Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas.Organised crime has become a major problem globally. Its negative impact on economies, societies, politics, human rights and security is profound: fraud, money-laundering, drug, arms and human trafficking, and collusion with both law enforcement and terrorists, for example, are all significant issues. Yet specialists disagree not only on the scale and nature of organised crime, but even on its definition. This Advanced Introduction to Organised Crime explores these disagreements, examines the nature and causes of contemporary organised crime, and offers constructive suggestions on how to counter it. Key features include: - Emphasis on the rapidly changing structures of organised crime, its increasingly transnational nature and sophisticated use of the internet. - Psycho-social and cultural explanations, as well as system-related ones - Explores the latest techniques for measuring organised crime - Provides detailed analyses of six of the best known transnational organised crime syndicates - Focuses on human trafficking to exemplify many of the key points - Examines the many methods that can be used - not only by states and international organisations, but also by civil society and individuals - to combat organised crime. Accessible and comprehensive, the Advanced Introduction to Organised Crime is an ideal resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying criminology, political science, international relations, law and sociology. Its profound insights are invaluable to practitioners, including law enforcement officers, investigative journalists and criminologists.

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas.Organised crime has become a major problem globally. Its negative impact on economies, societies, politics, human rights and security is profound: fraud, money-laundering, drug, arms and human trafficking, and collusion with both law enforcement and terrorists, for example, are all significant issues. Yet specialists disagree not only on the scale and nature of organised crime, but even on its definition. This Advanced Introduction to Organised Crime explores these disagreements, examines the nature and causes of contemporary organised crime, and offers constructive suggestions on how to counter it. Key features include: - Emphasis on the rapidly changing structures of organised crime, its increasingly transnational nature and sophisticated use of the internet. - Psycho-social and cultural explanations, as well as system-related ones - Explores the latest techniques for measuring organised crime - Provides detailed analyses of six of the best known transnational organised crime syndicates - Focuses on human trafficking to exemplify many of the key points - Examines the many methods that can be used - not only by states and international organisations, but also by civil society and individuals - to combat organised crime. Accessible and comprehensive, the Advanced Introduction to Organised Crime is an ideal resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying criminology, political science, international relations, law and sociology. Its profound insights are invaluable to practitioners, including law enforcement officers, investigative journalists and criminologists.

This book analyses police corruption across four country case studies, exploring how the problem manifests in each country and how it can be reduced. The problem of police corruption ranges from having to pay a bribe to a traffic cop to avoid a speeding fine, right up to more serious forms, such as collusion with organised crime groups and terrorists. The issue therefore constitutes a significant security threat and a human rights issue, but it is often difficult to understand the extent of the problem, and how it varies across contexts. This book analyses the corruption situation in Bulgaria, Germany, Russia and Singapore, identifies similarities and differences across them, and analyses the various means of addressing the problem: punitive, incentivising, technological, administrative and imaging, and the role of civil society. Drawing on existing literature and research, the book also makes extensive use of local sources and original survey data across the four countries. As comparative literature on police corruption remains rare, this book's survey of the situation in two developed states and two post-communist transition states will be of considerable interest to students and researchers across corruption studies, criminology, police studies and security studies, as well as practitioners working in anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies.

First published in 1999, Europe: Rethinking the Boundaries explores the themes of boundary and identity from cultural, political, sociological and historical perspectives. The volume highlights the multiplicity of approaches and the complexity of the understanding of what is Europe, while at the same time presenting a coherent theme of boundary which is both thought-provoking and comprehensive. It focuses on Europe's changing boundaries and the "clash of civilisations" thesis, the European transformation of the nation state, rethinking European peripheries and European Union (EU) enlargement, the Mediterranean boundaries of the EU, Balkan boundaries, Europe and the "Islamic threat", German foreign policy and European security, and the neutrality of Austria, Finland and Sweden in the EU. Europe: Rethinking the Boundaries will appeal both to informed generalists and to students and scholars of Europe who seek an analysis of the issue of boundaries from a variety of perspectives. It is a timely collection of up to date commentary and analysis from a team of experts which provides a fresh approach to the discussion of boundaries in Europe. It points to pressing issues facing Europe at a difficult and challenging time.

