Sociology

This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding how cities tackle the unique problems and opportunities they face in today's world. Dr. Cheong, the CEO of the Housing and Development Board, shares her expertise and insights on how cities can plan and develop to create a better life for their citizens. With a focus on Singapore, she explores the considerations and constraints of a small city-state with an open economy. This book will broaden your perspective on urbanization and inspire you to seek innovative solutions for a better urban future.

"The Logic of Life" is a great read because it explains how economics can be applied to decision-making in all aspects of life, from personal choices to societal issues. Author Tim Harford uses engaging stories and characters to illustrate how rational choice theory can be used to understand drug addiction, teenage crime, suburban sprawl, office politics, and more. This book is perfect for those interested in understanding how economics can explain the world around us.

This book could be a good read for those interested in exploring the intricacies of governance in a rapidly changing world. With captivating metaphors like the 'black elephant' and concepts like the 'dialectic of governance', Peter Ho offers a systematic and insightful approach to understanding the future and building resilience. Whether you are a government official or simply curious about the dynamics of governance, this book provides valuable insights that can help navigate the complexities of our world.

Bulls in the China Shop would be a great read for anyone interested in business and international relations. The book offers an engaging account of cultural and political blunders made by American businesses venturing into China over the past two decades. If you are curious about the challenges posed by introducing capitalism into China's socialist society, or if you are simply interested in trade between the two nations, this book is for you.

If you've been feeling the seismic shifts in our social landscape, "The Great Disruption" by Francis Fukuyama might resonate with you. Fukuyama doesn't just dwell on what's been lost; he offers a rigorous analysis of these changes and gives a glimpse of the emerging social order. For anyone seeking to understand the interplay between human nature and societal change, this book lays out a comprehensive foundation that's as thought-provoking as it is enlightening.

Recommendation: - This book is a compelling exploration of the underlying causes of poverty and a powerful roadmap for creating a more equitable world. Jeffrey Sachs, one of the world's leading economists, combines his extensive experience and vivid storytelling to offer an insightful analysis of the global economy and the paths to prosperity. By sharing stories from his work in various countries, Sachs brings to life the challenges and interconnectedness of economic, political, and social issues. With practical solutions and a message of hope, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and address poverty on a global scale.

Late Imperial Culture provides a nuanced exploration of imperial cultural practices and their effects on colonial subjects. The diverse range of contributors offer a sophisticated and historically informed analysis that critiques and exposes the contradictions inherent in imperialism. This book would be an excellent read for those interested in understanding the long and complex history of imperialism and its ongoing impact on our contemporary world.

For most of the twentieth century, people with disabilities have been regarded as ‘victims’ of their condition and a ‘burden’ on society. More recently, however, disabled people and their organizations across Europe and North America have challenged conventional explanations for their individual and collective disadvantage, calling for policy measures to change the image and status of disabled people in the Western world.In this new book, Barnes and Mercer provide a concise and accessible introduction to the concept of disability. Drawing on a burgeoning ‘disability studies’ literature from around the world, and from a range of disciplinary perspectives, the authors explore the evolution of this concept and offer a wide-ranging critique of established academic, policy and professional orthodoxies. The book highlights disabled peoples’ exclusion and marginalization in key areas of social activity and participation across different historical and cultural contexts, such as family life and reproduction, education, employment, leisure, cultural imagery and politics.The analysis concentrates on disability as a distinctive form of social oppression similar to that experienced by women, minority ethnic and ‘racial’ groups, and lesbians and gay men. Key issues addressed theorizing disability; historical and comparative perspectives; experiencing impairment and disability; professional and policy intervention in the lives of disabled people; disability politics, social policy and citizenship; and disability culture.This will be essential reading for those studying sociology, social policy, social work, health studies, disability studies, and those in the therapy and nursing professions.

The Lexus and the Olive Tree is a thought-provoking book that walks its readers through a complex topic, making it easy to understand. Thomas L. Friedman, in his signature style, blends his experiences, stories and insights to give an account of how globalization shapes the world we live in. The book challenges readers to find the balance between working towards common goals and preserving culture, tradition, and heritage, as the international system replaces Cold War divisions. It is a must-read for anyone looking to be enlightened on economics, world affairs, and the impacts of globalization.

Microtrends is a great read for those interested in understanding the small shifts occurring in America's culture. Author Mark Penn expertly analyzes the nation's emerging groups, highlighting trends such as people retiring but still working, and dads spending more time with their kids. Through the use of data and statistics, Penn shows readers how to identify these microtrends and harness their power to transform businesses, influence politics, and change lives. This book is most suited for individuals who want to stay informed and ahead of the curve.

The Ticklish Subject introduces a fresh perspective on the Cartesian subject, arguing that its subversive core might hold indispensable value for any emancipatory politics. If you're interested in exploring philosophical frameworks for politics, this book could be an intriguing read. Zizek's writing is thought-provoking and incisive, and his book could be a unique addition to any reader's collection.

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.

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.

Public Relations in Asia provides a comprehensive overview of how public relations (PR) works in ten Asian countries. Each chapter provides insights into the unique cultural, political, economic, and media landscapes of these countries, and how they impact PR practices. This book is a must-read for communications professionals looking to operate in Asia.

