Contemporary States and Societies – serie

Fully updated for the third edition, Contemporary Latin America provides an accessible concise introduction to the region. Historical context, the countries and their peoples provides a backdrop to broad-ranging coverage of politics, economy, society and culture and the continent's prospects today.

Fully updated for the third edition, Contemporary Latin America provides an accessible concise introduction to the region. Historical context, the countries and their peoples provides a backdrop to broad-ranging coverage of politics, economy, society and culture and the continent's prospects today.

In the last quarter century, Ireland has experienced dramatic political and economic change. This broad-ranging text provides an accessible and up-to-date introduction to Irish society, politics and culture, as well as developments in its economy and place in Europe and the world.

In the last quarter century, Ireland has experienced dramatic political and economic change. This broad-ranging text provides an accessible and up-to-date introduction to Irish society, politics and culture, as well as developments in its economy and place in Europe and the world.

Few countries can claim a political heritage as rich, varied and influential as France – the birthplace of modern politics. Ideas about France are often based on popular stereotypes, yet the reality of French national identity is both diverse and changeable.In this authoritative yet accessible new text, Helen Drake provides a compelling introduction to the politics, society, economy and culture of France. She examines how well equipped the country is to meet the challenges which face it at the start of the twenty-first century.A central theme of the book is whether France has come to terms with its tumultuous past – its wars, civil strife, and rapid modernization following the devastation of World War II. Contemporary France examines key aspects of French political culture and looks at how the core republican principles of liberty, equality and fraternity are being interpreted and implemented today. France's relationship with the EU and its place in the wider world are also explored.

The third edition of Contemporary Russia is fully revised to provide a comprehensive introduction to the society, politics and culture of one of the most important countries in global affairs today. The author details Russia's historical background as well as the nation's current concerns and distinctive features in this accessible analysis.

This highly-regarded text provides a wide-ranging introduction to the social, political, cultural and economic life of South Africa. Thoroughly revised and updated, the third edition takes account of recent key developments, including the impact of the economic crisis, the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic, and increasing tensions within South Africa's politics and government.

This highly-regarded text provides a wide-ranging introduction to the social, political, cultural and economic life of South Africa. Thoroughly revised and updated, the third edition takes account of recent key developments, including the impact of the economic crisis, the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic, and increasing tensions within South Africa's politics and government.

This textbook offers a critical introduction to the study of Africa, drawing on scholarship from a range of academic disciplines. A comprehensive discussion of the continent’s geography and history provides a backdrop to broad-ranging coverage of its social, economic, political and cultural composition as well as its future prospects. Moreover, moving beyond the all-too-common tendency to view Africa as a single, homogeneous entity, Graham provides a nuanced overview that challenges preconceptions and stereotypes.Written in a sophisticated yet accessible style, and supported by a range of pedagogical features, this book introduces undergraduate students from a range of different disciplinary backgrounds to the contemporary study of Africa.

This textbook offers a critical introduction to the study of Africa, drawing on scholarship from a range of academic disciplines. A comprehensive discussion of the continent’s geography and history provides a backdrop to broad-ranging coverage of its social, economic, political and cultural composition as well as its future prospects. Moreover, moving beyond the all-too-common tendency to view Africa as a single, homogeneous entity, Graham provides a nuanced overview that challenges preconceptions and stereotypes.Written in a sophisticated yet accessible style, and supported by a range of pedagogical features, this book introduces undergraduate students from a range of different disciplinary backgrounds to the contemporary study of Africa.

The fallout from Brexit and Covid-19, ongoing political turmoil, economic decline and calls for a second Scottish independence referendum make for deeply uncertain times in contemporary Britain. What will the country look like in five years from now? Will it even exist in its present form?Introducing you to all aspects of British history, geography, society, politics, economy and culture, this book guides you through the country’s enduring features and recent trends: -Growing racial, religious, national and cultural diversity-Demographic shifts, including the move from a welfare state to a stakeholder society-The altered balance of power among government institutions, as the UK adapts to life outside the EU-Shifts in economic policy, following the impact of Brexit, Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine-Changing voter attitudes, with questions raised about the balance between the major political parties-The impact of social media and alternative communications channels on media, culture and politics.With key data, further reading suggestions and case studies on topics such as attitudes towards the monarchy, regional inequalities and national cuisine, Contemporary Britain is the ideal introduction for students and interested general readers alike.

