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The author contrasts the dangerous linear world view of dialectics with the totemic view of knowledge & "sacred balance" of spatial patterns & timing in the ecosystem that is shared by many indigenous peoples. The relationship between animal & human energies is related in a Kayapo myth & the anthropogenic landscapes of indigenous peoples. The author asserts that the tension between the reductionist commodification of nature that are institutionalized in international conventions verses indigenous intellectual property rights is a reflection of the actual motivations of science. The author concludes that the environmental crisis cannot be solved by technological tampering or superficial political measures, but rather civilization needs to relearn ecological knowledge & sustainable principles from indigenous & traditional peoples. References. J. Harwell

In this reprint from Parameters Autumn 1999 edition, the author asserts that the demise of empires has left the US without a national cause, and craving a new American mission. The author briefly traces the fall of 11 empires in the 250 year history of the US; the French, British, Mexican, European, Japanese, & German empires, as well as the empires of ideology in Korea & Vietnam. He goes on to argue that since America destroyed the old world, & had no vision with which to replace it, the US is perversely supporting oppression rather than taking the leadership role to amend borders peacefully & prevent ethnic cleansings, genocide, & violence. The author asserts that US national security goals should focus on international border issues & support for universal human rights -- with the understanding that sovereignty is the privilege of a just & successful state. The author proposes the formation of a Union of Democratic Nations that would act based on a majority, rather than unanimous, vote & whose purpose would strengthen the mission of a nation "condemned to lead". J. Harwell

The author discusses the lack of communication between African policy makers & regionalist researches in investigating, understanding, predicting, & preventing violent conflict in Africa. The author argues that collaboration between these groups is necessary, & that the first step towards collaboration is to identify research topics relevant to both groups. Research into conflict prolonging factors can serve as a starting point for mutual engagement. She then addresses both opportunities & obstacles for cooperation.

This article addresses some of the lessons learned from analysis of the adaptation of foreign models in Latin American policy reform. The author revisits the theoretical issues raised in the book's introduction, then discusses how foreign models are adapted to fit a country's particular circumstances & how models impact decision making. Finally, the author discusses potential costs & benefits of policy emulation in Latin America countries. References. B. Boyce

The article analyzes the reforms made to Brazil's social security system. Brazil opted to modify its pay as you go system & developed the existing voluntary system which has a higher guaranteed maximum. The author analyzes the reform process, including the strategies used by technical and political groups as they argued for reform. In addition, the author explores the pension privatization movement in Latin America. References. B. Boyce

The chapter examines shifts in British employment participation for married women & couples, analyzing the influence of husbands' economic & labor status; women's life-cycle (eg, marriage, childbirth) variables since the 1960s; & employment transition patterns. Longitudinal & life-cycle data indicate a trend toward married women's labor-force polarization, with reentry into full-time work after childbirth both swifter & more likely among the highly educated. Other findings support the prevalence of assortative mating; the influence of spousal income & education on women's work transitions; & the comparative weakness of social traditionalism & strengthening of individualism in GB, as opposed to, eg, Germany. 7 Tables, 5 Figures, 1 Appendix, 22 References. K. Coddon

Offers a world-systems explanation for the postmodernist movement in contemporary culture & thought that attributes this development to the influence of the capitalist world economy. It arose in the 1970s, a time when US hegemony within the world system had started to decline & a plurality of national powers (& international rivalries) was developing. Cyclical shifts between political conflict/economic crisis & periods of imposed peace/economic expansion are analyzed using a global version of Erving Goffman's frame analysis. Assumptions underlying the postmodern frame are explicated, with emphasis on its ideological influence on hegemony & rivalry. Shifts in art that parallel these political & economic cycles are identified, identifying different movements in different countries. 22 References. K. Hyatt Stewart

