Suchergebnisse

Cluster analysis is used to explore the performance of key macroeconomic variables in European countries that share the euro, from the inception of the currency in 2002 through to 2013. An original applied statistical approach searches for a pattern synthesis across a matrix of macroeconomic data to examine if there is evidence for country clusters and whether there is convergence of the cluster patterns over time. A number of different clusters appear and these change over time as the economies of the member states dynamically interact. This includes some new countries joining the currency during the period of examination. As found in previous research, Southern European countries tend to remain separate from other countries. The new methods used, however, add to an understanding of some differences between Southern European countries, in addition to replicating their broad similarities. Hypotheses are formed about the country clusters existing in 2002, 2006 and 2013, at key points in time of the euro integration process. These hypotheses are tested using the rigour of a bivariate analysis and the multivariate method of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). The results confirm the hypotheses of cluster memberships in all three periods. The confirmation analysis provides evidence about which variables are most influencing cluster memberships at each time point. In 2002 and 2006, differences between countries are influenced by their different Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) and labour productivity scores. In 2013, after the crisis, there is a noticeable change. Long term interest rates and gross government debt become key determinants of differences, in addition to the continuing influence of labour productivity. The paper concludes that in the last decade the convergence of countries sharing the euro has been limited, by the joining of new countries and the circumstances of the global economic crisis. The financial crisis has driven divergences from pre-existing integration. Country convergence needs to be understood as a dynamic and multivariate concept. This is a significant development of convergence theory and is an addition to how the concept has been understood previously.

Cluster analysis is used to explore the performance of key macroeconomic variables in European countries that share the euro, from the inception of the currency in 2002 through to 2013. An original applied statistical approach searches for a pattern synthesis across a matrix of macroeconomic data to examine if there is evidence for country clusters and whether there is convergence of the cluster patterns over time. A number of different clusters appear and these change over time as the economies of the member states dynamically interact. This includes some new countries joining the currency during the period of examination. As found in previous research, Southern European countries tend to remain separate from other countries. The new methods used, however, add to an understanding of some differences between Southern European countries, in addition to replicating their broad similarities. Hypotheses are formed about the country clusters existing in 2002, 2006 and 2013, at key points in time of the euro integration process. These hypotheses are tested using the rigour of a bivariate analysis and the multivariate method of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). The results confirm the hypotheses of cluster memberships in all three periods. The confirmation analysis provides evidence about which variables are most influencing cluster memberships at each time point. In 2002 and 2006, differences between countries are influenced by their different Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) and labour productivity scores. In 2013, after the crisis, there is a noticeable change. Long term interest rates and gross government debt become key determinants of differences, in addition to the continuing influence of labour productivity. The paper concludes that in the last decade the convergence of countries sharing the euro has been limited, by the joining of new countries and the circumstances of the global economic crisis. The financial crisis has driven divergences from pre-existing integration. Country convergence needs to be understood as a dynamic and multivariate concept. This is a significant development of convergence theory and is an addition to how the concept has been understood previously.

"Has anyone ever told you that the world isn't fair? Have you ever wondered if you could do something about that? This informative guide highlights principles of social justice, showcasing those who are working for fairness in society and how they do so. Understandable text explains social justice campaigns throughout U.S. history and how their leaders work for equal rights, opportunities, and treatment for all. Photographs make history come to life, and intriguing details show readers how they can make a difference too"--

"Mari Copeny, also known as Little Miss Flint, was just 8 years old when she used her voice to achieve change for people in need. She wrote a letter to President Obama explaining the water crisis facing the people of Flint, Michigan. Many other youthful activists like Copeny are using their voices to seek change in other areas, such as fighting global warming, racial inequalities, immigration issues, and much more. The text in this guide was expertly crafted to teach young readers about topics facing them today and encourages them to use their voices to achieve social justice, just like Little Miss Flint!"--

