This major text has been thoroughly revised and updated for the second edition. It sheds new light on the changing roles of the state in Europe and the European Union. After introducing conceptions of the state, bureaucracy, interest groups, patronage and political currents within Europe, Michael Keating focuses on the five major European democracies - the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany and Spain. In each case, state and government as well as parties and elections, policymaking and territorial policies are investigated. Key new issues affecting the whole of Europe are discussed including: * the effects of and prospects for European Integration and the single currency * the end of the Cold War and its effect both on the boundaries of Europe and the internal politics of the countries of western Europe * the debate centred on the retreat or strengthening of the state; the market versus politics in the age of globalization * the consequences of increasing multiculturalism on the political order in nation states Clear, concise and thought-provoking, The Politics of Modern Europe provides an excellent resource for students of European studies and the politics of Europe.

For the last thirty years Somalia has experienced violence and upheaval. Today, the international effort to help Somalis build a federal state and achieve stability is challenged by deep-rooted grievances, local conflicts and a powerful insurgency led by Al-Shabaab. Consisting of forty-four chapters by conflict resolution specialists and the world's leading experts on Somalia, this volume constitutes a unique compendium of insights into the insurgency and its impact. War and Peace in Somalia explores the legacies of past violence, especially impunity, illegitimacy and exclusion, and the need for national reconciliation. Drawing on decades of experience and months of field research, the contributors throw light on diverse forms of local conflict, its interrelated causes, and what can be done about it. They share original research on the role of women, men and youth in the conflict, and present new insight into Al-Shabaab--particularly the group's multi-dimensional strategy, the motivations of its fighters, their foreign links, and the prospects for engagement. This ground-breaking volume illuminates the war in Somalia, and sets out what can and should be done to bring it to an end. For policymakers and researchers covering Somalia, East Africa, extremism or conflict resolution, this is a must-read.

Regions are increasingly recognised as a key aspect of economic change in Europe, not merely as geographic spaces but also as social systems. Their history, culture, institutions and patterns of leadership mould the way in which they adapt to European and global competitive challenges. This book reviews the debate surrounding the construction of regions and presents eight case studies to illustrate how they are shaped and reshaped in a variety of different ways. The authors find that while some regions exhibit common patterns, there are significant variations, indicating that there is no definitive model of regional development. This book offers a systematic comparison of eight distinct regions and stateless nations, each with its own historical identity, but which is constantly being rebuilt in changing economic and political conditions. Avoiding economic or cultural determinism, the authors show how region-builders can shape their own responses to global challenges to produce models of development reflecting differing understandings and social compromises. Culture, Institutions and Economic Development will be warmly welcomed by academics within the fields of regional studies, European studies and political science.

Regions are increasingly recognised as a key aspect of economic change in Europe, not merely as geographic spaces but also as social systems. Their history, culture, institutions and patterns of leadership mould the way in which they adapt to European and global competitive challenges. This book reviews the debate surrounding the construction of regions and presents eight case studies to illustrate how they are shaped and reshaped in a variety of different ways. The authors find that while some regions exhibit common patterns, there are significant variations, indicating that there is no definitive model of regional development. This book offers a systematic comparison of eight distinct regions and stateless nations, each with its own historical identity, but which is constantly being rebuilt in changing economic and political conditions. Avoiding economic or cultural determinism, the authors show how region-builders can shape their own responses to global challenges to produce models of development reflecting differing understandings and social compromises. Culture, Institutions and Economic Development will be warmly welcomed by academics within the fields of regional studies, European studies and political science.

Four brand-new full-cast Blake's 7 adventures set during the TV series' third season, following directly on from events in Restoration Part Two. 5.9 PARASITE by TREVOR BAXENDALE. Avon is missing, and Zen has taken control of the Liberator-but can the rest of the crew trust Selene's offer to help, and what is the secret of the doomed planet Tronis? 5.10 FAILSAFE by STEVE LYONS. General Enton Mordekain is trapped underground, badly injured, with no memory of how he came to be here - and he's manacled to his worst enemy, Del Tarrant. He has to work out who he can trust - and fast. 5.11 REUNION by DAVID BRYHER. A secret lies buried on the prison planet Cygnus Alpha. The Quonar parasite wants it - and so does Zeera Vos. With the Liberator crew caught in the crossfire, Vila and Zeera must face the past if they have any hope of getting out alive...5.12 IMPERIUM by TREVOR BAXENDALE Fighting to save Zen -and prevent the President regaining total control -the crew of the Liberator must rescue Alta-One, the last survivor of the System, and discover the ultimate fate of Avon.This release also includes an additional BEHIND-THE-SCENES CD featuring exclusive interviews with the cast and crew who discuss the making of Restoration - Part Three.Cast: Paul Darrow (Kerr Avon), Michael Keating (Vila Restal), Jan Chappell (Cally), Steven Pacey (Del Tarrant), Yasmin Bannerman (Dayna Mellanby), Alistair Lock (Zen/Orac), Rebecca Crankshaw (Zeera), Evie Dawnay (Selene Shan), Hugh Fraser (The President), John Green (General Mordekain), Trevor Littledale (Valren), Becky Wright (Zoraya).

