Reviews (64)

As informative and insightful as his TV show!
Olbermann - whose journalistic work could prove him to be this century's Edward R. Murrow - has written a fine alternative to Bernie Goldberg's "100 People Who Are Screwing Up America" that's far more witty and not nearly as one-sided...for those who deride him as another lackey of the "liberal media", I suggest you take a look back @ his coverage of Lewinskygate during the Clinton administration.
Bill O'Reilly wannabe
Give me a break. . . People you have got to be more intelligent than this.All this guy does is essentially ride Bill O'Reilly's coat tails.He's looked at what Mr. O'Reilly has done with his career, realized that he is not even CLOSE to being able to beat him at his own game, so he becomes the "anti-O'Reilly" wow - what a novel (and idiotic) concept.Keith Olbermann is a Bill O'Reilly wannabe - and can't even come close to measuring up.I thought this book was more of a typical liberal whining session.BORING and TERRIBLY PREDICTABLE!!Don't waste your money on this one. . . go check your neighbor's trash dumpster for a copy.

Great book coffee table book
While this book does not look like the typical coffee table book (no pictures) it is a great book to keep somewhere handy for those moments when you have a little time to kill.The stories are incredibly funny and enjoyable, and don't take very long to read at all.While all of them appeared on tv during Keith O's show, the ones I remembered were still funny the second time.Love his show, and love his book!
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Subjects:  1. American Satire And Humor    2. Celebrities    3. Conduct of life    4. History & Theory - General    5. Humor    6. Miscellanea    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Topic - Political    9. United States    10. Political Science / General   

Reviews (66)

Highly recommended.
Failed States: The Abuse Of Power And The Assault On Democracy is a stinging criticism of American arrogance and its failures to live up to the spirit of democracy by esteemed linguistics and philosophy president Noam Chomsky. In an era where the United States repeatedly asserts its right to use military might against 'failed states' around the globe, Noam Chomsky reveals the dangerous features that the United States shares with other failed states - nations that are unable or unwilling 'to protect their citizens from violence and perhaps even destruction' and 'regard themselves as beyond the reach of domestic or international law.' Failed states, Chomsky observes, are characterized by a 'democratic deficit' that leeches any real democratic substance from their governmental institutions.
Seven Excellent Suggestions!
The United States is not the foremost example in the world of a failed state. However, in the process of trying to make such a ridiculous claim, Noam Chomsky has set forth an excellent critique of the U.S. for not living up to its own exalted ideals. In addition, Chomsky has set forth an excellent critique of some recent actions of the U.S. government. From his critique Chomsky makes seven excellent suggestions, which are worth quoting here in full:
Nonsense On Stilts
As the saying goes, you're entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts.
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Subjects:  1. Government - U.S. Government    2. History & Theory - General    3. International Relations - General    4. Iraq War, 2003    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Security, International    9. Unilateral acts (International law)    10. United States - 21st Century    11. Political Science / General   

Editorial Review

Thomas L. Friedman is not so much a futurist, which he is sometimes called, as a presentist. His aim, in his new book, Read more

Reviews (822)

Friedman's history is great, but "Flat" has its drawbacks
Friedman's substantial, "The World Is Flat" is a summary of the dramatic changes in the economy of the world in the first few years of the 21st century.The book is full of great stories from all over the world that shows how, while the geography of our planet hasn't changed, that geography is becoming less and less an obstacle for business.The author shows, in a fairly amusing way, how certain dates in history (e.g. 11/9/89 - When the Walls Came Down and the Windows Went Up) represent major milestones in the progress to a flat world.These events, called flatteners, helped usher in the new globalization (version 3.0), which is exploding and resulting in a new world economy where India and China are on the same production and creative level as the United States.
The future is here, and it is starting to be evenly distributed
I have to admit I only read this book based on the fact it was topping all the best seller lists. I found it to be a worth while read. Even though I follow technology closely, I wasn't really aware of some of the points that the author made, so hopefully many will pick up something from this book. Many parts of the book I had difficulties relating to, but the new insights it provided were defently worth it.

How to destroy the United States 101 - What the book should be titled
It's a shame that US leaders have based a lot of its US policies on this book.It's like they want to make the US North Mexico or some Third World country. Really it's traitorous.
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Subjects:  1. Diffusion of innovations    2. Economic aspects    3. General    4. Globalization    5. History & Theory - General    6. History: World    7. Information society    8. International - Economics    9. International Economic Relations    10. International Relations - General    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Social Forecasting    13. Social Science    14. Social aspects    15. Sociology    16. Social Science / General   

Reviews (12)

The world doesn't always move in curves
This book is recommended, but with a caveat.Like most books about international relations written by social scientists who tend to simplify things for the sake of providing an over-arching structure, this one is to be read with a measure of skepticism.For a detailed review (or two), check out the recent debate in Slate.com between the journalists Bill Emmott and Fareed Zakaria, who are, respectively, an editor of The Economist and a columnist for Newsweek.(You can search within Slate by typing out their names and the title of the exchange: "Debating the J-Curve".)Here's two quotes from their exchanges.
Simplistic and Unoriginal
The main argument of the book is simple: as countries go from dictatorship to democracy things get worse before they get better. This has been a central argument of political science, and Mr. Bremmer neither acknowledges what others have said nor does he add much to them. All he book has to say comes in the first ten pages. After that it is snipets of histories of countries which do not add much.

