rather than making it a quiet affair, Max contacts the local media so that, he hopes, his name will live on. On the appointed day, however, Max suddenly has a change of heart, but with an eagerly expectant media in attendance, he finds that he is no longer in control of events.