On 18 September 2014, Scotland held a referendum on the question: Should Scotland be an independent country? This is a most unusual event in modern democracies and engaged the political class, civil society, and the general public to an unprecedented degree, leading to an 85 per cent turnout in the final vote. This was an occasion to debate not just the narrow constitutional issue but the future of the nation, including the economy, social welfare, defence and security, and Scotland's place in Europe and the world. Debating Scotland comes from a team of researchers who observed the debates from close-up and engaged with both sides, with the media and with the public in analyzing the issues, while remaining neutral on the independence question. The book examines the main issues at stake, how they were presented, and how they evolved over the course of the campaign. The editors and contributing authors explore the ways both independence and union were framed, the economic issues, the currency, welfare, defence and security, the European Union, and how the example of small independent states was used. The volume concludes with an analysis of voter responses, based upon original survey research, which demonstrates how perceptions of risk and uncertainty on the main issues played a key role in the outcome.

A brand new two-hour drama celebrating the 40th anniversary of Terry Nation's classic Blake's 7 series. The Way Ahead - by Mark Wright Part 1: Project Aquitar, Part 2: Dissent. Roj Blake. Kerr Avon. Names that sent shockwaves through the galaxy, shattering the foundations of the Terran Federation and giving hope to the oppressed. But what is their legacy? Crusading heroes or dangerous enemies of the state? In the early days of Blake's rebellion, the Liberator comes to Malanar Delta to aid resistance leader Avalon, but the crew find Space Commander Travis and his Federation forces waiting. An abandoned Federation research project could give Travis the key to finally bringing Blake to justice. Years later, in the aftermath of the Galactic War, Avon and the Liberator crew fight to survive as new battle lines are drawn and alliances forged by President Servalan. Will survival be enough when a symbol of hope is turned into a devastating engine of war? Blake's 7 proves to be one of Big Finish's most popular ranges, with fans of the original late 1970s BBC1 series enjoying many of the TV actors returning to their roles. This set marks the 40th anniversary of this hugely popular and influential British cult Sci -Fi series screening on BBC1 in 1978. The story is set in the past, present and future of the TV series, and includes Glynis Barber (who originally played gunfighter Soolin) back with the franchise for the first time since the series' dramatic finale. Yasmin Bannerman (Doctor Who, Merseybeat) has been cast as Dayna Mellanby, a character originally played by Josette Simon. CAST: Paul Darrow (Kerr Avon), Michael Keating (Vila Restal), Jan Chappell (Cally), Steven Pacey (Del Tarrant), Jacqueline Pearce (Servalan), Yasmin Bannerman (Dayna Mellanby), Alistair Lock (Zen / Orac), Sally Knyvette (Jenna Stannis), Stephen Greif (Travis), Olivia Poulet (Avalon), Kate Brown (Cassandra), Glynis Barber (Magda), Sam Woodward (Sheltak / Freighter Captain), Catherine Bailey (Mutoid / Captain), Fanos Xenofos (Interceptor Commander/ Trooper).

In the 1990s, the states of Western Europe faced twin challenges, from above in the shape of globalization and European integration, and from below in the form of new regionalist movements. In this authoritative book, Michael Keating traces the historical origins of regionalism, showing that territorial politics has always been a feature of the West European state. Then he analyses the post-war model of territorial management in the Keynesian welfare state, and shows how current trends are re-shaping the meaning of political space and encouraging new forms of political mobilization and action. This new regionalism is no longer contained within the nation state so that regions must face the global market and an integrating Europe directly. Professor Keating argues that regionalism is a complex phenomenon, spanning culture, economics, politics and policy. It takes different forms in different settings, shaped by the imperatives of economic competition in a global age, as well as by political forces within the regions themselves. There is a discussion of regionalism as a strategy for economic development, of the emergence of a regional level of government and of regions with the European Union. The New Regionalism in Western Europe will be essential reading for academics and students interested in European politics, future integration within the European Union and European political history.

