Political insights and biography

The first book to provide systematic and comparative empirical insights into a major way that social workers engage with policy – by holding elected office – this book analyses how and why social workers engage in electoral politics in liberal democracies.

Challenging the notion of the US as a singular market-driven economy, this book reveals the critical role that both the Federal and State governments play in shaping growth and how individual states vary significantly in fostering innovation and high-value industries.

This book provides an engaging introduction to British political history by exploring 12 key crises from the early 20th century to the modern day. It shows how narrations of events as crises can be used to promote political changes. Taken together the crises familiarise readers with key themes and events that have shaped current politics in the UK.

Why are liberation and independence movements often betrayed when their leaders get into government? Peter Hain offers a gripping exploration of why they often succumb to bad governance and corruption once in power, using global examples ranging from Africa to Latin America, Russia, the Caribbean, and Malaysia.

Brexit deepened tensions in Northern Ireland and created rifts between Ireland and the UK. Drawing on interviews in Washington, Belfast, Dublin and London, the authors in this book explore how the lobby shaped US policy towards Brexit in order to prevent the reimposition of a hard border on the island of Ireland and preserve peace.

This book uses a biographical approach to explore the Labour Party's relationship with European integration, moving beyond simple 'pro' or 'anti' labels to showcase the complexity of views that have existed.

This optimist’s guide to truth contends that truth is the best device we have for coordinating collective decisions and actions, and the concept of truth is a target ideal to strive for . This long-standing problem will not be solved with modern technology or regulations, but with mindfulness, humility, cooperation and optimism.

This insightful book explores evolving perceptions of China, contrasting dominant Western narratives with Chinese perspectives. Highlighting the complexities of these discourses, the book critiques three prevailing views of China’s rise: the return of geopolitics, challenges to liberal order and prospects for collaborative governance.

This book, written by leading experts on European defence, analyses the unique dynamics that forged Finland and Sweden’s path to NATO membership. Exploring the pressing issues that NATO will need to tackle, the book considers the potential repercussions the newest round of NATO enlargement will have on European and global security.

Taking account of its evolution in recent decades, this book provides an up-to-date account of the role of the Civil Service in the UK.

This concise, comprehensive volume provides a compelling introduction to the politics, society, economy and culture of France. The book places France firmly in its international environment, exploring the significance of developments from #MeToo to the 2024 Paris Olympics, and assessing France’s response to global crises.

Journalism faces multiple threats today all over the world:. Jon Allsop examines key concepts that constitute journalism’s role: good judgement, concern for truth and critical scrutiny of one or more communities.