History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

We the People: A Call to Take Back America

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We Need More Thom Hartmans
Blind leftest propaganda
big story told in accessible language
Very Informative
Outstanding and well thought out explanation of the 'real' conservative agenda!

We the People: A Call to Take Back America
Thom Hartmann , and Gene Latimer
Manufacturer: Coreway Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1882109384

Book Description

America faces its greatest threat since the Civil War. The worst fears of the Founders are being realized, as powerful corporate interests have taken over our culture and representative government. We the People now face a fundamental choice: take back our country . . . or do nothing, and become victims of tyranny and empire.

Thom Hartmann, the acclaimed author of Unequal Protection and The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight, tells a compelling story -- of how a government of, by, and for the people has been replaced by corporate domination. Through brilliant analysis and imaginative illustrations, this fully graphic book illuminates the central dynamics of American politics.

He reveals the forgotten history of the Founders' intent and the devious way that corporations came to possess "human" rights. He explains what the Boston Tea Party actually was, what constituted the Second American Revolution, and how "corporatists" disguised as conservatives are looting assets from We the People's common ownership through privatization schemes.

Most importantly, the book issues a call to action from citizens who want to restore true democracy, and liberty and justice . . . for all.

Customer Reviews:

We Need More Thom Hartmans.......2007-09-23

A very unique format for a serious book. Thom Hartman again tries to teach us how important the middle class is for the survival of this country. The middle class has to start grass roots movements to take back our country from the megacorporations.

Blind leftest propaganda.......2007-08-17

This lefest propaganda of lies is just as insulting as a book of conservative propganda lies. People like this are such an insult to our country. Hartmann takes whatever comes out of a conservatives mouth and turns it completely around. Attack after attack on policies that work. For example wire tapping and intercepting mail which is pretty necessary considering the fact that it was proven on september 11th that terrorists are capable of planning,hijacking planes and killing thousands of Americans inside our country under our noses. Bushes policy of wire tapping and etc have foiled numerous terrorist plots after 9/11 saving hundreds and even thousands of lives . Anyway, i didnt want to get into anything detailed... The point is people like this on the left and the right are poisoning the minds of the ignorant and the naive and making it harder to work together for a better America. If you actually like this book and give it a high score then you are pretty blind and narrow minded.

big story told in accessible language.......2007-08-17

Thom Hartmann is a genius. I had my doubts about the graphic novel format, but, hey, it works! This book tells a huge story-- the intentional dismantling of our government, the theft of our commons, the destruction of our democracy-- in clear, straight-forward, accessible language. Buy it! Buy it new! Give it to friends, to teenaged children, to Republican uncles.

Very Informative.......2007-02-06

I like the contents of the book, but don't like the fact that the pictures are in cartoon fashion. I believe this takes away from the seriousness of the contents.

Outstanding and well thought out explanation of the 'real' conservative agenda!.......2006-07-10

Explaining the original intentions of the Founders in regards to corporate personhood and the conservative agenda to turn America into a new feudal society, all in graphic novel form? --Priceless.

I greatly enjoyed reading this book! It is exceptionally well thought-out in its argument that America is headed for a new type of feudalism, where a rich elite control the 'commons' and the rest of us are doomed to serfdom and acceptance of corporate power and influence. The book uses amusing and compelling graphics and well-cited examples to illustrate it's arguments. But, of course, if you've ever listened to Thom Hartmann's radio show, you know he's the real deal! Best of all, Hartmann stresses that all is not lost, and that with concerted effort and grassroots action--which he details--all of us can help to bring America back on the right track and make our nation one that lives up to the words of its founding.

Buy this book and learn...then act!

State Feminism, Women's Movements, and Job Training: Making Democracies Work in the Global Economy (Women and Politics in Democratic States)

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State Feminism, Women's Movements, and Job Training: Making Democracies Work in the Global Economy (Women and Politics in Democratic States)
Amy Mazur
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0815334389

Book Description

Drawing from the work of internationally renowned scholars from the Research Network on Gender, Politics and the State (RNGS), this study offers in-depth analysis of the relationship between state feminism, women's movements and public policy and places them within a comparative theoretical framework. Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Finland, Austria, Belgium, Canada, and the U.S. are all discussed individually.