Worth the Read
Whether you're an avid reader or professional investor, Ian Bremmer's book is worth your time. Ian's writing is organized, clear and concise. The book is written for the average reader; you do not need to be a policy wonk to understand his points. Whether you agree with his conclusions or not, Ian Bremmer's book provides an excellent basis for continuing debate regarding U.S. foreign policy.
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Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Government - Comparative    3. History & Theory - General    4. International Relations - General    5. Political Science    6. Political Theory    7. Political development    8. Political stability    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Politics/International Relations    11. World politics    12. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    13. Political Science / International Relations   

Editorial Review

When Lorenzo de' Medici seized control of the Florentine Republic in 1512, he summarily fired the Secretary to the Second Chancery of the Signoria and set in motion a fundamental change in the way we think about politics. The person who held the aforementioned office with the tongue-twisting title was none other than Niccolò Machiavelli, who, suddenly finding himself out of a job after 14 years of patriotic service, followed the career trajectory of many modern politicians into punditry. Unable to become an on-air political analyst for a television network, he only wrote a book. But what a book Read more

Reviews (241)

It Takes Courage To Know One's Motives
For a book as brief as THE PRINCE, its impact on history has been at least as great as almost any other work. Over the centuries, it has gotten a bad reputation as some sort of guidebook for evil.But back when it was first written in the 16th century, Machiavelli indeed intended it as a guidebook, but neither for evil or for good.Rather he wrote it for a specific purpose. It was written expressly for the ruler princes of the Italian city-states who he believed could best benefit. Although its precepts are generalized to fit most country's ruling elite to a certain extent, the advice was tailored to fit the only government with which he was most familiar, his own. His motivation for writing has been construed as a bald grab for power, with Machiavelli as Mephistopheles and the grabber as a power hungry Dr. Faustus.The truth is more prosaic.His sole concern was the security of Italy.Concepts such as good, evil, war, peace, love, and hate were irrelevant only insofar as they productively led to this security.Those who read THE PRINCE today and try to follow his advice will find that such advice simply cannot be applied when the host country can reasonably call itself democratic.Consider an American politician who reads Chapter 17: "Of Cruelty and Clemency, and Whether It Is Better to Be Loved or Feared." Machiavelli could not have conceived of a leftist judiciary ruled by the edicts of Political Correctness which would not inconvenience even one's enemies to protect one's friends or even oneself.In the 16th century, rulers could and often did take actions that were harmful to a few for the betterment of the many. Similarly such a politician today may read Chapter 18: "In What Ways Princes Must Keep Faith." Here Machiavelli argues that since the world is often run by unscrupulous and faithless dealers, one need not be overly concerned with keeping one's word given to those reprobate leaders.Can you imagine what some politicians would say when they realize that they are dealing with world leaders who may not always be honest but we must act nobly in any case?Despite the resurgence in interest in THE PRINCE, such interest is likely to remain in the academic arena until such time as our governmental system of checks and balances is replaced by one with which Machiavelli is more familiar.

Political Power and Political Reality vs. False Appearances
Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527)wrote THE PRINCE as a "how to" book.While this book was written in Renaissance Italy, THE PRINCE is a timely classic of political thought that has been badly distorted by shallow media men and historians too cowardly to carefully examine political reality.
A great little book...
I love this little book. I only wish Mr. Machiavelli had written more - much more. One word says it all: honest. This book tells it like it is. Not for the politically correct, but for those who appreciate an honest take on politics and government. If you love books that say it like it is, no matter the politics, then you'll likely enjoy this small book. Amazingly refreshing for 1530 AD. Like I said above, I only wish Mr. Machiavelli had written more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Early works to 1800    3. European - Italian    4. History & Theory - General    5. Literary Criticism    6. Literature - Classics / Criticism    7. Literature: Classics    8. Political ethics    9. Political science    10. Fiction / Classics   

Editorial Review

The angry ranting of an obscure, small-party politician, the first volume of Read more

Reviews (138)

hitlers book
the reason ichose to recomend this book is because i belive it is the only one which tells the truth about nazi germany.its really not "racist propaganda" as the school systems would have you belive but an account of a man who loved his country so much,he tried to perfect it.its basicly just a philosophy book.remember ,hitlers allies in ww2 were a half black man ,mussolini and the japanese leader.so,if you want truth,read this book.if you want a bunch of tree huggin hippie bs,read any other book on the matter.this book was the most widely owned book in the world in its day.if you cant handle the truth,steer clear.if you want the german equivelant ofthomas paines's"common sense",then read it.