Published in 1999. Issues of citizenship and identity have rapidly moved up the European and social science agendas in recent years. This book explores the reason for this. It focuses on the dilemmas of citizenship and identify in the uncertain and unpredictable atmosphere of fin de siecle Europe. In the course of eight essays, it explores the general theoretical issues of citizenship and identity - and the relationship between these - in contemporary Europe; the various aspects of European Union citizenship (two chapters); democracy and multiculturalism in Western Europe; pluralism and citizenship, with particular reference to gender in West European politics; the various implications for gender politics of divorce in Western Europe; exclusion and inclusion in central and Eastern Europe; and the extent to which the idea of a Yugoslav national identity has been a failure. Citizenship and Identity in Europe will appeal both to informed generalists and to students and scholars of Europe who seek analyses of these issues in Eastern, central and Western Europe from a wide range of perspectives. At a time when the future of Europe is looking more uncertain than it has for decades, this book is both timely and thought-provoking.

This title was first published in 2001. This study attempts to present a broad picture of political, economic and social developments in Russia at the start of the 21st century. It provides an overview of the legacy of the Yeltsin era and attempts to outline major limitations and policy choices that Putin is facing. The book contains an in-depth analysis of power stuggles in Russia, the background to Vladimir Putin's rise to presidency, the role of oligarchs and other pressure groups in Russia. There is also a focus on economic, social and financial developments in Russia, with an overview of Russian foreign, military and social policies, as well as looking at its level of development when compared with other countries.

First published in 1999, Europe: Rethinking the Boundaries explores the themes of boundary and identity from cultural, political, sociological and historical perspectives. The volume highlights the multiplicity of approaches and the complexity of the understanding of what is Europe, while at the same time presenting a coherent theme of boundary which is both thought-provoking and comprehensive. It focuses on Europe's changing boundaries and the "clash of civilisations" thesis, the European transformation of the nation state, rethinking European peripheries and European Union (EU) enlargement, the Mediterranean boundaries of the EU, Balkan boundaries, Europe and the "Islamic threat", German foreign policy and European security, and the neutrality of Austria, Finland and Sweden in the EU. Europe: Rethinking the Boundaries will appeal both to informed generalists and to students and scholars of Europe who seek an analysis of the issue of boundaries from a variety of perspectives. It is a timely collection of up to date commentary and analysis from a team of experts which provides a fresh approach to the discussion of boundaries in Europe. It points to pressing issues facing Europe at a difficult and challenging time.

Published in 1999. Issues of citizenship and identity have rapidly moved up the European and social science agendas in recent years. This book explores the reason for this. It focuses on the dilemmas of citizenship and identify in the uncertain and unpredictable atmosphere of fin de siecle Europe. In the course of eight essays, it explores the general theoretical issues of citizenship and identity - and the relationship between these - in contemporary Europe; the various aspects of European Union citizenship (two chapters); democracy and multiculturalism in Western Europe; pluralism and citizenship, with particular reference to gender in West European politics; the various implications for gender politics of divorce in Western Europe; exclusion and inclusion in central and Eastern Europe; and the extent to which the idea of a Yugoslav national identity has been a failure. Citizenship and Identity in Europe will appeal both to informed generalists and to students and scholars of Europe who seek analyses of these issues in Eastern, central and Western Europe from a wide range of perspectives. At a time when the future of Europe is looking more uncertain than it has for decades, this book is both timely and thought-provoking.

This title was first published in 2001. This study attempts to present a broad picture of political, economic and social developments in Russia at the start of the 21st century. It provides an overview of the legacy of the Yeltsin era and attempts to outline major limitations and policy choices that Putin is facing. The book contains an in-depth analysis of power stuggles in Russia, the background to Vladimir Putin's rise to presidency, the role of oligarchs and other pressure groups in Russia. There is also a focus on economic, social and financial developments in Russia, with an overview of Russian foreign, military and social policies, as well as looking at its level of development when compared with other countries.

Police corruption is unquestionably one of the worst forms of corruption, as it can become a serious security issue and undermine a state's legitimacy. This research review brings together the most informative scholarly and practitioner contributions on the subject in recent decades. It covers major aspects of police corruption, including its significance and impact, public perceptions, the causes of corruption and the problem of police culture. It details the situation in selected countries, and explores how and with what success they have addressed the problem.