The Best Democracy Money Can Buy: An Investigative Reporter Exposes the Truth about Globalization, Corporate Cons, and High Finance Fraudsters

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A Must Read for Political Activists
A Must Read
As a voter you owe to yourself to read this.
Best Journalist of our Time
A real eye opener!

The Best Democracy Money Can Buy: An Investigative Reporter Exposes the Truth about Globalization, Corporate Cons, and High Finance Fraudsters
Greg Palast
Manufacturer: Pluto Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0745318460

Book Description

Award-winning investigative journalist Greg Palast digs deep to unearth the ugly facts that few reporters working anywhere in the world today have the courage or ability to cover. From East Timor to Waco, he has exposed some of the most egregious cases of political corruption, corporate fraud, and financial manipulation in the US and abroad. His uncanny investigative skills as well as his no-holds-barred style have made him an anathema among magnates on four continents and a living legend among his colleagues and his devoted readership.

This exciting new collection brings together some of Palast's most powerful writing of the past decade. Included here are his celebrated "Washington Post" exposé on Jeb Bush and Katherine Harris's stealing of the presidential election in Florida, and recent stories on George W. Bush's payoffs to corporate cronies, the payola behind Hillary Clinton, and the faux energy crisis. Also included in this volume are new and previously unpublished material, television transcripts, photographs and letters.

Customer Reviews:

A Must Read for Political Activists.......2007-08-14

Greg Palast is to journalism, what Michael Moore is to documentaries. This is a real eye opener to anyone who follows politics and is interested in preserving our constitutional rights. Palast shows us how our political system is undermined and bought by people who, on the surface, are upstanding citizens, but in reality are the greedy and unprincipaled. He spares no one or either party in his invetigative prowess and great sense of humor.

A Must Read.......2007-06-27

As bitter this sort of truth be -- that is, to both patriots and would-be patriots (well, at least they're trying) -- it's now the harshest of realities.

Because it effectsd njot merely us sinners but also the still unborn yet to come, it does, however, needs to be seen clearly and understood -- if we don't want to let it happen yet again.

We have been witrness to the abuse of our religion 9in the blatant pursuit of power as well as that which usually serves best to bu7y it: money.

Take notice then and learn from these past 6.5 years. That's the only way not to repeat our most recent political past. Live and learn. Even so, fool me once, shame of you Bush et al. But, fool me again, shame on me!

A must read if myou truly want to be finally now a learned and wordly wise citizen of the now somewhat tarnished (if not sorely debased) but still greatest nation on earth (in spite of the Bushies best efforts to bleed it dry in particular, as well as wreck it generally) our own United States of America .

As a voter you owe to yourself to read this........2007-06-05

As everyone knows if one side gets away with something, pretty soon everybody is doing it. So even if you are a died in the wool Republican you should read this book, because I can guarantee you that the Democrats will be caging/purging you off the voter rolls next.

Mad about Iraq? Here's the scoop on why we've made a hash of it. Even if you wanted to toss that foul dictator Saddam Hussein, and now are wondering why after liberating these folk we are still being shot at, read this book.

Mad about your gasoline prices? Read on. Mad about your power bill? Read on.. we are being played for suckers and I for one am tired of it.

Best Journalist of our Time.......2007-05-21

What can I say, Greg Palast is a genius at finding the hard facts on not just President Bush, but Clinton too. Some might think he is bias support the right-wing. But with a open mind this book and Greg on his site blows you away with facts. Features how the Republican's (BUSH TEAM) fixed the election with scrub list, globalization, corporate cons my favorite Small town minds. Plus his new Book, features how they are planning to steal 04 and 08. Get this book help spread the news of the cronies in Washington.