A Terrible Beginning Indeed
This is a very difficult book to read, not only because it is the product of the hateful and ignorant mind of a man that seized control of Germany and plunged the world into one of history's most devastating wars, resulting in the ethnic genocide of millions of Jews, Slavs, gypsies, homosexuals and others.
Putrid, but Important to Take a Look at
During the Nazi Era, this book was the most un-read bestseller in Europe.Lots of people purchased the volume, but very few took the time to read it.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Dictators    4. Europe - Germany    5. Fascism    6. Germany    7. Germany - History - Third Reich (1933-1945)    8. Historical - General    9. History    10. History & Theory - General    11. History: World    12. National socialism    13. Nationalsozialistische deutsch    14. Political    15. Politics and government    16. Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Editorial Review

In retrospect, it seems as if the American Revolution was inevitable. But was it? In Read more

Reviews (348)

A Masterpiece
Joseph Ellis understands that it is what happens between, under and over the events of history that make it interesting.He has mastered the art of drawing out the implications of character, relationship and motivation.He brings the story to life by immersing the reader in the lives - the ideals, emotions, short-comings, likes and dislikes - of the characters that shaped the events of the American Revolution.Ellis doesn't just tell us that "they [all the major players] were making it up as they went along, improvising on the edge of catastrophe," he makes us feel it.
Founding Brothers, J. Ellis
A very readable and enjoyable book which makes the men involved in the Revolution, the drafting and signing of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the relocation of the Nation's Capitol, etc., come alive.Their relationships with each other, envy, gossip, behind the scenes maneuvering are reminscent of politics today, or maybe life in general.If there were time to read only one history book, Founding Brothers would be it.
Excellent unbiased opinion of our early leaders
Founding Brothers is an excellent read for anyone interested in a clear, concise review of our struggle for independence and the early days of our republic.Ellis' explanations of the vastly different ideas that the founders had concerning what kind of government the new country should have and how to achieve it were captivating. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1783-1809    2. Anecdotes    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Historical - General    7. History    8. History & Theory - General    9. History: American    10. Presidents    11. Statesmen    12. United States    13. United States - Revolutionary War    14. Biography & Autobiography / Historical    15. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (2)

Opens with Summary, Good Series, May Underestimate Cheney
By virtue of being an organized series of past short columns, most two pages to three pages in length, this book may be off-putting to the average reader, but for either insiders or those who care deeply about moral legitimate governance, this is a real page turner.
Read this book before you vote.
No one understands the radical right like Sidney Blumenthal. He writes about it in a clear, concise, measured way, though his revelations can make your blood boil. This book is must reading for anyone concerned about what is happening in the United States. I hope it influences the way the country will vote in the mid-term elections this year. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conservatism    2. Executive power    3. Government - Executive Branch    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. History & Theory - General    6. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    7. Political Science    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Radicalism    11. United States    12. United States - 21st Century    13. 21st century    14. American History    15. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    16. International relations    17. Political Science / History & Theory    18. Political Science and International Relations    19. Political leaders & leadership    20. Political science & theory    21. USA   

Editorial Review

"Learning the game of power requires a certain way of looking at the world, a shifting of perspective," writes Robert Greene. Mastery of one's emotions and the arts of deception and indirection are, he goes on to assert, essential. The 48 laws outlined in this book "have a simple premise: certain actions always increase one's power ... while others decrease it and even ruin us."Read more

Reviews (414)

A Nuclear Weapon for the Modern Warrior
This book is LOADED with wisdom.The lessons you will learn here can help you to take your life to the next level and then the level beyond that one.Study this book and its Laws, and do not be afraid or too timid to adopt their teachings into your everyday experiences -- they will help you to get ahead, to get what you want, and to reach your goals.