Human trafficking is widely considered to be the fastest growing branch of trafficking. As this important book reveals, it has moved rapidly up the agenda of states and international organisations since the early-1990s, not only because of this growth, but also as its implications for security and human rights have become clearer. This fascinating study by international experts provides original research findings on human trafficking, with particular reference to Europe, South-East Asia and Australia. A major focus is on why and how many states and organisations act in ways that undermine trafficked victims' rights, as part of 'quadruple victimisation'. It compares and contrasts policies and suggests which seem to work best and why. The contributors also advocate radical new approaches that most states and other formal organisations appear loath to introduce, for reasons that are explored in this unique book. This must-read book will appeal to policymakers as well as advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in the fields of criminology, human rights law, gender studies, political science and international studies. Contributors: J. Debeljak, L. Holmes, S. Kneebone, Z. Lasocik, K. Leong, S. Milivojevic, S. Schwandner-Sievers, M. Segrave, O. Simic, S. Yea

Corruption is one of the biggest global issues, ahead of extreme poverty, unemployment, the rising cost of food and energy, climate change, and terrorism. It is thought to be one of the principal causes of poverty around the globe. Its significance in the contemporary world cannot be undervalued. In this Very Short Introduction Leslie Holmes considers why the international community has only highlighted corruption as a problem in the past two decades, despite its presence throughout the millennia. Holmes explores the phenomenon from several different perspectives, from the cultural differences affecting how corruption is defined, its impact, and its various causes to the possible remedies. Providing evidence of corruption and considering ways to address it around the world, this is an important introduction to a significant and serious global issue. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

If now in decline since the tumultuous events of 1989, communism was without doubt the great political movement of the twentieth century--at its peak, more than a third of the world's population lived under communist rule--and it is still a powerful force in many areas of the world, most notably in the People's Republic of China. What is communism? Where did the idea come from and what attracted people to it? Is there a future for communism? This Very Short Introduction considers these questions and more in the search to explore and understand this controversial political force. Explaining the theory behind its ideology, and examining the history and mindset behind its political, economic and social structures, Leslie Holmes considers the evolution of communism from Marx's time, to its practice in the Bolshevik Revolution, to its collapse in 1989-91. Holmes highlights the inner dynamics, crises, and demise of communism as a global system, and introduces the major players in the communist world, including Marx, Lenin, Stalin, and Mao.
About the Series Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

Leslie Holmes and a team of specialists from three continents analyse terrorism, organised crime and corruption both individually and in terms of the connections between them. It is argued that if we are better to understand these three phenomena, their links not only to each other but also to corporate crime need to be analysed. There has been a marked growth in the awareness of corruption, organised crime and terrorism in recent years, especially since the end of the Cold War. Yet the linkages and resonances between these three forms of anti-social and anti-state behaviour are still not sufficiently recognised. Leslie Holmes and his fellow contributors analyse all three phenomena in concert to explain why it has taken so long for states, international organisations and the public to begin to appreciate the interplay between them. It is demonstrated that, while the recent growing awareness of connections between these three types of crime is welcome, there is also a fourth player that must sometimes be considered; transnational corporations. Although the book focuses mainly on Europe, Australia and the US, much of the analysis and theorising has global relevance. This timely book will appeal to advanced undergraduates and postgraduates in political science, international relations, international political economy, security studies and criminology.

Robert Leslie Holmes provides a refreshing look at the message of the cross in his sermons for Cycle A Lent and Easter seasons, "A Jiffy for Eternity." Written for preachers by a preacher, "A Jiffy for Eternity" provides deep, exegetical analysis to each sermon and delivers truths in a way that are stunningly relevant to today's reader.
Rich with both authority and passion for exploring the word of God, "A Jiffy for Eternity "carefully balances scriptural and historical investigations to consistently lead the reader toward compelling insights and biblically anchored understandings. Holmes' love for the word of God is starkly evident throughout each sermon, and his deep knowledge of biblical history and interpretation remind the reader of the timeless truths of God's word.
"In his name, God has entrusted us with an 'obligation' about the message that supersedes every other message in the world. In his name, God gives us the Holy Spirit who makes the message we preach new for every generation." Holmes does not declare this pastoral obligation easily, for he has experienced firsthand the difficult task of delivering fresh life into ancient words. But the word of God is an "immoveable rock of trust," and in that conviction, Robert Leslie Holmes presents a series of sermons that seek to transform the hearts and lives of the church with well-worn truths that remain ever-fresh and ever-new.
Robert Leslie Holmeshas served large Presbyterian churches in six states and taught preaching, worship, and pastoral leadership on six continents as well as throughout North America. The author of twelve previous books and numerous articles in professional journals, Dr. Holmes is a native of Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was recognized in both Belfast and Dublin for his contributions to the Northern Irish peace process. With graduate training in psychology and theology, he teaches practical theology on the faculties of Erskine Theological Seminary, Due West, South Carolina; and Reformed Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia; and is a frequent conference speaker.