Introduction : religion and politics in an era of uncertainty / Jeffrey Haynes -- Buddhism and politics / Peter Friedlander -- Conservative Protestant political opinion : a comparative perspective / Dennis R. Hoover and Ruth Melkonian-Hoover -- The Catholic Church and Catholicism in global politics / Allen D. Hertzke -- Confucianism : classical, neo- and "new" / Michael D. Barr -- Hindu nationalism and politics in India / Shylashri Shankar -- Sunni Islam and Islamism / Gudrun Krämer -- Shia Islam and politics / Jon Armajani -- Religion and politics in Israel : boundaries and values / Hayim Katsman and Guy Ben-Porat -- The politics of international religious freedom / Elizabeth Shakman Hurd -- Religion on the battlefield / Ron E. Hassner -- Right-wing populism and religion in comparative perspective / Jeffrey Haynes -- Religion and political parties / Luca Ozzano -- Religion, politics and civil society / Jeffrey Haynes -- What is exceptional about religion? : major debates in international relations, Islamism studies and peace and conflict research / Mona Kanwal Sheikh, Morten Valbjørn and Dino Krause -- Religion and anti-immigration parties in the West : identitarian Christianism and exclusivist secularism / Tobias Cremer -- The neglected interactions of religion and nation and how they shape politicization of religion / Jocelyne Cesari -- The interplay among religion, politics and law in Europe : new challenges and future trajectories / Adelaide Madera -- May I have a word with you? : global patterns of restrictions on proselytizing / Jonathan Fox -- (Secular) humanism and politics / Stefan Schröder -- Postsecularism and international relations / Luca Mavelli and Erin K. Wilson -- Integrating religion into international relations theory / Nukhet Sandal and Jonathan Fox -- Religion and foreign policy / Nukhet Sandal -- Transnational religious actors and international relations / Giorgio Shani -- Fighting the fossil-fuel pharaoh : American Jews and climate action / David Krantz -- The ambivalence of religious soft power / Ahmet Erdi Öztürk -- When political religion is a 'good thing'? : feminist storytelling around less-heard understandings of 'political religion' / Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor -- Faith-based organisations and development / Emma Tomalin -- Religious terrorism in global politics / Mark Juergensmeyer -- Religious peacebuilding / Atalia Omer and Joram Tarusarira.

"This third edition of the successful Routledge Handbook of Religion and Politics provides a definitive global survey of the interaction of religion and politics. From the United States to the Middle East, from Asia to Africa, and beyond, religion continues to be an important factor in political activity and organisation. Featuring contributions from an international team of experts, this volume examines the political aspects of the world's major religions, including crucial contemporary issues such as religion and climate change, religion and migration, and religion and war. Each chapter has been updated to reflect the latest developments and thinking in the field, and the handbook also includes new chapters on topics such as religious freedom, religion and populism, proselytizing, humanism and politics, and religious soft power. The four main themes addressed are: World religions and politics Religion and governance Religion and international relations Religion, security and development References at the end of each chapter guide the reader towards the most up-to-date information on these key topics. This book is an indispensable source of information for students, academics, and the wider public interested in the dynamic relationship between politics and religion"--

"This book analyses Flight-Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings' plans for radical democratisation in Ghana, involving ordinary people directly in the country's political and economic decision-making processes. Rawlings came to power in Ghana in late 1981 determined to restructure the characteristics of Ghana's political and economic systems. Despite Rawlings' aim to bring ordinary Ghanaians into the decision-making process, his regime was still heavily dependent on the support of the military and attempts at direct democracy ultimately ended in failure. Outside analysts have viewed his plans as one of Africa's most draconian economic reform programmes. The book traces this turbulent period of Ghana's history, showing Rawlings' development from a fiery revolutionary to a democracy-supporting politician adept at winning elections. It investigates how, despite frequent coup attempts and the loss of most of its original civilian support base, the regime was able to remain in power, overseeing a halt to economic decline and a return to growth. Building on over thirty years of research, including contemporaneous interviews conducted by the author during Ghana's 'revolutionary' period, this book will be of interest to researchers of African history and politics"--

"This third edition of the successful Routledge Handbook of Religion and Politics provides a definitive global survey of the interaction of religion and politics. From the United States to the Middle East, from Asia to Africa, and beyond, religion continues to be an important factor in political activity and organisation. Featuring contributions from an international team of experts, this volume examines the political aspects of the world's major religions, including crucial contemporary issues such as religion and climate change, religion and migration, and religion and war. Each chapter has been updated to reflect the latest developments and thinking in the field, and the handbook also includes new chapters on topics such as religious freedom, religion and populism, proselytizing, humanism and politics, and religious soft power. The four main themes addressed are: World religions and politics Religion and governance Religion and international relations Religion, security and development References at the end of each chapter guide the reader towards the most up-to-date information on these key topics. This book is an indispensable source of information for students, academics, and the wider public interested in the dynamic relationship between politics and religion"--

"This book analyses Flight-Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings' plans for radical democratisation in Ghana, involving ordinary people directly in the country's political and economic decision-making processes. Rawlings came to power in Ghana in late 1981 determined to restructure the characteristics of Ghana's political and economic systems. Despite Rawlings' aim to bring ordinary Ghanaians into the decision-making process, his regime was still heavily dependent on the support of the military and attempts at direct democracy ultimately ended in failure. Outside analysts have viewed his plans as one of Africa's most draconian economic reform programmes. The book traces this turbulent period of Ghana's history, showing Rawlings' development from a fiery revolutionary to a democracy-supporting politician adept at winning elections. It investigates how, despite frequent coup attempts and the loss of most of its original civilian support base, the regime was able to remain in power, overseeing a halt to economic decline and a return to growth. Building on over thirty years of research, including contemporaneous interviews conducted by the author during Ghana's 'revolutionary' period, this book will be of interest to researchers of African history and politics"--