This book explores how the reforms and political currents sweeping through Soviet society relate to the indications of change in the Soviet military doctrine as a result of the changes initiated by Gorbachev. It is for readers interested in long-term Soviet approaches to strategic issues.

The Active Society, published in 1968, is the most ambitious book in Amitai Etzioni's remarkable career. It is sociology in the grand tradition, with at least one foot outside its own time. In it, Etzioni confronts the great modern irony- that setting out to become the masters of nature, humans become mastered by their own instruments- championing the sense of agency and aiming to demonstrate that humanity can direct its own creations, or at least, that societies can aspire to a greater measure of authentic self-government. In this new collection of essays, Wilson Carey McWilliams brings together scholars in a range of disciplines to analyze the significance and shortcomings of this important work. They comment on the importance of Etzioni's contributions, the magnitude of his achievement, and the extent to which The Active Society speaks to contemporary social and political life.

The Active Society, published in 1968, is the most ambitious book in Amitai Etzioni's remarkable career. It is sociology in the grand tradition, with at least one foot outside its own time. In it, Etzioni confronts the great modern irony that setting out to become the masters of nature, humans become mastered by their own instruments championing the sense of agency and aiming to demonstrate that humanity can direct its own creations, or at least, that societies can aspire to a greater measure of authentic self-government. In this new collection of essays, Wilson Carey McWilliams brings together scholars in a range of disciplines to analyze the significance and shortcomings of this important work. They comment on the importance of Etzioni's contributions, the magnitude of his achievement, and the extent to which The Active Society speaks to contemporary social and political life.

This research guide is intended primarily for two groups of specialists. The first consists of Sovietologists interested in acquiring a more complete knowledge of Soviet strategic and military policy. The second includes strategic analysts interested in expanding their expertise to cover Soviet strategy and thinking. However, it was assembled so as to be useful as well for non-specialists interested in investigating Soviet nuclear weapons policy.

Christmas is the most popular season of the year, full of expectancy and promise, a sense of giving and receiving. We know it involves more than going to the mall, but it's still too easy to remain deaf to the frequent complaints about materialism or consumerism so often tied to this time of year. Christmas Grace: Crazy Gifts aims to explore that deeper meaning of the season through a series of reflections on the popular folk carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas." A great reference for those of us open to and eager for spirituality but, possibly less so, "religion." The spirituality here is playful and serious, imaginative and historic. While reminding us that Christmas is indeed about Christ (and not just shopping), it's also about love... and so much more. Christmas Grace: Crazy Gifts triggers our imaginations in attempting to make sense of the popular folk song, drawing connections to mainstream and independent non-secular thought with a special emphasis on the generosity of God's own gifts to us. A great daily devotional for those looking to observe each of the twelve days of Christmas.