Oil palm was brought to Malaysia from West Africa as part of British colonial agricultural development initiatives, but the refining of crude palm oil only began in the 1970s as part of the move by the Malaysian government to industrialize the country’s agrarian economy. Malaysia is the world’s second-largest producer of palm oil, after Indonesia. Both countries account for about 85 per cent of total exports. Incidentally, smallholders produce about 40 per cent of the total output of palm oil in Malaysia. The palm oil industry is mired in controversy. Global campaigns originating in Europe and the US have branded the crop the biggest cause of deforestation, with proposed bans to follow in December 2024. Certification has been proposed as the solution to address gaps in sustainability. Sabah is used as an illustrative case study of an effective approach for statewide certification using both the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) and Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) schemes.

This classic in the annals of village studies will be widely read and debated for what it reveals about China's rural dynamics as well as the nature of state power, markets, the military, social relations, and religion. Built on extraordinarily intimate and detailed research in a Sichuan village that Isabel Crook began in 1940, the book provides an unprecedented history of Chinese rural life during the war with Japan. It is an essential resource for all scholars of contemporary China.

How can a church in the richest and most powerful nation on earth respond to the needs of the poor, the hungry, and the oppressed? The authors of this book describe this issue with clarity and power, and explore the biblical perspectives that offer guidance toward a viable and more equitable future for both church and society.The authors call for a radical change in life-style based on a revolution in perspective and basic values.

Monograph describing 'prosperity plan' proposals for radical tax reform designed to encourage income redistribution without extensive controls by politicians in the USA - propounds that redistribution of real wealth is best accomplished by private sector credits at low interest rates.

What does the unification of Germany really mean? In their stimulating exploration of that question, Andrei S. Markovits and Simon Reich sketch diametrically different interpretations than are frequently offered by commentators. One is that Germany, well aware of the Holocaust, has been 'Europeanized' and is now prepared to serve as the capitalist and democratic locomotive that powers Europe. The other is that the proclivities behind Auschwitz have been suppressed rather than obliterated from the German psyche. Germany's liberal democracy was imposed by the allied victors, according to this view, and will one day dissolve, revealing the old expansionist tendencies to try to 'Germanize' all of Europe. Markovits and Reich argue that benign contemporary assessments of Germany's postwar democracy, combined with admiration for the country's economic achievements, contribute to German influence far greater than military might was able to achieve. Yet, at the same time, some Germans have internalized liberal and pacifist principles and now see their nation as powerless, simply a larger Switzerland. As a result, while the Germans have enormous influence and latitude, they have not taken responsibility for leadership. The prime reason for this gap beween ideology and structure, Markovits and Reich suggest, lies in the politics of collective memory.

The Greatest Guides to Achieving Peace & Prosperity is an unparalleled anthology that curates the wisdom of some of the most influential minds across centuries and cultures, focusing on the dual aspirations of inner harmony and worldly success. This collection spans a breathtaking array of literary styles and philosophical perspectives, reflecting each author's unique approach to the universal quests for tranquility and abundance. From the strategic rigor of Niccolò Machiavelli to the poetic musings of Kahlil Gibran, and the practical advice of Napoleon Hill, each piece serves as a standalone testament to the power of thought and intention in shaping ones fate. The anthology stands out for its inclusion of both ancient wisdom and modern thought, bridging gaps between eras and ideologies. The contributing authors and editors come from remarkably diverse backgrounds, yet all have made significant contributions to the philosophical, economic, and spiritual dialogues of their time. Collectively, their work represents significant movements such as Transcendentalism, The New Thought movement, and classical philosophy, to name a few. This array of contributors ensures a comprehensive exploration of the anthology's themes, providing readers with a rich tapestry of insights into achieving a balanced and affluent life. The Greatest Guides to Achieaching Peace & Prosperity is recommended for those who seek to navigate the complexities of life with grace and success. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with the thoughts and teachings of some of history's most profound thinkers, making it an invaluable resource for students of philosophy, history, and the human condition. This anthology not only enriches the readers intellectual landscape but also provides practical advice and timeless wisdom for cultivating a life of fulfillment and prosperity. It is a must-read for anyone aspiring to understand the intricate balance between external success and internal peace.