Mark D. Alleyne explains why the UN has run a propaganda program, why it has been defensive about it, and the role that project plays in international relations. Through the use of critical theory, the book makes a fascinating connection between a range of seemingly unconnected international phenomena, such as the Olympic Games, the celebration of Human Rights Day, UN peacekeeping, Hollywood movies, the campaign to free Nelson Mandela, and soccer’s World Cup. Alleyne’s incisive analysis is the needed tool for understanding how modern international relations is as much about the manipulation of symbols and ideas as about war.

Mark D. Alleyne explains why the UN has run a propaganda program, why it has been defensive about it, and the role that project plays in international relations. Through the use of critical theory, the book makes a fascinating connection between a range of seemingly unconnected international phenomena, such as the Olympic Games, the celebration of Human Rights Day, UN peacekeeping, Hollywood movies, the campaign to free Nelson Mandela, and soccer’s World Cup. Alleyne’s incisive analysis is the needed tool for understanding how modern international relations is as much about the manipulation of symbols and ideas as about war.

Tugs to my Heart is a compilation of essays which together represent the author's points of view. The essays speak to love and relationships, self doubt, direction, and frailties; they inform about how we as a world community interact and communicate with each other across cultures. Issues are addressed, including fairness and equal treatment of those among us who are less fortunate, and who are powerless to influence change within their societies, including governmental institutions; they suffer great injustices daily without much hope and without the means to lift themselves out of conditions that was not created by them, but by those who hold sway because of overwhelming influence in all areas of our society.