Offers a world-systems explanation for the postmodernist movement in contemporary culture & thought that attributes this development to the influence of the capitalist world economy. It arose in the 1970s, a time when US hegemony within the world system had started to decline & a plurality of national powers (& international rivalries) was developing. Cyclical shifts between political conflict/economic crisis & periods of imposed peace/economic expansion are analyzed using a global version of Erving Goffman's frame analysis. Assumptions underlying the postmodern frame are explicated, with emphasis on its ideological influence on hegemony & rivalry. Shifts in art that parallel these political & economic cycles are identified, identifying different movements in different countries. 22 References. K. Hyatt Stewart

Examines Max Weber's notion of plebiscitary leadership in the context of his general political orientation. Weber's political views are described as a complicated mix of liberalism, nationalism, & realism. These views developed over time into a form of social liberalism in which he sought a balance between the hope for democracy & the requirement of order. Important to the development of this balance was the cultivation of a form of responsible leadership that balanced the necessity of controlling the bureaucratic state with need to foster charismatic leaders who were also sensitive to institutional constraints. It was in parliament, therefore, that Weber saw that the intrinsic tension between charisma & bureaucracy might be negotiated. 22 References. D. M. Ryfe

Investigates the discursive construction of indigenous populations in Mexico in 4 government texts: a 1921 speech by a majority party spokeperson; a 1935 legislative initiative concerning the creation of a Dept of Indigenous Affairs; a 1948 presidential initiative creating the present National Indigenous Instit; & a 1990 legislative initiative by President Carlos Salinas. These texts construct indigeneous peoples in a discriminatory fashion. Binaries such as culture & economics, past, & present, & celebration & deficiency are deployed to separate indigeneous peoples from the majority & justify their continued mistreatment. While often portrayed as a bedrock of the National identity of Mexico, indigenous peoples are also described as a scandal requiring constant elite surveillance. 22 References. D. M. Smith

In this examination of women's involvement in formal & informal politics, the author calls for an expansion in the range & diversity of political leaders. The author also calls for more large-scale, collaborative, & multi-method research designs. The absence of an agreed upon definition of leadership is the result of the dominance of male-defined & male-dominated environments. Since the study of women in political leadership positions is the study of a limited universe of women, generalizations are difficult. Three strains of emergent research on women in office are delineated. In addition, the author stresses the need for new research on feeder institutions & the military, the power of women in politics, policy issues that are not explicitly gender-related, & research that examines whether or not the number & proportion of women has reached, or surpassed, a "critical mass.". J. Harwell

The author presents a political analysis of violent conflict in Africa, focusing on two theoretical explanations. The first suggests that violence is part of the political & social development of a nation. The second focuses on features of modernization that might make Africa more "prone" to violence than other continents. Within this discussion the author focuses on: the nature of power in Africa, the links between politics & violence, & issues related to rationality & modernity. Adapated from the source document

In this chapter the author explores the impact of pre-emptive strategies that have emerged since 9/11 on human rights. A discussion on the history of international law & human rights is provided before the author turns to an analysis of both US & UK actions that call into question their devotion to human rights issues. Concludes by arguing that the Bush Doctrine's focus on national security & responding to threats, limited an opportunity to increase human rights around the world. D. Miller

The author analyzes US policy in the Middle East. Discussion focuses on policies addressing the Persian Gulf region, the dangers of Islamic terrorism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, & the protection of human rights. The development of current strategies, opposition to & resentment of US security policy, & the double standard apparent in many US policies are discussed. The author also addresses the consequences of American militarization, including the influx of billions of dollars in armaments into the region by the US government. J. Harwell

While the entire Andean region -- a center of continental instability & civil unrest -- is in crisis, perhaps the most catastrophic situation exists in Columbia. The author discusses the armed conflict at the heart of the crisis, analyzing the conflict from the perspectives of the state & the war itself. The author also discusses the multi-million dollars security & aid package the US gave to Columbia to combat the violence, the policies of the Clinton & George W. administrations, & post 9/11 security concerns. J. Harwell