by Nsongurua J. Udombana (2003)
The book examines some major human rights issues facing Afica in the new milennium. Among the issues are democratisation and development. The book challenges the new African Union to take human rights seriously ans mainstream these emergent issues in its integration agenda
Cal Jillson
[This book] provides [an] introduction to American government that emphasizes the historical foundations of U.S. political institutions and the way they have developed in response to change. [The book] challenges students to think critically about how the American political system operates. [This] textbook provides up-to-date coverage of the 1998 mid-term elections. -Back cover.
Humberto Vélez Ramírez
"Twelve informative essays discuss topics such as democracy, the political regime, violence, neoliberalism, State intervention in social life, and the 1991 constituent assembly. Essays together provide valuable insight on the political environment in early 1990s when democratic movements appeared to be growing, while violence continued to escalate"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 57.
Carollee Bengelsdorf
"A belated, but nontheless very good effort to explore the irreconocilable tension between democracy and authoritarian, paternalist socialism in revolutionary Cuba. Informed by critical Marxism, book challenges the notion that Cuba is an excellent case of 'direct democracy,' laying responsibility for the absence of freedom and accountability squarely on Castro's dictatorial vocation and the Communist party's hegemony. In a surprising departure, author concludes that 'to the degree the (Cuban) leadership continues to insist upon defining the boundaries of civil society, it must in the end fail' (p. 178)"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 57.
Karl-Oskar Lindgren, Thomas Persson
This book is an empirical assessment of whether participatory governance reforms within the European Union enhance or endanger democracy. The alleged democratic deficit of the EU and its waning legitimacy have inspired scholars and practitioners to look for new ways of improving democracy and efficiency within it. Proponents of participatory governance, including the European Commission, argue that introducing new forums for interest-group participation and deliberation at the EU level will help create a more democratic and effective Union. This book examines the veracity of this claim. It looks at whether it is possible to enhance decision-making efficiency and democratic legitimacy by involving interest group representatives in the formulation and implementation of policy. In doing so, Participatory Governance in the EU employs data from a unique expert survey of stakeholders and EU officials.