Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
The Good Drone
How Social Movements Democratize Surveillance
Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick
The book explores the innovative use of drones by activists and civil society groups to monitor power and gather information, challenging traditional power dynamics and democratizing surveillance. It examines case studies and ethical considerations surrounding this shift, highlighting the potential for drones to empower communities and promote social justice.
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Eco-Business
A Big-Brand Takeover of Sustainability
Peter Dauvergne|Jane Lister
The book critically examines how large corporations are adopting the language and appearance of sustainability to advance their own profits and brand reputation, often without making significant environmental improvements. It explores the consequences of this trend for global sustainability efforts, suggesting that corporate eco-initiatives may undermine more effective, systemic environmental reforms.
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Myths of the Oil Boom
American National Security in a Global Energy Market
Steve A. Yetiv
The book critically examines the belief that the United States could achieve energy independence and global energy dominance due to increased oil production. It explores the geopolitical and economic realities of the global energy market, debunking misconceptions about how American oil production impacts national security and international relations.
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How to Choose a Leader
Machiavelli's Advice to Citizens
Maurizio Viroli
The book distills Niccolò Machiavelli's timeless wisdom on selecting competent and ethical political leaders. It provides readers with criteria derived from Machiavellian principles to evaluate and choose politicians who are best suited to govern effectively and justly.
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Organizing America
Wealth, Power, and the Origins of Corporate Capitalism
Charles Perrow
The book examines the historical development of large organizations in the United States, arguing that the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few large corporations was not an inevitable outcome of industrialization but rather the result of specific policy decisions and social movements. It explores the impact of corporate capitalism on American society, including the implications for democracy, economic inequality, and the balance of power between corporations and other social institutions.
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Harvest the Wind
America's Journey to Jobs, Energy Independence, and Climate Stability
Philip Warburg
The book explores the potential of wind power to significantly contribute to America's energy mix, detailing the economic, environmental, and technological aspects of the industry. It presents a narrative that includes the stories of farmers, factory workers, biologists, and policymakers to illustrate the impact and challenges of harnessing wind energy for a sustainable future.
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Environmentalism of the Rich
Peter Dauvergne
The book critically examines how affluent individuals and corporations often promote a brand of environmentalism that aligns with their interests, focusing on consumer choices and market-based solutions rather than systemic change. It explores the paradox of increased environmental awareness and consumer eco-friendliness alongside the relentless pursuit of economic growth, which continues to strain the planet's resources.
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The Upside of Down
Why the Rise of the Rest is Good for the West
Charles Kenny
The book argues that global progress, particularly in developing countries, benefits Western nations through opportunities for trade, investment, and enhanced global security. It challenges the notion that the West's relative decline is detrimental, instead presenting it as an opportunity for economic growth and innovation in a more prosperous and interconnected world.
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The War on Journalism
Andrew Fowler
The book investigates the increasing threats to investigative journalism, including government surveillance and legal pressures. It highlights the challenges faced by journalists who expose corruption and hold power to account in the face of growing hostility towards the free press.
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We Uyghurs Have No Say
An Imprisoned Writer Speaks
Ilham Tohti
The book is a collection of essays and lectures by Ilham Tohti, a prominent Uyghur economist and human rights activist, which provide insight into the plight of the Uyghur people in China's Xinjiang region. It documents Tohti's advocacy for Uyghur rights, his critique of Chinese government policies, and his reflections on coexistence between Uyghurs and Han Chinese before his imprisonment in 2014.
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