A real eye opener!.......2007-04-01

Greg Palast is a very courageous man who wants the truth to be told. I highly recommend this book.

Education Policy: Globalization, Citizenship and Democracy

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Education Policy: Globalization, Citizenship and Democracy
Mark Olssen , John A Codd , and Anne-Marie O'Neill
Manufacturer: Sage Publications Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0761974709

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`Education policy is now a global matter and all the more complex for that. Mark Olssen, John Codd and Ann-Marie O'Neill do us an invaluable service in producing a carefully theorised guide to current issues and key concerns - this is an important, erudite and very practical book' - Stephen J Ball, Education Policy Research Unit, University of London

`Given the global reach of neoliberal policies, we need cogent books that enable us to better understand the major effects such tendencies have. Education Policy is such a book. It is insightful and well written--and should be read by all of us who care deeply about what is happening in education in international contexts' - Michael W Apple, Author of 'Educating the "Right" Way and John Bascom Professor of Education University of Wisconsin, Madison

`I really am taken with the book, the range and depth of analysis are truly impressive. This book is a magnum opus and everyone in the area should read it'- Hugh Lauder, University of Bath

`In their insightful and comprehensive book on education policy Mark Olssen, John Codd and Anne-Marie O'Neill wrestle with the big questions of citizenship and democracy in an age of globalization. They argue that ducation policy in the 21st century is the key to security, sustainability and survival. The book, anchored in the poststructuralist perspective of Michel Foucault, traverses the whole territory of education policy not only methods and approaches of policy analysis and the dominant political perspectives that influence policy-classical liberalism, social democracy and neo-liberalism--but also those policy areas that require the closest scrutiny: markets, trust, professionalism, choice, diversity, and finally, community, citizenship and democracy. This is the new policy bible for educationalists - it is at once systematic, provocative and instructive' - Michael A Peters, Research Professor, University of Glasgow

This book provides an international perspective on education policy, and of the role and function of education in the global economy. The authors present a Foucauldian perspective on the politics of liberal education, within a theoretical framework necessary for the critical analysis of education policy.

The authors set out the analyses necessary for understanding the restructuring in education and social policy that has occurred in many countries affected by the resurgence of neo-liberal political theory. They examine education policy in relation to globalization, citizenship and democracy. The authors argue that globalization is an extension of neoliberalism and is destructive of the nation state, community and democracy. They show the importance of education in building strong democratic nation states and global communities based on cultural identity and inter-cultural awareness.

This book is essential reading for students of education policy studies and social policy analysis.

Book Description

Against the backdrop of South Africa's transition from apartheid, this provocative book explores the role of late twentieth-century constitutionalism in facilitating political change. While using South Africa as a case study, Klug's larger project is to investigate why there has been renewed faith in justiciable constitutions and democratic constitutionalism, despite their many flaws. This examination of South Africa's constitution-making process provides important new insights into the role of law in the transition to democracy.

Customer Reviews:

lessons learned.......2000-09-18

An essential look at constitution-making processes in South Africa, with excellent guidance for other constitutional democracies -- present and future -- on the politics of power sharing. An outstanding first book by well recognized scholar of the law and society movement and political activist during the years of apartheid.

Promoting Polyarchy: Globalization, US Intervention, and Hegemony (Cambridge Studies in International Relations)

Average customer rating:

The Myth of Democracy Promotion
He doesn't even know what the word means!
Brilliant exposition of US policy and the global order
Great for students interested in International Studies!

Promoting Polyarchy: Globalization, US Intervention, and Hegemony (Cambridge Studies in International Relations)
William I. Robinson
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521566916

Book Description

Promoting Polyarchy is an exciting, detailed and controversial work on the apparent change in US foreign policy from supporting dictatorships to promoting "democratic" regimes. William I. Robinson argues that behind this facade, US policy upholds the undemocratic status quo of Third World countries. He addresses the theoretical and historical issues at stake, and uncovers a wealth of information from field work and hitherto unpublished government documents. Promoting Polyarchy is an essential book for anyone concerned with democracy, globalization and international affairs.