The fallout from Brexit and Covid-19, ongoing political turmoil, economic decline and calls for a second Scottish independence referendum make for deeply uncertain times in contemporary Britain. What will the country look like in five years from now? Will it even exist in its present form?Introducing you to all aspects of British history, geography, society, politics, economy and culture, this book guides you through the country’s enduring features and recent trends: -Growing racial, religious, national and cultural diversity-Demographic shifts, including the move from a welfare state to a stakeholder society-The altered balance of power among government institutions, as the UK adapts to life outside the EU-Shifts in economic policy, following the impact of Brexit, Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine-Changing voter attitudes, with questions raised about the balance between the major political parties-The impact of social media and alternative communications channels on media, culture and politics.With key data, further reading suggestions and case studies on topics such as attitudes towards the monarchy, regional inequalities and national cuisine, Contemporary Britain is the ideal introduction for students and interested general readers alike.

This sixth edition of a well-established introduction to life in the United States covers everything from US politics, society and culture, to the country’s history, economy and place on the world stage. With extensive use of empirical data and illustrative material, Contemporary United States offers readers critical commentary on key political developments and allows them to place this within a wider historical and cultural context.This new edition offers coverage of all of the latest domestic and international developments, including:-The continuing divide between rich and poor, addressing social, legal, economic, and political inequality-The domestic and international ramifications of the Covid-19-induced recession-The rise of China, the return of Putin and the complexity of problems in North Korea, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan-The #MeToo and the Black Lives Matter movements-The Biden administration to date.Contemporary United States takes a broad, balanced approach - considering conservative and liberal, pragmatic and idealistic perspectives in each chapter. It is essential reading for those taking modules on contemporary America across degree programmes in American studies and civilization, English studies, history, sociology and politics.

This sixth edition of a well-established introduction to life in the United States covers everything from US politics, society and culture, to the country’s history, economy and place on the world stage. With extensive use of empirical data and illustrative material, Contemporary United States offers readers critical commentary on key political developments and allows them to place this within a wider historical and cultural context.This new edition offers coverage of all of the latest domestic and international developments, including:-The continuing divide between rich and poor, addressing social, legal, economic, and political inequality-The domestic and international ramifications of the Covid-19-induced recession-The rise of China, the return of Putin and the complexity of problems in North Korea, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan-The #MeToo and the Black Lives Matter movements-The Biden administration to date.Contemporary United States takes a broad, balanced approach - considering conservative and liberal, pragmatic and idealistic perspectives in each chapter. It is essential reading for those taking modules on contemporary America across degree programmes in American studies and civilization, English studies, history, sociology and politics.

What have been the fundamental shifts in Japanese society over the past decade? And what has remained the same? What will the country look like in five years from now?Introducing you to all aspects of Japanese society, culture, politics, economy, geography and history, this book guides you through the country's enduring features, recent trends and the most interesting areas of analysis:- Gender roles, gender fluidity and LBGTQ identities: including coverage of singledom and the changing nature of family life- Changing demographics: considering the impact of increased immigration from China and Vietnam coupled with a falling birth rate and declining indigenous population- The current state of Japanese politics: analysing the dominance of the LDP and the legacy of Shinzo Abe- Reflections on contemporary Japanese culture: discussing the politics of education, the role of the media and the online sphere, new social movements, environmentalism- Trends in Japan's external relations: looking at the LDP's increased defence spending, the continued rise of China and Russia's war in Ukraine.With case studies, the latest data and lively debate, Contemporary Japan is essential reading if you are studying any aspect of Japanese sociology, politics, history, culture or language, or if you are simply interested in learning more about the country.

What have been the fundamental shifts in Japanese society over the past decade? And what has remained the same? What will the country look like in five years from now?Introducing you to all aspects of Japanese society, culture, politics, economy, geography and history, this book guides you through the country's enduring features, recent trends and the most interesting areas of analysis:- Gender roles, gender fluidity and LBGTQ identities: including coverage of singledom and the changing nature of family life- Changing demographics: considering the impact of increased immigration from China and Vietnam coupled with a falling birth rate and declining indigenous population- The current state of Japanese politics: analysing the dominance of the LDP and the legacy of Shinzo Abe- Reflections on contemporary Japanese culture: discussing the politics of education, the role of the media and the online sphere, new social movements, environmentalism- Trends in Japan's external relations: looking at the LDP's increased defence spending, the continued rise of China and Russia's war in Ukraine.With case studies, the latest data and lively debate, Contemporary Japan is essential reading if you are studying any aspect of Japanese sociology, politics, history, culture or language, or if you are simply interested in learning more about the country.

