The Arab uprisings that began in 2011 have drawn attention to elements crucial to assessing and reassessing the ways that states form, stay together, and react to the forces of globalization. For different states in the MENA region, this has had different implications and consequences that stem from the politics of identity and the historical and political processes individual states have faced in their development. This volume examines these elements in terms of religion, ethnicity, and identity - among other factors - to illustrate their importance in state formation and the ways that they have been affected by the uprisings. It focuses on the historical, political, economic, and social factors at work, especially as they take shape next to globalization. Case studies include well-established states such as Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, as well as less well established Gulf countries such as Bahrain. The authors take the view that identity is a dynamic and changing element in the process of state formation.

Over the last thirty years, many political transitions from authoritarian regimes and dictatorial political systems have been accompanied by Truth Commissions. Since 1974 there have been over twenty of these Commissions established in countries as diverse as Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia, El Salvador, Ethiopia, the Philippines and Germany, among others. Perhaps the most important Truth Commission of our time is the South African one which also seeks to act as a mechanism for reconciliation in a divided society. The South African conflict was extremely long and violent; its victims suffered traumatic experiences and, in part, one of the Commission's functions is to allow their story to be told. This book tries to examine the Truth Commission here and the issues that surround it, assessing different versions of the South African past and the complex negotiations leading to the establishment of the Commission and the complex politics of amnesty, justice and nation-building.

How to start living your best life -- a life by design The Life List: Master Every Moment and Live an Audacious Life is your guide to designing the next magnificent part of your life, starting today. An energising, honest, at times hilarious and at times devastating call to action, this is a transformational, life-is-for-living handbook. And it belongs in the hands of every woman who yearns to do something more spectacular! After turning 50, losing her former life partner to cancer and seeing her kids move on as young adults, Kate Christie was faced with the fact that life is too short. And it was time to do something about it. So Kate created the concept of a "life list" A list of everything she wanted to do and be while she was still young enough to enjoy it. A list of abundant, joyful new discoveries and opportunities. Using her unique framework to inspire not only big goals but also real action, Kate shows you exactly how to design and implement your own life list. Why? Because it's your turn. You are energetic, confident, comfortable in your skin, successful and ready for more. This is not a crisis: it's a catalyst. With The Life List, you'll learn how to: Find a new perspective, identify what matters most and celebrate with gratitude Set and smash incredible, life-changing goals Embrace life's endless possibilities while you're still young Master every moment, with simple steps for living in the now and planning your future Create and manifest momentous experiences in your everyday life It's time to join the movement and do whatever the hell it is you want with the rest of your life. This is your life -- by design. So live it big. Be audacious.

For states in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, the "Arab Spring" has had different implications and consequences, stemming from the politics of identity and the historical and political processes that have shaped development. This book focuses on how these factors interact with globalization and affect state formation.