Customer Reviews:

The Myth of Democracy Promotion.......2006-04-21

Robinson has written a truly intellectual book on democracy and democracy promotion. While the world debates whether or not the US government can or cannot promote democracy, Robinson demonstrates that Washington has a history of trouncing rather than promoting democracy. US policymakers have over the years desired pro-US regimes that hold elections rather than truly democratic governments, since truly democratic government may run counter to US interests. His book is a sober and much needed addition to the democratization literature that is mired in an unhealthy acceptance of elections and democratic values as the major characteristics of democracy.

He doesn't even know what the word means!.......2006-03-17

The word "polyarchy" means "rule by many," as opposed to "oligarchy" - "rule by the few" - and "monarchy" - "rule by one." The author talks about rule by the few - oligarchy - but assigns it a word that actually means the opposite - polyarchy. It stands to reason that if he doesn't even know the meaning of a word in the title then his book probably isn't the best source for intelligent information and analysis.

I see though that two people gave this book five star reviews. Maybe this shows just how much our educational system has been dumbing everyone down. Or maybe it shows that some people have been living in an Orwellian paradigm for so long that they're accustomed to being told that black is white. Maybe both...

Brilliant exposition of US policy and the global order.......2001-06-13

In this difficult but extremely provocative and scholarly work, William I. Robinson presents a new model for understanding US foreign policy and the emergent global society as a whole. The crux of his thesis is this: US foreign policy has changed in the last twenty years or so from open support of authoritian regimes in countries where the US has economic and/or strategic interests to a program of "democracy promotion" that strives to place minority elite groups who are responsive to the interests of the United States and transnational capital at the head of the political, economic, and civic structures of "third world" countries.

Contrary to popular opinion (and that of much of academia), the real goal of democracy promotion, or what Robinson refers to as "promoting polyarchy", is not the promotion of democracy at all, but rather the promotion of the interests of an increasingly transnational elite headed by the US who seek open markets for goods and an increase in the free flow of capital. This marks a conscious shift in foreign policy in which the US now favors "consensual domination" by democratically elected governments rather than authoritarian leaders and the type of "crony capitalism" made famous by the likes of Ferdinand Marcos and Anastacio Somoza.

The first sections of the book introduce numerous theoretical concepts (drawing heavily on the theories of the Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci, in particular his theory of hegemony) that are crucial to the understanding of the text. I personally found these sections extremely difficult but well worth the time it takes to read certain parts several times. Robinson then goes on to document four case studies-- the Phillipines, Chile, Nicaragua, and Haiti-- each of which fleshes out his conceptual framework in much more concrete terms. The result is a disturbing picture of US foreign policy and the current direction of "globalization." I would highly recommend this to anyone with a strong interest in foreign affairs and/or the future of humanity.

Great for students interested in International Studies!.......1998-03-24

Robinson gives a detailed account of the United States position concerning foriegn affairs where Latin America and other developing nations are concerned. He is thorough and the book proves to be a great reference guide as well as provocative reading.

The United States and the Caribbean: Transforming Hegemony and Sovereignty (Contemporary Inter-American Relations)

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The United States and the Caribbean: Transforming Hegemony and Sovereignty (Contemporary Inter-American Relations)
Anthony Maingot , and Wilfredo Lozano
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0415950457

Book Description

The United States and the Caribbean: Transforming Hegemony and Sovereignty provides the first comprehensive assessment of post-Cold War U.S.-Caribbean relations. Focusing on Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Trinidad-Tobego, the book looks at the political history of the region during the Cold War years, the region's current political economy, international security, and issues of migration and crime. Spanning the Caribbean's linguistic and cultural subregions--Spanish, French, English, and Dutch--the volume calls attention to the achievements, setbacks, and concerns that are common to the region.

