Other Septembers, many Americas

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Paul R. Pillar

A host of social, economic, and geographical advantages has coarsened America's attitude toward other, less fortunate countries. Being insulated by two immense oceans makes it hard for Americans to appreciate the concerns of more exposed countries. American democracy's rapid rise fools many into thinking the same liberal system can flourish anywhere. Having populated a vast continent with relative ease impedes understanding of conflicts between different peoples over other lands. Drawing a fascinating line from colonial times to America's handling of modern international terrorism, Pillar shows how presumption and misperception turned Finlandization into a dirty word in American policy circles, bolstered the "for us or against us" attitude that characterized the policies of the George W. Bush administration, and continue to obscure the reasons behind Iraq's close relationship with Iran. Fundamental misunderstandings have created a cycle in which threats are underestimated before an attack occurs and then are overestimated after they happen. By shining a light on this longstanding tradition of misperception, Pillar hopes the United States can develop policies that better address international realities rather than biased beliefs.

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Arnulf Baring

Postwar German culture - East and West - and the political implications of various cultural developments are the focus of this provocative study by some of Germany's leading cultural and intellectual historians. Many of the contributors - Hermann Glaser and Kurt Sontheimer, in particular - have played important roles in the development of cultural activities in the Federal Republic and offer an insider's perspective on the literature, architecture, performing arts, theatre and cinema of this tumultuous period. Another insider, distinguished biomathematical scholar Jens Reich, renowned for his personal struggle for civil rights in the former German Democratic Republic and for his presidential candidacy in the last German elections, analyzes the political culture of the former GDR and the relationship between East and West Germans. This book presents the first historical perspective on Germany's postwar cultural history and offers students and scholars a vivid picture of politics and culture during a unique period in German history.

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Stephen Hopgood

This title presents a powerful argument for the continued relevance of the state to our understanding of international relations. Drawing on detailed primary research, the author examines the key role central state officials have played in formulating American foreign environmental policy, and concludes that claims for the diminishing domestic-international divide, and the erosion of state sovereignty are overstated.

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Jackie Heuman

"The unconventional materials of many modern sculptures and the concepts they express challenge common assumptions about the significance and durability of works of art. Sculpture conservators at the Tate Gallery now have to work with such diverse materials as plastics, video and tapioca, as well as traditional stone, wood and bronze." "This publication focuses on a number of works that have recently received conservation treatment. These have been selected for their technical interest as well as their art historical importance, and both these aspects are discussed. Among the many illustrations that document the stages in the conservation processes are dramatic before and after treatment images. Balancing technical detail with a discussion of broader issues, this book will be of equal interest to the general gallery visitor and the specialist."--Jacket.