Author: Charles King File Type: pdf Why do some violent conflicts endure across the centuries, while others become dimly remembered ancient struggles among forgotten peoples? Is nationalism really the powerful force that it appeared to be in the 1990s? This wide-ranging work examines the conceptual intersection of nationalist ideology, social violence, and the political transformation of Europe and Eurasia over the last two decades. The end of communism seemed to usher in a period of radical change-an era of extreme politics that pitted nations, ethnic groups, and violent entrepreneurs against one another, from the wars in the Balkans and Caucasus to the apparent upsurge in nationalist mobilization throughout the region. But the last twenty years have also illustrated the incredible diversity of political life after the end of one-party rule. Extreme Politics engages with themes from the micropolitics of social violence, to the history of nationalism studies, to the nature of demographic change in Eurasia. Published twenty years since the collapse of communism, Extreme Politics charts the end of Eastern Europe as a place and chronicles the ongoing revolution in the scholarly study of the post-communist world.ReviewKings treatment of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and the disintegration of the Soviet Union is thoughtful--Foreign AffairsA breathtaking and almost encyclopaedic review of the literature on nationalism, social violence, and the particularities of Eastern Europe in relation to those issues...In addition to the extensive literature review, the book provides solid foundations for the study of the role of institutions, political entrepreneurs and other micro-social categories in triggering violence...the book will appeal not only to academics, but also to practitioners, policy-makers and general readers interested in these topics.--INternational AffairsCharles Kings book is primarily aimed at an academic audience, for whom this is clearly a must read. But there are so many worthwhile insights that even the lay reader interested in what has been going on in this fascinating part of the world will gain much of benefit as well.--Israel Journal of Foreign AffairsIn this elegantly written collection of essays, Charles King offers a knowledgeable and intelligent excursion through the politics of nationalism, violence, post-communism, and the relationship between historical analysis and social scientific inquiry. King has given us not only a creative theoretical synthesis of the scholarship in these fields, but also fresh insight into the dynamics of politics and identities in a rapidly changing region of the world.--Mark Beissinger, Professor of Politics, Princeton UniversityWith a steady hand, sharp style, and deep insight, Charles King revisits postcommunist Europe and Eurasia to explore when, why, and how nationalism turns violent. A superb demonstration and a welcome reminder of the benefits gained from a serious and deep engagement with context and history.--Stathis Kalyvas, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Program on Order, Conflict, and Violence, Yale UniversityAbout the AuthorCharles King is Professor of International Affairs and Government in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. A native of the Ozark hill country, he was educated at the University of Arkansas and Oxford University. He is the author of The Ghost of Freedom A History of the Caucasus and The Black Sea A History, both published by Oxford University Press, as well as articles in Foreign Affairs, The Times Literary Supplement, and other publications.

Author: Patti M. Valkenburg File Type: pdf An illuminating study of the complex relationship between children and media in the digital age Now, as never before, young people are surrounded by mediathanks to the sophistication and portability of the technology that puts it literally in the palms of their hands. Drawing on data and empirical research that cross many fields and continents, authors Valkenburg and Piotrowski examine the role of media in the lives of children from birth through adolescence, addressing the complex issues of how media affect the young and what adults can do to encourage responsible use in an age of selfies, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. This important study looks at both the sunny and the dark side of media use by todays youth, including why and how their preferences change throughout childhood, whether digital gaming is harmful or helpful, the effects of placing tablets and smartphones in the hands of toddlers, the susceptibility of young people to online advertising, the legitimacy of parental concerns about media multitasking, and more. **Review Patti Valkenburg is a prominent scholar of media and children and one of the most prolific scholars of communication globally. Jessica Taylor Piotrowski is a rising star in our field and one of the leading scholars of the upcoming generation. Together, these two are a powerhouse.Dafna Lemish, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (Dafna Lemish) Screen media are among the most pervasive influences in the lives of infants, children, and adolescents. A cutting-edge and forward-thinking book of this sort is greatly needed.Heather Kirkorian, University of Wisconsin-Madison (Heather Kirkorian) This carefully researched and deeply insightful book offers new perspectives on the role of media in the lives of children and adolescents.Amy B. Jordan, The Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania (Amy B. Jordan) This essential book combines history with analysis to offer a roadmap on children and media research. It provides a launch pad for scholars and an accessible read to all.David Kleeman, Dubit Limited (David Kleeman) Ambitious and comprehensive, this excellent book offers a compelling and readable overview of the relationship between young people and the media, informed by diverse theoretical perspectives and a wealth of empirical research. Professors Valkenburg and Piotrowski admirably cover the full spectrum of age groups and a broad range of key issues that are of primary concern to parents, educators, practitioners and indeed, young people themselves.Sun Sun Lim, Singapore University of Technology and Design (Sun Sun Lim) About the Author Patti M. Valkenburg is a university distinguished professor of media, youth, and society at the University of Amsterdam. Jessica Taylor Piotrowski is associate professor of youth and media entertainment at the University of Amsterdam.