Showing results by publisher "Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd" in Politics & Social Sciences

Isaac Asimov said that "whatever the tortures of hell, I think the boredom of heaven would be even worse." Such quandaries are the bread and butter of philosophy of religion. Questioning why evil exists, whether God could create a stone he couldn't lift, and if the wonder of life suggests a Creator, this fascinating branch of philosophy is concerned with arguments for and against religion, and what form an immortal god (or gods) would take if in existence. Charles Taliaferro provides a clear exploration of the discipline, introducing a wide range of philosophers.

A thorough overview of the full spectrum of NATO's military and non-military activities. This is a comprehensive yet concise and accessible introduction to the history, role, activities, and future challenges facing NATO. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, author Jennifer Medcalf guides the reader through the complex structure of this organization, providing ample support with a glossary, guide to further reading, and chronology. Despite predictions of its imminent demise, NATO is in fact more prominent than ever in international affairs.

Despite the long struggle to eliminate racism, it is still very much with us. In fact, since 9/11, racism appears to be on the rise, making it more important than ever before to understand the meaning of race and the effect it has on society. Alana Lentin maps the emergence and development of ideas about race, right up to modern debates about multiculturalism and Islamophobia, and considers the implications of a ‘post-racial’ society at a time when science has placed genetics over culture.

For nearly half a century the world was divided in two, wrenched apart by superpowers that perceived the nations of the world only as either capitalist or communist. The Cold War was a battle not of weapons but rather of minds, fought by intelligence agencies, propaganda and covert government envoys. Using evidence from newly opened archives, Merrilyn Thomas peels back layers of deception and intrigue to dispel the myths of the Cold War. From the power of Mao’s Little Red Book to the menace of nuclear annihilation, this compelling account brings to life one of history’s most contentious periods, the legacy of which still haunts us today.

The father of modern philosophy, Descartes is still one of the most widely discussed philosophers today. Putting rationalism above all else, he sought to base all knowledge of the world on a single idea: "I think, therefore I am." This introduction expertly summarises his thoughts on the dualism of mind and body, his proofs for God’s existence, and his responses to scepticism. Explaining how his life informed his philosophy, Bracken demonstrates the philosopher’s enduring significance.

What’s wrong with buying regular coffee? Does fair trade necessarily mean ethical trade? What impact can consumers have on global economics? Fair trade means more than just bananas, coffee, and chocolate. Author and activist Jacqueline DeCarlo explains the principles behind fair trade and its development into a powerful economic tool. Packed with inspiring ways to make a difference, this audiobook will encourage readers of all backgrounds to help end poverty, environmental destruction, and human exploitation.

The mysterious art of magic has been a source of wonderment since before the time of Christ. Ranging from the supernatural practices of "black" magic to demonstrations of dazzling illusion, magic has been called on to conjure the evil eye, burn villages to the ground, and slice women in half. From the astrology of the three wise men to David Blaine's "stunts", Robert Ralley delves into this magical underworld and illuminates the dangerous balance between illusion, fraud, and wickedness that still exists today.

A refreshing take on the anti-capital movement, with developed and down-to-earth ideas on alternatives from modern capitalism. Every aspect of the anti-capitalist world is covered in this helpful guide, from WOMBLES to Zapatistas, NGOs to environmentalism, Paris 1968 to Seattle, and beyond.

In May 2010, British politics entered a revolutionary new era. With the election of the first hung parliament since 1974, Britain found itself in the unfamiliar world of coalition government. Explaining what this all means, this incisive introduction shows us how our politics is changing and why we should care about it. Exploring the structure of British government, ‘spin’, foreign policy, and the fallout from the expenses scandal and the financial crisis, Grayson reveals the complex interactions that determine everything from the taxes we pay to when we put the wheelie bin out.

The proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons is one of the most pressing security threats of the 21st century. From Sudanese refugees hunted by gun-toting militias to air passengers targeted by shoulder-fired missiles, no one is safe from this deadly scourge. Providing a gripping overview of these cheap and easily obtainable weapons, the threat they pose in the wrong hands, and strategies for reining them in, this guide is required listening for anyone wishing to fully understand one of today’s key threats.

What drives someone to become a suicide bomber? Who are al-Qaeda and what do they want? What happens when the media becomes part of the story? Author and UN Security advisor Leonard Weinberg answers these and other questions in an exploration that ranges from the French Revolution to the death squads of Colombia, and reveals how terrorism has become an invasive presence that affects government policy, military actions, and holiday destinations.

Why do good things happen to bad people? Can we prove whether God exists? What is the difference between right and wrong? Medieval philosophers were centrally concerned with such questions, questions which are as relevant today as a thousand years ago when the likes of Anselm and Aquinas sought to resolve them. In this fast-paced and enlightening guide, Sharon M. Kaye takes us on a whistle-stop tour of medieval philosophy, revealing the debt it owes to Aristotle and Plato.

Il Dottore is the true story of a "nerdy Jewish kid" from the Bronx who, through a series of circumstances, became physician to top Mafia Dons including John Gotti, Carlos Gambino, and Joe Bonanno. At the same time, his reputation as a medical genius was spreading, and he was fast becoming one of the nation's leading cardiac surgeons. Ron Felber paints a vivid portrait of this doctor's unlikely life in the fast lane as he becomes a top confidante of New York's most notorious criminals.

Vast, diverse, dynamic, and turbulent, the true nature of Africa is often obscured by its poverty-stricken image. In this controversial and gripping guide, Tom Young cuts through the emotional hype to critically analyse the continent’s political history and the factors behind its dismal economic performance. Maintaining that colonial influences are often overplayed, Young argues that much blame must lie with African governments themselves and that Western aid can often cause as much harm as good.

The Middle East is notoriously complex and difficult. This compact book on the topic by the University of Oxford's leading expert does not shirk the challenge. Organised thematically, and dealing with all the pivotal issues in the region, from oil and religion to gender and conflict, this comprehensive primer is both easy-to-read and full of insight. Stuffed with historical background, real-life examples, profiles of key figures from Nasser to Gadaffi, and even popular jokes from the area, The Middle East: A Beginner’s Guide will captivate tourists, students, and the interested general reader alike.

The #MeToo movement is overturning a cliché that has forgiven bad behaviour for years: to be creative is to be prone to eccentricity, madness, addiction and excess. No longer can artists be excused from the standards of conduct that apply to us all. But if we denounce the artist, then what becomes of the work that remains?