Sociology Books

As the twenty-first century dawns, China stands at a crossroads. The largest and most populous country on earth and currently the world’s second biggest economy, China has recently reclaimed its historic place at the center of global affairs after decades of internal chaos and disastrous foreign relations. But even as China tentatively reengages with the outside world, the contradictions of its development risks pushing it back into an era of insularity and instability—a regression that, as China’s recent history shows, would have serious implications for all other nations.In Restless Empire, award-winning historian Odd Arne Westad traces China’s complex foreign affairs over the past 250 years, identifying the forces that will determine the country’s path in the decades to come. Since the height of the Qing Empire in the eighteenth century, China’s interactions—and confrontations—with foreign powers have caused its worldview to fluctuate wildly between extremes of dominance and subjugation, emulation and defiance. From the invasion of Burma in the 1760s to the Boxer Rebellion in the early 20th century to the 2001 standoff over a downed U.S. spy plane, many of these encounters have left Chinese with a lingering sense of humiliation and resentment, and inflamed their notions of justice, hierarchy, and Chinese centrality in world affairs. Recently, China’s rising influence on the world stage has shown what the country stands to gain from international cooperation and openness. But as Westad shows, the nation’s success will ultimately hinge on its ability to engage with potential international partners while simultaneously safeguarding its own strength and stability.An in-depth study by one of our most respected authorities on international relations and contemporary East Asian history, Restless Empire is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the recent past and probable future of this dynamic and complex nation.

If you're intrigued by how today's world came to be, "The Birth of the Modern: World Society 1815-1830" is a compelling read. Paul Johnson dives deep into pivotal historical moments, making clear connections between the events of the past and the standards of the modern era. His narrative is not just a list of dates and facts; it's a story about the birth of modern society that continues to shape our world.

This book is a thought-provoking examination of the vast economic disparities that exist between nations. Through compelling stories and data, it sheds light on the shocking reality of our world, where some countries thrive while others struggle to survive. By challenging our assumptions and highlighting the systemic factors that perpetuate these inequalities, Worlds Apart forces us to confront uncomfortable truths. Whether you're interested in social justice, global affairs, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the world we live in, this book will broaden your perspective and inspire you to take action. Get ready to question the status quo and discover the interconnectedness of our global economy like never before.

Age of Discovery could be a good read for those who are curious about the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid global change. This book takes a historical perspective, drawing parallels between the first Renaissance and our present era, highlighting the risks and rewards that come with discovery. If you're interested in understanding the interconnectedness of our world and how it shapes our lives, this book will provide valuable insights and inspire you to navigate the uncertainties of the future with wisdom and courage.

Can we trust France? Apparently not. After more than 200 years of shared history and interests, the U.S.-France marriage looks as if it's ending in an acrimonious divorce. Here is the shocking insider account.In the wake of French behavior at the United Nations, where Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin systematically undermined the efforts of Secretary of State Colin Powell to convince the Security Council to authorize force against Iraq, Americans have at best come to suspect our ally of double dealing, and at worst come to view them as the enemy. Almost daily over the past year, new stories have emerged of how the government of French President Jacques Chirac has sought to undermine the U.S. war on terror, publicly sniping at America and inciting other countries to do the same. What's wrong with France? What's behind their recent perfidy? According to bestselling author Kenneth R. Timmerman, the American public doesn't know half the story. After they read The French Betrayal of America , American anger at France will turn to outrage.Timmerman, who worked as a journalist in France for eighteen years and knows the players on both sides, lifts the veil of Jacques Chirac's scandalous love affair with Saddam Hussein, beginning in 1975, when he took him on a tour of top-secret French nuclear facilities. The French attitude toward the dictator, which seemed to baffle American politicians, was in fact entirely predictable. Put bluntly, it was all about money, oil, and guns. Chirac needed Saddam's oil and Saddam's money, and Saddam needed French weapons and French nuclear technology.Despite this, the relationship between France and America was not only amicable but at times very mutually beneficial. That was until the most recent war on Iraq, where France turned the tables, engaging in dirty diplomacy and helping to sway other European countries to their side. French war coverage was not merely It was viciously inaccurate, skewed, and openly anti-American. Timmerman also presents incredible new evidence of France's duplicity, including the fact that the French stood to gain $100 billion from secret oil contracts they had concluded with Saddam Hussein.The French Betrayal of America raises questions of whether the nuclear cooperation agreements still in force with the French today should be canceled in light of France's behavior. Our security interests no longer converge, and our economic systems increasingly appear to be at loggerheads. The war in Iraq harshly exposed French treachery and their desire to do business with the worst of international tyrants, putting their economy, their international standing, and their relationship with a 200-year-old friend in severe jeopardy.Shocking new revelations in The French Betrayal of AmericaThe French president lied to Bush and to the public about the war in Iraq.President Jacques Chirac had personally told President George W. Bush well ahead of time that France would be at America's side.France urged Saddam to commit genocide.Saddam launched his genocidal campaign against the Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq to make their region "safe" for French oil engineers.France helped build Saddam's long-range missiles and nukes.Based on exclusive access to new documents, provided by Iraq to the United Nations -- that French defense companies were key partners in helping Saddam Hussein perfect the long-range missiles that killed U.S. soldiers in Saudi Arabia in 1991 and rained terror onto Israel.Chirac has blocked cooperation on a high-profile terrorism case.France's top counter-terrorism judge was ordered to stop cooperating with the United States in the prosecution of Zacarias Moussaoui despite mounds of documents that would have helped the United States to convict Moussaoui of conspiracy to commit mass murder.France illegally sold U.S. military secrets to Saddam Hussein.A prominent French defense company shipped U.S.-designed laser designator pods to Iraq in the 1980s that compromised the most high-tech weapons in the U.S. arsenal.President Mitterrand, a Socialist, became Ronald Reagan's best ally in Europe.The French Betrayal of America reveals the extent of French strategic and intelligence cooperation with the United States at the peak of the Cold War, in areas that will surprise readers on both sides of the Atlantic. The French ran a key agent inside the KGB, whose "cosmic" reach -- right up to the general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union -- hastened the collapse of the Soviet Union.President Chirac almost went to jail for corruption.Chirac was on the verge of getting indicted on corruption charges in 1999 until he cooked up an immunity deal with the head of the French Supreme Court, former Socialist foreign minister Roland Dumas. While the French corruption scandals are well known in France, they have rarely been reported in the United States and will alternately shock and amuse American readers.The Bush administration is now offering France the secrets of our national missile defense.The French Betrayal of America reveals the hitherto top secret missile defense cooperation between the United States and France that has taken off at precisely the same time the Chirac government was undermining the United States on Iraq. Meanwhile, United States and French nuclear weapons designers continue to meet to exchange secrets of maintaining our respective nuclear arsenals.