Albion's Seed is a great read for a history enthusiast, particularly those interested in the formation of America's regional cultures. Fischer's work effectively outlines the folkways and cultural differences between early British settlers in America, and how they have persisted to varying degrees in different areas of the country. This book is a valuable resource for understanding American cultural history, and would be a particularly good fit for those studying the social sciences or anyone with a keen interest in American regionalism.

Recommendation: The Fall of Public Man is a thought-provoking analysis of the decline in public life and political involvement in recent decades. Richard Sennett's erudition and historical imagination brilliantly describe the growing imbalance between private and public experience in modern society. This book provides a fascinating perspective on the relationship between public life and the cult of the individual, and argues for a more formal public culture to reconnect with our communities.

If you're curious about where Singapore might be headed and enjoy diverse viewpoints, "The Birthday Book 2016" could be quite the treat. It's like listening in on a symposium of the nation's rising stars—each with their own vision for the country's journey forward. Their collective essays provide not just food for thought but a feast of aspirations and challenges that are distinctly Singaporean.

This book is a must-read for educators and researchers who are interested in critical theories and social justice issues in education. It critiques traditional ideas of critical theory and brings in fresh perspectives from different disciplines. The book is notable for its exploration of Marxist theories of education, as well as its connection of pedagogy with larger issues of the state, economy, social movements, and literary criticism. The book provides a valuable resource for those interested in rethinking traditional approaches to education and bringing about positive social change.

"We live in paradoxical times. Traditionally, the West has led the world in theory and practice. Yet, recent developments, from COVID-19 to the storming of the US Capitol, show how lost the West has become. This loss of direction has deep roots. In their usual thoughtful and incisive fashion, Lim Mah-Hui and Michael Heng Siam-Heng, draw out the deeper origins of our current crises and show us a new way forward. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand our strange times." -- Kishore Mahbubani, founding Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, is the author of Has China Won?"A powerful and compelling critique of neoliberal globalization and its potentially devastating, but long underestimated, consequences for financial stability, the environment, social equity and democracy. COVID-19 has laid bare these dysfunctions and stresses. But this is not a pessimistic book. The authors argue, correctly, that we may be on the cusp of another Great Transformation. The choices we make today to make markets more resilient, improve social protection, and preserve our freedoms could lay the foundations for a sustainable globalization that works for future generations." -- Donald Low, Professor of Practice in Public Policy and Director of the Institute for Emerging Market Studies, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology"This fascinating book highlights the interplay between financial and health crises that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed. Financialized capitalism is bad for the planet, bad for human health, and creates more unequal and insecure societies. The authors make a strong and convincing case for re-embedding markets into society and finance into the real economy." --Jayati Ghosh, Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, USA"Lim and Heng's ambitious volume argues that 2020 was the year of the global 'perfect storm' of multiple crises, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating financial, economic, socio-political and environmental breakdowns. They extend Karl Polanyi's original insights to appeal for a sustainable global New Deal. While the reader may not agree with all their theses, the scope of their coverage and ambition will set the stage for debates over the annus horribilis." -- Jomo K.S., Founder-chair, IDEAS www.network.ideas; former United Nations Assistant Secretary General"This book provides plenty of food for thought for many pondering if the COVID-19 crisis could lead to a major transformation of the global economic system shaped by unfettered market forces and policies of governments in their service."-- Yilmaz Akyuz, former Director, UNCTAD, Geneva

"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.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and impact of educational policies in the United States. The authors provide a thorough analysis of the motives behind neoliberal and managerialist approaches and their consequences for public education. They offer a vision for a better future of education beyond the current limits of No Child Left Behind policy. The book's most unique and distinctive feature is its exploration of the psychology of NCLB advocates, which helps readers understand the forces driving education policy. Overall, Reclaiming Education for Democracy is a thought-provoking and informative read that offers an alternative perspective on public education.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about the India-Japan relationship and how to strengthen it further. The book covers a wide range of topics such as trade, investment, energy security, and global governance. The contributors offer insightful perspectives on their respective countries' interests, achievements, obstacles and propose concrete policies to ensure a lasting partnership. The book is a must-read for policymakers from both sides and anyone interested in the future of Asia.

This book provides a shocking account of police brutality and corruption within the criminal justice system. Gerry Spence recounts his own cases to illustrate patterns of egregious misconduct by police. He reveals how racism, coercion, and the abuse of power is rampant in police departments across the country, and argues for a complete overhaul of the justice system. If you're interested in social justice, or want to understand more about the real-life implications of police misconduct, this book is a must-read.

If you're intrigued by the underpinnings of modern justice systems and enjoy delving into philosophical texts, you'll find Beccaria's work compelling. This book uncovers the tapestry of Enlightenment thought, showcasing how ideas about punishment, politics, and human motivation intertwine. It breathes life into historical concepts that still echo in current debates on law and order, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the evolution of societal norms and governance.

Integrity by Stephen Carter is an insightful book that explores the importance of integrity in American politics and everyday life. Carter weaves together philosophy, theology, history, and law to present a compelling vision of integrity that has implications for marriage, politics, and even professional football. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the role of integrity in society and the difficulties involved in trying to legislate it. The personal experiences and real-life examples make the book engaging and applicable in everyday life.

If you're intrigued by the intricate crossroads of free expression and cultural sensitivity, "The Tyranny of Silence" is a thought-provoking exploration that demands your attention. Rose's personal experiences provide a unique lens on the global debate, enriching your understanding of democracy’s delicate dance with diversity. It's especially timely in a world where the boundaries of speech are constantly tested and redefined.