An alien fleet stands poised to invade Federation space. The only vessel available to hold it back is the Liberator, commanded by Roj Blake and his crew. As an intergalactic war breaks out, old enemies become allies, and friends will become separated. And Blake will be forced to leave behind all that matters to him.

Another adventure for everyone's favourite time traveller. The vast majority of the population labour in an underground city, crippled by the taxes imposed on them by the autocratic Company. It isn't long before the Doctor is siding with the underground rebel movement, but the need to overthrow the corrupt rulers takes on a new urgency when Leela is captured and sentenced to death by their leader, the sinister Collector...

The supply and demand of energy, its security and environmental sustainability are increasingly central issues in the contemporary world. This broad-ranging new text provides an international and interdisciplinary introduction to today's political, economic, security, policy and technological challenges set in a clear historical context.

Hoosiers have always loved basketball! Long before Larry Bird carried Indiana State University to the 1979 NCAA National Championship or Bobby Knight walked the sidelines at Indiana University, basketball fostered community identity across the Hoosier state. From Indiana's tiniest towns to its biggest cities, high school basketball is a source of pride, unifying communities with different races, religions, and social and economic status. First drawn simply to documenting the architecture of Indiana's high school buildings and basketball courts, Chris Smith and Michael Keating quickly discovered that the real story was about more than just brick and mortar, maple and shellac. Told repeatedly by locals how important these places were to their communities, they began to embrace the "game on Saturday, church on Sunday" mantra that is found in many towns through Indiana, watching countless hours of basketball and becoming a part of the Hoosier tradition themselves. With over 150 color photographs and unforgettable stories from high school basketball and beyond, Chasing Indiana's Game: The Hoosier Hardwood Project is a tribute to the Hoosier state and all who love basketball.

The entire second season of the 1970s BBC sci-fi series. 'Redemption' sees Orac's prediction of the Liberator's destruction looking likely to be fulfilled when the ship's original owners arrive and take the rebels prisoner. In 'Shadow', Blake becomes involved with an interplanetary crime syndicate. 'Weapon' sees Blake and crew set out to steal a deadly 'delayed-effect' gun, which Servalan also wishes to possess. In 'Horizon', the Liberator heads for the edge of the Galaxy, only to be taken prisoner on the planet Horizon. 'Pressure Point' sees Blake attempting to destroy the Federation's control centre, only to walk into a trap set by Travis. In 'Trial', Travis is made a scapegoat by Servalan for their failure to capture Blake. 'Killer' sees Blake and his crew stumbling upon a derelict spaceship whilst on a mission to crack the Federation's new transmission code. The craft houses a deadly plague which could threaten the existence of the entire universe. In 'Hostage', Travis tries to trap Blake by kidnapping his cousin, Inga. 'Countdown' sees Blake and crew coming to the aid of the planet Albian, whose population are dying from radiation poisoning. In 'Voice from the Past', a telepathic signal forces Blake to reroute the Liberator to an asteroid where Travis lies in wait. Whilst 'Gambit' sees Blake, Cally and Jenna visit a gambling world to find the man who knows the location of the Federation's Star One. Avon and Villa, meanwhile, choose to take Orac on an illicit gambling spree. In 'The Keeper', Blake tries to obtain the key to Star One from a tribal chief on the planet Goth. However, Travis has beaten him to it. Finally, 'Star One' sees Blake at last launch his attack on the Federation's headquarters, unaware that an alien fleet is poised to invade.

Four new brand-new full-cast Blake's 7 adventures set during the TV series' third season, following directly on from events in Restoration Part One. The battle-damaged Liberator is a doomed ship, and Avon must resort to desperate measures to effect repairs. Meanwhile, the new President has ambitious plans to restore the Federation and extend his ruthless control of thousands of worlds. 5.5 The New Age by Mark Wright. The dying Liberator arrives in orbit of Eldoran, a world Avon believes could offer respite from their current trials. All that stands in the way is a primitive society, a charismatic leader and the fracture lines threatening to destroy the crew from within. 5.6 Happy Ever After by Steve Lyons. The people of Zareen have seen the future. Their queen will be married to a handsome stranger, and they will enjoy a blissful life together. So, how can Tarrant possibly refuse...? 5.7 Siren by Sophia McDougall. In the wreckage of a ruined world, Dayna and Cally encounter Mida and Veskar, who must escape the attention of those who once ruled them. Although defeated, the System still seeks to take control. 5.8 Hyperion by Trevor Baxendale. Avon must convince the mysterious Selene to reveal the secret of Yyperion and save the Liberator - but the Federation is closing in on the crew, and what Selene knows could change everything...CAST: Paul Darrow (Kerr Avon), Michael Keating (Vila Restal), Jan Chappell (Cally), Steven Pacey (Del Tarrant), Yasmin Bannerman (Dayna Mellanby), Alistair Lock (Zen/Orac), Catherine Bailey (Mida), Heather Bleasdale (Illyne), Sophie Bleasdale (Alta Nine), Lisa Bond (Queen Janylle), Phillipe Bosher (Veskar), Cliff Chapman (Tyrric), Evie Dawnay (Selene Shan),Richard Keith (Remek), Dawn Murphy (Karna), Vincenzo Nicoli (Sherna), Carolyn Pickles (Vulkris), Richard Reed (Krent), Ruth Sillers (Alta Ten).