Leslie Holmes and a team of specialists from three continents analyse terrorism, organised crime and corruption both individually and in terms of the connections between them. It is argued that if we are better to understand these three phenomena, their links not only to each other but also to corporate crime need to be analysed. There has been a marked growth in the awareness of corruption, organised crime and terrorism in recent years, especially since the end of the Cold War. Yet the linkages and resonances between these three forms of anti-social and anti-state behaviour are still not sufficiently recognised. Leslie Holmes and his fellow contributors analyse all three phenomena in concert to explain why it has taken so long for states, international organisations and the public to begin to appreciate the interplay between them. It is demonstrated that, while the recent growing awareness of connections between these three types of crime is welcome, there is also a fourth player that must sometimes be considered; transnational corporations. Although the book focuses mainly on Europe, Australia and the US, much of the analysis and theorising has global relevance. This timely book will appeal to advanced undergraduates and postgraduates in political science, international relations, international political economy, security studies and criminology.

Official corruption has become increasingly prevalent around the world since the early 1990s. The situation appears to be particularly acute in the post-communist states. Corruption-be it real or perceived-is a major problem with concrete implications, including a lowered likelihood of foreign investment. In Rotten States? Leslie Holmes analyzes corruption in post-communist countries, paying particular attention to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and Russia, as well as China, which Holmes argues has produced, through its recent economic liberalization, a system similar to post-communism. As he points out, these countries offer useful comparisons: they vary in terms of size, religious orientation, ethnic homogeneity, and their approaches to and economic success with the transition from communism.Drawing on data including surveys commissioned especially for this study, Holmes examines the causes and consequences of official corruption as well as ways of combating it. He focuses particular attention on the timing of the recent increase in reports of corruption, the relationship between post-communism and corruption, and the interplay between corruption and the delegitimation and weakening of the state. Holmes argues that the global turn toward neoliberalism-with its focus on ends over means, flexibility, and a reduced role for the state-has generated much of the corruption in post-communist states. At the same time, he points out that neoliberalism is perhaps the single most powerful tool for overcoming the communist legacy, which is an even more significant cause of corruption. Among the conclusions that Holmes draws is that a strong democratic state is needed in the early stages of the transition from communism in order to prevent corruption from taking hold.

Based on texts mainly drawn from the books of First and Second Kings, Robert Leslie Homes' finely honed sermons focus on the ministries of the prophets Elijah, Elisha, and Amos. Through the stories of the prophets, Holmes addresses the unchanging theme of the gospel: that God loves the world and gave his Son, the King of kings, to save it. Packed with enlightening illustrations, these nourishing messages will help generate ideas for preaching and enrich the faith of all who read them.
"I highly commend to you these sermons by Leslie Holmes. They are well crafted and biblical. His quotations and illustrations will be particularly helpful "
John A. Huffman Jr.
Senior Minister, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Newport Beach, California
"This is a book for preachers, presented as sermons with many texts but a single message -- namely, God's love manifested in Jesus Christ. The author clearly understands that our primary task as preachers is to educate the people of God in the spirit and power of John 3:16 for ministries in a changing world. Our mission is to be faithful to God's mission of love and forgiveness demonstrated by Jesus. That is the challenge that Holmes brings to readers."
Carnegie Samuel Calian
President, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
"Leslie Holmes has prepared a faithful and practical resource for preaching First and Second Kings. Whether or not the lectionary is used, his insight into these passages along with the illustrative material will prove valuable for the pulpit and the pew."
John W. Coker Jr.
Minister, First Presbyterian Church
Fayetteville, North Carolina
A native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Robert Leslie Holmes is currently Senior Minister at the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh. He earned a B.A. degree from the University of Mobile (Alabama), his M.Div. degree from the Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson, Mississippi), and a D.Min. degree from Columbia Theological Seminary (Decatur, Georgia), with post-doctoral studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, and New College (Edinburgh, Scotland). Holmes has preached and lectured on six continents and has spoken at conferences and churches throughout the United States and Canada.