Terrific synopsis of the classic historical writings on power.
This book is a no holds barred open discussion of raw power, entertainingly presented.It took me a little while to get over the almost completely amoral tone of the book, but I eventually got the sense that the amoral tone is there for a purpose: to clue you in to the fact that people who practice power at this level can often be completely amoral themselves.In that sense, the book truly gives the reader a sense of the mindset of those who will do anything to stay in power. There is a sense as one reviewer pointed out, that the book could have been written without this amoral tone, but then one would miss out on the opportunity of being immersed in its sense of amorality, which is an education in itself.Experiencing the amorality is a wakeup call that offers insight into how some of the world's ills have come to pass, though you may find yourself wanting to shower afterward.After reading it, you will definitely be more aware of the laws being played out on the world stage, and you will begin to recognize people in government who seem to be using it as a playbook.Some laws are even applicable in personal relationships...a scary thought.
Another product of the imagination
If you have wild dreams of pontifical success.Illusions of grandeur and great lusts for power, then this book may feed your ego.It may even make you feel real good about yourself.Knowing all these secrets of power.But alas, it is only a fantasy.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Business/Economics    3. Careers - General    4. Control (Psychology)    5. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    6. Historical - General    7. History & Theory - General    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Power (Philosophy)    10. Power (Social sciences)    11. Social Philosophy    12. Social Psychology    13. Business & Management    14. Self-Help / Success    15. Social & political philosophy   

Reviews (7)

Deconstructing neoliberalism's peculiar definition of 'freedom'
"A Brief History of Neoliberalism" by David Harvey is a concise and razor-sharp deconstruction of the neoliberal movement. Mr. Harvey convincingly demonstrates that neoliberalism is an ideology that has been wielded to enshrine elite privilege at the expense of people and the environment. Assiduously researched and cogently argued, Mr. Harvey offers a jargon-free and readable text that helps readers gain a greater understanding about the political economy of our neoliberal world and what this might hold for us in the future.
Masterful??? Yes, indeed...!!!
Some other reviews described this book as Masterful.., Outstanding!!...and I am just taking a minute to agree with them.This is a solid book. Full of facts and of a profound knowledge of recent history. It simply goes to the core. The neoliberal theory is nothing more than a disguise or a distractionfor taking control and relocate class domination. Why?? Not only for political, racial or financial reasons, but mainlybecause the availability of natural resources ( mainly oil) is going to reach sometime soon a critical point, and then we, the rest of the people, are going to be redundant by the billions...and if this is so, we can forget about financial or institutional solutions to the contradictions that exist within the system or about popular movements, NGOs or whatever other alternatives you could think of...the solutions or better still, the reactions of the dominant elites are going to be hard and applied by military means.... and I think that they are exploring this option in practical ways as you are reading this humble opinion...just follow the news..

A Critical Look at the Post-Keynesian Era
The term neoliberalism is usually heard in the pejorative sense, often coming from Latin American leaders such as Hugo Chavez and Evo Morales.The term refers to an international economic policy that has been predominant in policy-making circles and university economics departments since the 1970's.The four faces on the cover of this book (Reagan, Deng, Pinochet, and Thatcher) are considered by David Harvey the primemovers of this economic philosophy.Reagnomics, Thatcherism, Deng's capitalism with Chinese characteristics, and Pinochet's free market policies marked the beginning of new era of global capitalism.
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Subjects:  1. Economic policy    2. Free Enterprise    3. History & Theory - General    4. Liberty    5. Neoliberalism    6. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    7. Political Science    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Liberalism & centre democratic ideologies    11. Political Science / History & Theory    12. Political science & theory    13. Politics | Political Theory | Contemporary Political Thought    14. Postwar period, 1945 to c 2000   

Reviews (5)

A Tough Subject Clearly Explained
I'm a Junior at a large university, and this book is required for my Research Methods class.I've put off taking this class until now, since I'm not very math-oriented.This book explains research ideas in a very simple way, and each chapter has lots of examples from politics.My professor sometimes also has us read the sample articles that the chapters list.This is extra work, but seeing how real researchers use a method helps me understand it.By the way, there is math in the statistics section, but it's not really that bad.If you're not a natural whiz at research, this is the book for you.

Don't waste your gray matter!
This book talks down to the student. It is elementary to the extent of being obvious. The field has moved on and so should we. Get the King, Keohane and Verba book instead, which is written lucidly and actually isnpires thought.

A Solid and Accessible Textbook on Methodology
The book is clearly written, and I am using it this semester for an undergraduate class I teach. I am not a big fan of textbooks in general, as I rarely use them myself, and when I do, it is mostly for concrete and breif reference purposes. This book is very accessible. I especially liked the chapter on focus groups. The chapter on content analysis is also good, because it conveys very clearly the problems that one faces with this particular method, but at the same time the chapter is not mathematically deep. I find that most of my studnets find this book easy to use. As a book on statistics, it is not very powerful, and the presentation of even the basic methods could use better organization. But overall, this is still a useful text. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History & Theory - General    2. Political Process - Leadership    3. Political Science    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Politics/International Relations    6. Research    7. Political Science / General    8. Political science & theory    9. Social research & statistics   

Reviews (21)

History Teacher's Review
Imagined Communities Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism. Benedict Anderson. 224 pp. London and New York, Verso. 1983. $23.95.