Sampson - Böcker

As the Cold War era becomes history, we are entering an age when international conflict is increasingly based on racial, ethnic, national, and religious clashes--the most intractable sources of conflict, and those with which conventional diplomacy is least suited to deal. The particularly American tendency to separate political from spiritual life often tends to ignore a vital aspect of international relations--one that can be a powerful tool in negotiations. Religion plays a crucial role in many international conflicts, yet for the most part, diplomacy either ignores or misunderstands its role. This unified collection of case studies and theoretical pieces attempts to restore this missing dimension to its rightful place in the conduct of international diplomacy. Sponsored by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., this study offers the first systematic account of modern cases in which religious or spiritual factors have played a helpful role in preventing or resolving conflict and achieving non-violent socio-political change. Written by a distinguished roster of scholars, the cases presented span the globe, with examples from Europe, Central America, Asia, and Africa. Additional essays summarize the findings of these case studies to bring out their implications for foreign policy and the religious community. In the Foreword, former President Jimmy Carter states that the book "poses a challenge to diplomats and politicians, religious figures and laypersons, analysts and academics alike." Conceived to help call attention to and reinforce the positive contribution that religious and spiritual influences can bring to peacemaking, this important study offers practical guidelines for the future application of this kind of peacemaking in existing and incipient conflict situations.

Practitioners in Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) frequently find that traditional forms of support are ineffective when offered to patients with personality disorder. This book considers the various difficulties encountered, with reference to current thinking about the origins, maintenance and treatment of personality disorder. Written by practitioners for practitioners, it provides a framework for developing effective care plans with minimal use of technical terms and jargon. Rather than promote an approach based on a single theoretical model, consideration is given to ways in which different approaches can be effectively combined within a multi-disciplinary team. The book is divided into two sections. The first outlines recent government initiatives relating to personality disorder and introduces key theories underlying psychological and biological treatments. The second focuses specifically on the role of the CMHT in relation to patients with these difficulties, including: the assessment of personality functioningdeveloping coherent plans for treatment and supportoptimising the therapeutic relationshipmanaging self-harming behaviourparticular challenges faced by CMHTs, and how to overcome themthe views of service usersinvolving family, friends and carers.Personality Disorder and Community Mental Health Teams deals with the reality of services today. It is essential reading for all mental health practitioners in CMHTs working with people with personality disorder.

For some years, international guidelines on the management of asthma have stressed the importance of early intervention with anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent acute asthma exacerbations and to avert chronic inflammatory damage to the airway. Introduced by a broad survey of the targets for anti-inflammatory drugs, this book proceeds to bring together the most recent research into the mechanisms and clinical benefits of presently available anti-inflammatory treatments including corticosteroids, cromones, and theophylline. For the first time, these drugs are discussed alongside the newly introduced leukotriene modifier drugs, and in the context of frontline research into anti-inflammatory drugs of the future. Leading authorities in their fields evaluate the prospects of novel anti-IgE agents and cytokine antagonists, and examine recent developments in immunosuppressant compounds, protease inhibitors, and selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors. This book is an up-to-date and authoritative survey which will be invaluable to university and pharmaceutical company researchers working on anti-asthma and anti-allergy drugs and to respiratory physicians keeping abreast of developments in their specialty.