This book explores the transformation of the political organization of the world as manifest in different spheres of world politics, in particular, in world politics, regional studies, interaction of MNCs and government agencies, and state responses to biogenic challenges. To achieve this goal, M. Lebedeva proposes the concept of a political organization of the world, which in modern conditions is in the process of transformation. The transformation of the political organization of the world is accompanied by megatrends (globalization, integration, democratization) and the opposite trends (de-globalization disintegration, dedemocratization). Interdisciplinary in nature, this book brings together scholars from Russia, the United States, and Canada, and provides a compelling perspective on the geopolitics of our time.

From the Irish Cailleach and other shape-shifters of folk legends to modern movie “transformers”; from Ovid’s Metamorphoses to the moment when Gregor Samsa woke up one morning to find himself transformed into an insect in Kafka’s novella; from conversion narratives to slave narratives, turning points and transformations have always been central to literary works and to cultural developments. In fact, with Freytag’s pyramid in mind, one could claim that all literary works focus on the trope of a transformation born of a turning point, because such moments comprise the very essence and vitality of human life and culture. But why are turning points necessarily transformational and in what way? And what brings about those turning points in language, literature, culture and human lives? These are essentially the questions the essays in this volume seek to answer. The contributors examine turning points and transformations – personal, literary and cultural – brought about through the randomness of the universe as well as through human interference, and discuss ways in which humans in general and writers in particular, through their art, experience and cope with the ineluctable results.

Turning Points: Challenges for Western Democracies in the 21st Century centers around the strikingly under-researched concept of turning points and its application in political science, including various theories, fields, and sub-disciplines. The chapters provide theoretical discussion and conceptual clarity by distinguishing a set of turning points at different analytical levels. Based on a wide range of case studies, the authors illustrate where, when and how different types of turning points occur (or not) against the backdrop of current challenges in and for Western democracies. The conceptual and empirical variety of the volume allows scholars and practitioners in policymaking to develop and apply their own frameworks when dealing with turning point dynamics.

The New York Times–bestselling author of The Wisdom Codes bridges science with wisdom traditions around the globe to reveal how we can thrive in our rapidly changing world. We solve our problems based upon the way we think of ourselves and the world. From peak energy and peak debt to failing economies and the realities of climate change, everyday life is showing us where we’ve outgrown the thinking of the past. It’s also showing us where big changes in the world mean big changes in our lives. Through dramatic shifts in our jobs, our relationship to money, our health, and even our homes, it’s clear that our lives are changing in ways we’ve never seen, to a degree that we’re not prepared for, and at speeds that we’ve never experienced. It’s also clear that the thinking of the past is no longer enough to meet our needs today. A new, healthy, and sustainable world is emerging, and our ability to accept what it offers begins with our willingness to: • Honestly acknowledge the facts of what we’re up against. • Embrace the new discoveries that reveal the role of cooperation in nature and human communities. • Create resilience in our lives, families, and communities based upon five proven and sustainable principles. Through easy-to-understand science and the wisdom traditions of the past, The Turning Point identifies the extremes in the world that are reshaping our lives, the keys to thrive in the midst of the transformation, and the strategies to get us there.

A return to Seagull's Perch is the last thing Angelique intended to do, but the request from her great-great-grandmother to be there to celebrate her 105th birthday could not be ignored. Arriving home with her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, she's faced with her mother, whom she hasn't spoken to in three years. Also entering back into her life is her ex-fianc seeking forgiveness and to become a part of her and her daughter's life. Angelique seeks to reconcile the past so she can move forward with her future. Her great-great-grandmother is aware that for her time is running out. The family all gather to listen to Varvara telling her story. She delivers a colorful history of events that spans over ten decades. Beginning with her birth in Russia, to her life on an estate in France, and finally to the present, living on the shores of Rhode Island. Turning Point is an intimate look into one woman's life. A compelling tale of love, loss, joy, and sorrow. Through her faith and courage she overcomes many obstacles. In the end, this strong and courageous woman's love bonds five generations of family together.

This book shows how the political, economic, military and cultural revolutions of the nineteenth century shaped modern international relations.

Don’t be a minor character in life’s story...be your own hero! Our world is changing at a faster pace than ever before. New technologies, global communications, diverse populations and shifting expectations drive the changes that impact our daily lives. This rapid rate of change leaves many of us feeling uncertain, overwhelmed and confused. Many have choices; yet we lack a systematic and conscious approach to make the important kinds of quality of life decisions we face in this changing world. Often bouncing from one turning point to another without any sense of control; when we finally stop for a moment and think about life, we long for meaning. Turning Points offers a systematic approach to understand our life themes, take control of the next chapter, and be the hero of our story. Turning Points will help you identify your qualities, interests, experiences, successes, dreams and values so you can better understand and anticipate change. Taking the time to review these aspects of your self helps bring the important things to consciousness. This in turn can lead you to a life plan that will satisfy you and give your life meaning and purpose. Personal discovery will empower you to navigate your life transitions. You will develop a mission and context for the many decisions you make as you navigate your turning points. Be the hero of your own life story. Take control of your Turning Points.

After directing the organization NGOabroad: International Careers and Volunteering for 20 years, the author wrote this guidebook to help both prospective and active social and humanitarian workers pursue their careers in international development. She has witnessed many individuals miss international job opportunities because they lack knowledge of the realities on the ground or the requisite skills. This practical book fills in the gaps. Chapters detail the common problems of global poverty and injustice and instruct on community-building as a means of creating lasting change. The book is designed for those who wish to work or volunteer abroad in nursing, public health, engineering, education, entrepreneurship, environmental work, women's empowerment and other fields.

In response to a growing sense of dissatisfaction with the state of the world and the state of international relations research, Professor Kim has taken an alternative approach to the study of contemporary world politics. Specifically, he has adopted and expanded the cross-cultural, interdisciplinary, and transnational approach developed by the World Order Models Project (WOMP), an enterprise committed to the realization of peace, economic equality and well-being, social justice, and ecological balance. Systemic in scope and interdisciplinary in methodology, The Quest for a Just World Order explains and projects the issues, patterns, and trends of world politics, giving special attention to the attitudinal, normative, behavioral, and institutional problems involved in the politics of system transformation. Professor Kim also attempts to remedy a number of problematic features of traditional approaches, including a value-neutral orientation; fragmentation and overspecialization; overemphasis on national actors, the superpowers, and stability; and the Hobbesian image of world politics. Part 1 presents a conceptual framework for developing a normative theory of world order. Each of the four chapters in Part 2 examines a specific global crisis in depth, working within the framework laid out in Part 1. In Part 3 a variety of desirable and feasible transition strategies are proposed, and Professor Kim assesses the prospects for achieving a just and humane world order system by the end of this century.