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Decent and lucid defense of third-way politics
Appreciating Subtlety
The return of the inflatable man
Great writer, dreadful book
An Answer of sorts

The Third Way and Its Critics
Anthony Giddens
Manufacturer: Polity Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0745624502

Book Description

The idea of finding a 'third way' in politics has become a focus of discussion across the world. Political leaders, in the US, Europe, Asia and Latin America claim to be following its principles. Yet the notion has also attracted much criticism. Some say it is an empty concept without any real content. Critics from the more traditional left argue that it is a betrayal of left-wing ideals.Anthony Giddens's The Third Way (Polity Press, 1998) is regarded by many as the key text of third way politics. Translated into twenty-five languages, it has shaped the development of the third way. In this new book Giddens responds to the critics, and further develops the ideas set out in his earlier volume. Far from being unable to deal with inequalities of wealth and power, he shows, third way politics offers the only feasible approach to these issues. The work is indispensable for anyone who wants to understand the most important political debate going on today.Anthony Giddens is the Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is the author or editor of over thirty books. His previous works, especially Beyond Left and Right (Polity Press, 1994) have influenced debates about the future of social democracy in many countries across the world. Frequently referred to in the UK as Tony Blair's guru, Giddens has made a strong impact on the evolution of New Labour.

Customer Reviews:

Decent and lucid defense of third-way politics.......2004-12-15

As others have pointed out, the aims of this book are rather obvious - to provide a well-backed and academically stated justification for Tony Blair's third way policies and to show that they are consistent with social democrat thinking. Personally I don't subscribe to third way thinking, but this is a decent defense of it and raises some interesting points. It does tend towards the obvious and can drift into truist observations (or perhaps these observations are used to justify more contestable conclusions).

Third way is an interesting topic and it would be fascinating to read an in-depth and impartial analysis of how it has grown up. This book is not that, though it never claimed to be. It is essentially written as an accessible, lucid account for the layman, which it succeeds at, and simultaneously a refutation of criticisms, which it is possible less successful with. It doesn't really engage with the most basic objections to the very idea of what seems a compromising, vote-seeking formula of the power hungry who have been forced to accept ideas fundamentally at odds with those they are heir to, leading to a valiant but ultimately unconvincing attempt to portray them as one and the same.

I won't pass judgement on third way thinking or Blair, though, as that's not really the object of writing reviews. What I would say is this is a worthwhile and interesting volume if you want a brief but relatively comprehensive (at a basic level) case for the third way.

Appreciating Subtlety.......2002-03-03

Perhaps the most problematic aspect of Third Way 'talk' (or "Blair-speak" as it is known in Britain) is that it often sounds like a big pile of BS. It exhorts civic virtue, but then appears to be Margaret Thatcher: the sequel. This is because Third Way politics are essentially a refutation of left-right thinking--this is what this book excels at conveying.

Tony Giddens offers a concise, but clear, discussion of what the Third Way is all about, and if a reader approaches the text with a willingness to think outside of the left-right consciousness, then it offers a significant contribution to new thinking about politics. It reconceptualizes politics as the continual reconciliation of the failure of governments and markets. It is, at its simplest, about appreciating that meaningful political thinking requires reflexivity and a willingness to change opinions and policies as circumstances change around us. It is not about selling-out to the capitalists; it is not about tax-and-spend politics. This is a book about solutions.

The return of the inflatable man.......2000-10-08

"Trying to in down an exact meaning in all this" wrote the Economist back in 1998 "is like wrestling an inflatable man. If you get a grip on one limb, all the hot air rushes to another."

Two years on, and the inflatable man is back. There is no shortage of hot air rushing from place to place in this sequal to The Third Way: The Renewal of Social Democracy. There's almost nothing to disagree with here -- which is part of the problem.