For the first time in the modern era, Asia is not dominated by an outside power. Is this the Asian Century? Will internal rivalries emerge between China, Japan and India? How will growing tensions between the United States and China shape the global economic, strategic and political system? Covering governance, culture, and society in East and South Asia, this book introduces:- Key economic developments, including the Asian economic miracle and the 1997/8 Financial Crisis- The central role of education, and the contentious debate about 'Asian values'- The rapid expansion of military spending in the region- The demography and geography of major nations and their forms of nationalismWith further reading suggestions and discussion questions for every chapter, this is essential introductory reading for students of Asian Studies and interested general readers alike.

For the first time in the modern era, Asia is not dominated by an outside power. Is this the Asian Century? Will internal rivalries emerge between China, Japan and India? How will growing tensions between the United States and China shape the global economic, strategic and political system? Covering governance, culture, and society in East and South Asia, this book introduces:- Key economic developments, including the Asian economic miracle and the 1997/8 Financial Crisis- The central role of education, and the contentious debate about 'Asian values'- The rapid expansion of military spending in the region- The demography and geography of major nations and their forms of nationalismWith further reading suggestions and discussion questions for every chapter, this is essential introductory reading for students of Asian Studies and interested general readers alike.

The fourth edition of this concise textbook offers students a comprehensive introduction to the politics, economy, culture and society of modern China, while grounding all of these areas in the context of China’s recent history in the 19th and 20th centuries. Fully up to date, this accessible text examines key developments that are shaping China's place in the world today, including the Xi Jinping era, a complete update on the position of Hong Kong, international relations with the US and Latin America, and Chinese outward investment and financial internationalisation.Authored by a highly-regarded expert on the topic, the book is an ideal introductory text for undergraduate and postgraduate courses on China studies and contemporary China, regardless of whether students approach the topic from a political, historical, sociological, cultural or geographical viewpoint. It can also be used on modules focussing more specifically on Chinese politics, Chinese history or Chinese society.New to this edition:- Coverage of the pandemic and recent protests- A brand new chapter on China's environmental challenges- Attention to the management of Xinjiang- Full updates on the impact of the Russia–Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East

The fourth edition of this concise textbook offers students a comprehensive introduction to the politics, economy, culture and society of modern China, while grounding all of these areas in the context of China’s recent history in the 19th and 20th centuries. Fully up to date, this accessible text examines key developments that are shaping China's place in the world today, including the Xi Jinping era, a complete update on the position of Hong Kong, international relations with the US and Latin America, and Chinese outward investment and financial internationalisation.Authored by a highly-regarded expert on the topic, the book is an ideal introductory text for undergraduate and postgraduate courses on China studies and contemporary China, regardless of whether students approach the topic from a political, historical, sociological, cultural or geographical viewpoint. It can also be used on modules focussing more specifically on Chinese politics, Chinese history or Chinese society.New to this edition:- Coverage of the pandemic and recent protests- A brand new chapter on China's environmental challenges- Attention to the management of Xinjiang- Full updates on the impact of the Russia–Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East

The third edition of this concise core textbook offers students a comprehensive introduction to the politics, economy, culture and society of modern China, while grounding all of these areas in the context of China’s recent history in the 19th and 20th centuries. Fully up to date, this accessible text examines the key developments that are taking place in China and that are shaping its place in the world today, from relations with Trump’s United States and post-Brexit Britain, to the use of the internet to crack down on dissent and the establishment of ‘Xi Jinping thought’ at the 19th Party Congress. Authored by a highly-regarded expert on the topic, this is the essential guide to a country that is no longer just emerging but one which has, in many respects, already emerged as one of the leading powers of the 21st century.The book is an ideal introductory text for undergraduate and postgraduate courses on China studies and contemporary China, regardless of whether students approach the topic from a political, historical, sociological, cultural or geographical viewpoint. It can also be used on modules focussing more specifically on Chinese politics, Chinese history or Chinese society.New to this Edition:- Fully revised and updated throughout, including discussions of Chinese-US relations in the era of Trump, the 2017 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and descriptions of the newest high-ranking figures in Chinese politics- New boxed features highlighting important issues and organisations, including the status of women in China, the telecoms company Huawei, and the on-going conflict over the South and East China Sea- References to the most recent research in the field, along with new recommendations for further reading for each chapter

A broad-ranging introduction to politics and society in India, set in a historical and cultural context. Written by two expert authors it assumes no prior knowledge but aims to provide a balanced and nuanced understanding of the key issues that have faced India since independence and the challenges it confronts in the 21st century.