Global communication and world politics

Sample

Adolph Reed, Jr

"In this latest volume, Reed begins with a consideration of the theoretical and practical effect of the decline of the American left over at least that last two decades. First, he outlines the sources and consequences of what he characterizes as the main manifestations of a defeated and demoralized activist politics - sectarianism and the often solipsistic approaches of identity politics. He then argues forcefully for the centrality of class-based political interpretation and action as the indispensable foundation for any progressive movement that can hope to succeed in the United States."--BOOK JACKET.

Sample

Amy Greenberg

A critical assessment of the Mexican-American war and its divisive role in U.S. politics also evaluates its impact on the careers of James Polk, Henry Clay, and Abraham Lincoln and how it set the stage for the American Civil War.

Sample

Norman Solomon, Reese Erlich

The acclaimed political analyst offers an examination of the arguments for and against war with Iraq, and exposes the alliance between the news media and the Bush administration.

Sample

Linda Kintz

Linda Kintz makes explicit the crucial need to understand the psychological makeup of born-again Christians as well as the sociopolitical dynamics involved in their cause. She focuses on the role of religious women in right-wing Christianity and asks, for example, why so many women are attracted to what is often seen as an antiwoman philosophy. The result, a telling analysis of the complexity and appeal of the "emotions that matter" to many Americans, highlights how these emotions now determine public policy in ways that are increasingly dangerous for those outside familiarity's circle. With texts from such organizations as the Christian Coalition, the Heritage Foundation, and Concerned Women for America, and writings by Elizabeth Dole, Newt Gingrich, Pat Robertson, and Rush Limbaugh, Kintz traces the usefulness of this activism for the secular claim that conservative political economy is, in fact, simply an expression of the deepest and most admirable elements of human nature itself. The discussion of Limbaugh shows how he draws on the skepticism of contemporary culture to create a sense of absolute truth within his own media performance - its truth guaranteed by the market. Kintz also describes how conservative interpretations of the Holy Scriptures, the U.S. Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence have been used to challenge such causes as feminism, women's reproductive rights, and gay and lesbian rights. In addition to critiquing the intellectual and political left for underestimating the power of right-wing grassroots organizing, corporate interests, and postmodern media sophistication, Between Jesus and the Market discusses the proliferation of militia groups, Christian entrepreneurship, and the explosive growth and "selling" of the Promise Keepers.