The story so far goes something like this: the good guys in politics are called 'social democrats'. They care about things like equality and a fair deal for the underdog. The bad guys are called 'neoliberals.' They go round beating people with handbags and making jokes about bombing the Soviet Union. Their aim is to make the rich richer and the poor poorer. But there's a problem. Up until now being a social democrat has meant responding to every new social problem with an increase in the size and scope of government (tax and spend). However during the 1980s most left-leaning politicians figured out that was exactly the kind of thing which lost elections. So around the world, left of center governments abandoned Keynsianism, cracked down on welfare and started privatizing. And the he voters liked it. But this success also created a problem. The chattering classes accused their politicians of selling out to neoliberalism.

So this is where Giddens steps in. While the third way worked well in practice, to convince the critics it also needs to work in theory. Giddens sets out to persuade the intellectual left that the third way is sheep in wolf's clothing. Sure on the outside it looks like a toned-down version of Reagan/Thatcher but deep down it's a caring sharing lamb. Social democratic practice is past its use-by date, but there's no need, says Giddens, to identify social democracy with specific policies. Instead, social democratic goals can be expressed through new policies--like making welfare recipients work, getting tough on crime and cutting the bureaucracy. It's all a matter of how you look at it.

In Britain and Europe the term 'social democracy' has become a kind of brand name with some serious brand loyalty. Giddens is fighting to keep that brand for the new product line. It's a bit like Levi Strauss saying "sure they're not jeans... but they ARE Levis and you know how much you like those."

Great writer, dreadful book.......2000-04-30

In Britain, it's become commonplace to dismiss the Third Way as an ideologically incoherent mess: a label in search of an ideology to attatch itself to. Tony Giddens doesn't do much to clear things up: in fact, this book is a prime exemplar of the sort of the woolly, not-quite-thoroughly-thought-out rhetoric that gives New Labour a bad name.

Much of this THIN tome is spent on self-evident bromides. Environmental degradation = bad. Solidarity = good. The distinction between left and right ain't what it used to be. You don't say! The rest is taken up by pious good intentions about social democracy renewing itself. Any second-rate political speech writer could've come up with roughly the same set of homilies.

Giddens is a brilliant sociologist, but this book never gets off the ground. It's too bad, really, because Blair style new-new-leftism really could use a coherent defense from a skilfull theorist. Instead, what it gets out of this book is a half baked homily that betrays an alarming degree of political naivete for such an eminent social scientists. It's a mess, really.

An Answer of sorts.......2000-04-25

The basic thrust of this book is an argument to balance the undoubted energy of capitalism with the need to foster social solidarity and civic values. Giddens states that : "The third way suggests that it is possible to combine social solidarity with a dynamic economy, and this is a goal contemporary social democrats should strive for." (page 5)

Giddens points out that national governments are limited by historical developments in how far they can manage economic life and provide social benefits. His ideas are taken seriously by political leaders like Blair and Clinton.

Others, however, remain distinctly unimpressed. This book has been written to answer those critics (and I must declare I'm proud to be numbered amongst them). The best of his critics come from the Left. Our main point is that his third way would leave power and wealth relations largely unaffected and that he is pursuing an agenda dictated by multi-national corporations. Does Giddens answer his critics? The answer I would give is a qualified yes. Whilst stressing the benefits of a market economy he recognises the tension that exists between it and "other life values". He suggests some interesting reforms aimed at balancing seemingly contradictory trends.Curiously, however, he has little to say on empowering people in their working lives. The creativity and energy he wants to harness for civic work is to go to waste in the workplace. His desire to get people active in voluntary work and politics does not extend to making them more active participants in workplace decisions (where a great deal of their life is actually spent). This is a great pity. I would like to see Giddens comment more on workers trusts and co-operative ventures.

Book Description

This book examines Islam's engagement with the reorganization of the global economy. By examining the incorporation of Islam into the existing relations of the Turkish state from the late Ottoman Empire to the present day, the author demonstrates how political Islam interacts with the global restructuring of classes, states and political actors. Atasoy challenges the view of Islamist politics as an anti-Modern, anti-Western force that is fundamentally opposed to the global economy and instead argues that political Islam is cosmopolitan and embedded in processes which incorporate Western modernity into local cultural practices.

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