Do societal inequalities limit the effectiveness of democratic regimes? And if so, why? And how? Addressing this question, Bernd Reiter focuses on the role of societal dynamics in undermining democracy in Brazil. Reiter explores the ways in which race, class, and gender in Brazil structure a society that is deeply divided between the included and the excluded—and where much of the    More >

How did the European Union come to be the global leader in setting data privacy standards? And what is the significance of this development? Dorothee Heisenberg traces the origins of the stringent EU privacy laws, the responses of the United States and other governments, and the reactions and concerns of a range of interest groups. Analyzing the negotiation of the original 1995 EU Data Protection    More >

Why do national patterns of Internet expansion differ so greatly throughout Africa? To what extent do politics trump technology? Who are the "information champions" in the various African states? Addressing these and related questions, Negotiating the Net in Africa explores the politics, economics, and technology of Internet diffusion across the continent.   The "Negotiating    More >

Enthusiastically embraced by African presidents, G-7 leaders, and the UN General Assembly alike, the New Partnership for Africa's Development has been advanced as the vehicle that will vitalize the continent's economies. Ian Taylor critically explores just what Nepad is, and what potential it has—or lacks—for promoting African development.    More >

The culmination of decades of work on hip hop culture and activism, Neva Again weaves together the many varied and rich voices of the dynamic South African hip hop scene. The contributors—including scholars, activists, and the artists themselves—present a powerful reflection of the potential of youth art, culture, music, language, and identities to shape both politics and world views.    More >

Why did New York City, the largest center of Jewish culture and home to more survivors than any other city in the United States, take more than half a century to finalize plans for its Holocaust memorial? Rochelle Saidel offers a detailed analysis of how local power brokers, real estate developers, major political players, and various groups within the national Jewish community      More >

Emerging and midcareer scholars from across Africa explore the complexities of peace and development on the continent, providing insights and actionable strategies for lasting stability and prosperity.    More >

In New African Thinkers, young scholars from across Africa discuss their vision for the social, political, and economic future of their continent. A unifying element running throughout their work is the argument that culture—defined broadly as a way of life, system of values and controls, and modes of practice and expression—lies at the heart of a reimagined Africa: a place of    More >

Emerging scholars from across Africa focus on the multiple innovative ways through which Africa has been confronting challenges. The chapters cover peace and security including democracy and governance, gender and global change, development for the people, as well as science and technology. The book grew out of the Ninth African Young Graduates and Scholars conference which is rooted in the    More >

How do US immigrants, who settle in places with varied political and social characteristics, find a place at the table in local politics? In particular, how do arrivals to smaller, less-established immigrant communities become politically incorporated? Drawing on rich interview data and cases from across the United States, Kristi Andersen compares communities to reveal what types of environments    More >