The measurement of time has always been essential to human civilization, from early Roman sundials to the advent of GPS. But while we have one eye on the time every day, are we aware of the power clocks have given governments, military leaders and business owners, and how they have shaped our lives and our world?In this spectacularly far-reaching book, David Rooney narrates a history of timekeeping and civilization in twelve concise chapters. Over their course, we meet the most epochal inventions in horological history, from medieval water clocks to Renaissance hourglasses, and from stock-exchange timestamps to satellites in Earth's orbit. We discover how clocks have helped people navigate the globe and build empires, but also, on occasion, taken us to the brink of destruction.This is the story of time, and the story of time is the story of us.

Recommendation: - If you're curious about the origins and evolution of nationalism and want to understand its impact on the world, "Nations And Nationalism Since 1780 - Programme, Myth, Reality" is a must-read. Hobsbawm brilliantly dissects the intricacies of nationalism, providing insights into its historical context and its influence on modern politics. This book offers a compelling analysis that will broaden your understanding of this complex phenomenon.

"The Europeans" is an excellent read for those interested in diving deeper into Europe's background. Barzini provides a unique lens through which to explore the continent's tumultuous history. With a call for unification, this book highlights the importance of a functional and unified Europe that speaks with one voice.

"The Next Attack" is a thought-provoking analysis of global terrorism, focusing on its spread and the impending threat it poses to the West. The authors provide a well-researched account of the factors contributing to the growing danger and offer a new strategy for East-West coexistence. This book serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for greater attention and cooperation in dealing with this critical issue.

Recommended for history enthusiasts, traces China's rich civilization through its ups and downs with a focus on the struggles of forming and maintaining a cohesive identity, while fiercely protecting individualism, the book offers an insight into how family, intellect, and autocratic rule blend to form what is contemporary China.

Rethinking Globalization is a great read for teachers and educators who want to incorporate social justice into their curriculum. This book offers a wide range of lessons and activities that cover topics related to globalization and its impact on different communities. The book's unique and distinctive feature is its focus on teaching global justice in an accessible manner. Users who are interested in teaching social justice to their students would find this book to be an excellent resource.

Thomas Piketty's "Time for Socialism" offers a thought-provoking and relevant perspective on the socioeconomic turmoil of the last few years. It offers a detailed analysis of events such as Trump's presidency and Brexit from the lens of Piketty's unrelenting pursuit of a more just world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in principles of inclusivity, equity, and environmental sustainability.

This book provides practical ways of building cross-cultural relationships. It highlights the importance of understanding and communication in building lasting relationships with people from diverse cultures and religious backgrounds. The authors offer insights into how to navigate cultural differences and find common ground by sharing personal experiences and real-life stories. This book equips readers to be better friends and effective witnesses to God's love.

The End of History and the Last Man is an insightful read for those interested in understanding the fundamental changes that have taken place since the Cold War. Fukuyama's argument that liberal democracy has emerged as the ultimate global ideology still holds weight, making it a must-read for those seeking a deep understanding of contemporary global politics.

This book is an insightful and in-depth analysis of the dynamics of non-violent Lebanese Salafi groups, shedding light on the lesser-known peaceful proselytization aspects of Salafism. It also explores the importance of transnational links, leading to the fragmentation of the Lebanese Salafi community. The book highlights how Salafism creates and mobilizes material and symbolic resources, reshaping the structures of authority within Lebanon's Sunni Muslim community. Highly recommended for those interested in understanding the complexity of Salafism in Lebanon beyond its association with violence.