Modern World Nations

Since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 by a United Nations mandate, the Middle East has been a flashpoint of conflict between the world's only Jewish state and the Palestinians, who lost their land because of the UN partition. This ready-reference volume explores the culture, geography, economy, and government of the state of Israel.

Since Fidel Castro staged a coup and assumed power of Cuba in 1959, the United States has been obsessed with this small island nation, only 90 miles south of the Florida Keys. But because of the country's isolation, the island and its people have remained a mystery. This revised edition of Cuba takes listeners through the country's storied history, its people, and what the future holds for this island nation.

Written in the tradition of historians like Stacy Schiff and Amanda Foreman who find modern lessons in ancient history, this provocative narrative explores the lives of five remarkable pharaohs who ruled Egypt with absolute power, shining a new light on the country's 3,000-year empire and its meaning today.

The English East India Company was the mother of the modern multinational. Its trading empire encircled the globe, importing Asian luxuries such as spices, textiles, and teas. But it also conquered much of India with its private army and broke open China's markets with opium. The Company's practices shocked its contemporaries and still reverberate today.

A forgotten empire reborn in a single generation. In 1853, Japan had no railways, factories, or foreign alliances. By 1877, it had a modern army, telegraphs, steamships, and the will to stand equal among the world’s great powers. The Last Samurai Nation tells the dramatic true story of that transformation — the Meiji Revolution that ended the samurai age and created modern Japan. Drawing on eyewitness accounts, letters, and diaries, we reconstruct the pivotal years between Commodore Perry’s “Black Ships” and Saigō Takamori’s final stand at Shiroyama. Through vivid, cinematic ...

Step into the shadows — the true story of espionage awaits. For as long as humanity has fought wars, plotted revolutions, and built empires, spies have worked in silence to shape the outcome. From the scouts who slipped into Jericho under cover of darkness to the hackers who penetrate government servers today, the hidden world of espionage has been a decisive force in history. Shadows of Power reveals the full arc of that story — thrilling, dangerous, and often morally fraught. This sweeping history takes readers across centuries and continents to uncover the forgotten battles fought in...

Lisa Napoli was in the grip of a crisis, dissatisfied with her life and her work as a radio journalist. When a chance encounter with a handsome stranger presented her with an opportunity to move halfway around the world, Lisa left behind cosmopolitan Los Angeles for a new adventure in the...

FINALIST FOR THE 2021 PULITZER PRIZE FOR POETRY “An undisputed literary event.” —NPR “History—with its construction and its destruction—is at the heart of In the Lateness of the World. . . . In [it] one feels the poet cresting a wave—a new wave that will crash onto new lands and...

This fascinating three-thousand-year history of the census traces the making of the modern survey and explores its political power in the age of big data and surveillance. In April 2020, the United States will embark on what has been called "the largest peacetime mobilization in American...

In The Drone Age, Michael J. Boyle addresses some of the biggest questions surrounding the impact of drones on our world today and the risks that we might face tomorrow. Will drones produce a safer world because they reduce risk to pilots, or will the prospect of clean, remote warfare lead governments to engage in more conflicts? Will drones begin to replace humans on the battlefield? Will they empower soldiers and peacekeepers to act more precisely and humanely in crisis zones? How will terrorist organizations turn this technology back on the governments that fight them?

Thomas Jefferson claimed it to be the wisest and most perfect political system ever yet devised by the wit of man. Montesquieu said it was the most beautiful system ever created. That system is the Anglo-Saxon model. It is the only political/economic system that has a 500 year track record of bringing freedom and prosperity to every society that embraces it. More significantly, it ended the 10,000 year cycle that kept the common man in a state of poverty and servitude. It was at the heart of the Dutch Golden Age, made Britain the leader of the largest empire known to man, is at the ...

"The Patriotic National" offers a valuable exploration of nationalism and patriotism, particularly within the context of South Sudan. This informative guide delves into the complexities of national identity, offering insights for both South Sudanese citizens and those interested in learning more about this young nation. Understanding South Sudan: Beyond Stereotypes: While addressing misconceptions about global recognition, the book avoids dwelling solely on negativity. It encourages a deeper understanding of South Sudan's diverse history, vibrant culture, and ongoing development. Personal ...

Explore the vibrant tapestry of South Sudan with "Our National Heritage," a comprehensive guide revealing the country's unique beauty, natural resources, and diverse people. This informative book takes you on a journey through South Sudan's rich landscapes, introducing you to its vast natural assets and the remarkable communities that call it home. A treasure trove of knowledge: Beyond resources: While resources like minerals and fertile land are highlighted, the book goes beyond, encompassing South Sudan's cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Empowering ...

Unravel the complexities of South Sudan's recent history with "Thinking Bigger and Wiser," your insightful guide to understanding the nation's two major civil wars. This concise yet comprehensive book delves into the political, economic, and social factors that fueled these conflicts, offering valuable insights for students, researchers, and anyone interested in this crucial period. Navigate the past, understand the present: Clear & accessible: The author's engaging writing style demystifies complex topics, making this book suitable for a wide audience. In-depth analysis: Go beyond ...