Four new brand-new full-cast Blake's 7 adventures set during the TV series' third season. 9. Ministry of Truth by Una McCormack. In a special facility, the Federation propagandists are hard at work. When first Zeera Vos, and then the Liberator crew arrive, their work is disrupted, and a traitor, it seems, has been busy in their midst. 10. Refuge by Trevor Baxendale. The Federation is in turmoil. The war is raging out of control. It's time for Avon and his crew to pick a side - but when the Liberator finds a ship full of refugees, they realise that nothing can ever be that simple...11. Kith and Kin by Christopher Cooper. The planet Corrolos is a safe haven for ex-oligarchs and retired royalty. So why is Tarrant insistent on going there, and what was the last wish of his dead brother, Deeta? 12. Death of Empire by Steve Lyons. Servalan is Supreme Empress of the Galaxy - but the man whose throne she usurped wants it back. The final battle of the Civil War begins - and it's time for the Liberator crew to take a stand. Blake's 7 proves to be one of Big Finish's most popular ranges, with fans of the original late 1970s BBC1 series enjoying many of the TV actors returning to their roles. This set comprises the third run of four tales in a fourth series of full-cast Blake's 7adventures from Big Finish, accompanying three complete series of full-cast adventures, and the award-winning range of Blake's 7- Liberator Chronicles volumes. The stories are set within the third BBC TV series, as Paul Darrow's Avon begins to cement his place as the leader of the anti-heroes on their stolen alien ship. Yasmin Bannerman (Doctor Who, Merseybeat) has been cast as Dayna Mellanby, a character originally played by Josette Simon. CAST: Paul Darrow (Kerr Avon), Michael Keating (Vila Restal), Jan Chappell (Cally), Steven Pacey (Del Tarrant), Jacqueline Pearce (Servalan), Yasmin Bannerman (Dayna Mellanby), Alistair Lock (Zen/Orac), Rebecca Crankshaw (Zeera Vos), Dan March (Verner), Susie Riddell (Bowkan), Bruce Alexander (Galon), Malcolm James (Dev), Charlotte Strevens (Reeva), Peter Aubrey (Kimar), Hugh Fraser (The Former President), John Green (Mordekain).

The Handbook of Scottish Politics provides a detailed overview of politics in Scotland, looking at areas such as elections and electoral behaviour, public policy, political parties, and Scotland's relationship with the EU and the wider world. The contributors to this volume are some of the leading experts on politics in Scotland.

The forty-eight articles from thirty-one contributors cover fifteen subject areas. In the absence of political leadership, as Ken Henry points out in his opening comments, our problem may not be so much complacency about the need for future reforms as a public lack of awareness about the challenges that we face. Accordingly our hope is that this book will raise public awareness and act as a catalyst for further public discussion of what we see as the most important issues facing Australia at this time.The selection of articles covers what we see as the key policy challenges for the future. They reflect the views of independent commentators who are experts in their field and able to draw on the available evidence to support their arguments. In the present policy vacuum we consider it is only by this type of informed public discussion that sufficient consensus will emerge to encourage the political parties to embrace a proper reform agenda.

Three enhanced audiobooks performed by the stars of the classic BBC television series. 1. SPY. Cally and Vila are undercover on the Federation-controlled world Cortol Four. It's a mission with an irresistible prize. And it's a mission that goes horribly wrong...2. DISORDER. Division Three. A space station in the process of being decommissioned. Its archives contain key records of the Federation's enemies - and Vila and Avon intend to steal it. 3. THE HARD ROAD. Blake decides it is time to fight back against the Federation - and to fight back with allies.

Four new brand-new full-cast Blake's 7 adventures set during the TV series' third season. 4.5 Funeral on Kalion by Trevor Baxendale. Thern Sorron, the ruler of Kalion, is dead. Federation presidents, both old and new, attend the funeral ostensibly to pay their respects, but whoever possesses the Seal of Kalion, controls the vast Kalion shipyards. 4. 6 Shock Troops by Cavan Scott. As the war between the presidents escalates, new recruits are urgently required. Dayna gains first-hand experience of what life can be like as a Federation trooper as she confronts insurgent forces on a frontier world. 4. 7 Erebus by Paul Darrow. The Liberator is lured to the planet Erebus. There, the former Federation president is colluding with an old acquaintance of Avon's who is eager for a reunion. 4.8 The Scapegoat by Steve Lyons. On the Federation world of Astra Valadina, the former President is hatching a plan to discredit his successor and turn the tide of the war in his favour. The unwitting pawns in his scheme are the crew of the Liberator. Blake's 7 proves to be one of Big Finish's most popular ranges, with fans of the original late 1970s BBC1 series enjoying many of the TV actors returning to their roles. This set comprises the second rule of four tales in a fourth series of full-cast Blake's 7 adventures from Big Finish, accompanying three complete series of full-cast adventures, and the award-winning range of Blake's 7-Liberator Chronicles volumes. The stories are set within the third BBC TV series, as Paul Darrow's Avon begins to cement his place as the leader of the anti-heroes on their stolen alien ship. Yasmin Bannerman (Doctor Who, Merseybeat) has been cast as Dayna Mellanby, a character originally played by Josette Simon. CAST: Paul Darrow (Kerr Avon), Michael Keating (Vila Restal), Jan Chappell (Cally), Steven Pacey (Del Tarrant), Jacqueline Pearce (Servalan), Yasmin Bannerman (Dayna Mellanby), Alistair Lock (Zen/Orac), Hugh Fraser (The President), Trevor Littledale (Maldor),Imogen Church (Niner), Tam Williams (Jay), Tania Rodrigues (Captain), Issy Van Randwyck (Eve / Nada), Anthony Townsend (Commander / Robot), John Green (Mordekain), Toby Longworth (Lockwood), Kerry Skinner (Zheanne).

Quebec, Catalonia and Scotland are three stateless nations looking for a future in a world beyond the nation state. This book argues that national identity may be a vital source of social cohesion in a world dominated by markets and global forces, but that this does not necessarily entail sovereign statehood in the traditional sense. These three nations are harbingers of a new post-sovereigntist nationhood.

Winners and losers: it's the brutal reality in most advanced economies. Increased inequality, economic stagnation and financial instability are the consequences of technological change, globalisation and the massive increase in financial systems. Governments struggle to deal with the unrest this creates and to resolve competing claims for the spoils of growth. Australia's egalitarian traditions and past reforms have served the country well, but the risks of weakening demand, stagnating living standards and structural unemployment are growing and require urgent attention. Does Australia have the fiscal and political capacity to achieve a reform agenda? Can the Australian political system manage these vital changes? Will voters support them? Fair Share ignites the necessary debate to instigate action.

This book compares the constitutional politics in Canada and the United Kingdom - two complex, multilevel, plurinational states. While the former is federal and the latter a devolved state, the logic of both systems is similar: to combine unity with diversity. Both are facing similar challenges in a world marked by spatial rescaling, international interdependence and economic and social change. The contributors chart these challenges and the responses of the two countries, covering the meanings of federalism and devolution; the role of the courts; fiscal equalization; welfare; party politics; reform by popular referendum and citizen assemblies; and intergovernmental relations. The book will be of interest to students of federalism and multilevel government, state transformation territorial politics on both sides of the Atlantic.

The forty-eight articles from thirty-one contributors cover fifteen subject areas. In the absence of political leadership, as Ken Henry points out in his opening comments, our problem may not be so much complacency about the need for future reforms as a public lack of awareness about the challenges that we face. Accordingly our hope is that this book will raise public awareness and act as a catalyst for further public discussion of what we see as the most important issues facing Australia at this time.The selection of articles covers what we see as the key policy challenges for the future. They reflect the views of independent commentators who are experts in their field and able to draw on the available evidence to support their arguments. In the present policy vacuum we consider it is only by this type of informed public discussion that sufficient consensus will emerge to encourage the political parties to embrace a proper reform agenda.

How can Scotland use its new and existing powers to create a brighter economic and social future? The ambition of the Scottish Government is to create a wealthier and fairer nation. After years of debate on what powers Scotland should have, how can Scotland can use the powers it has gained through the 1998, 2012 and 2016 devolution acts to fulfill its ambition? This interdisciplinary collection of essays asks how it can be achieved, given the range of powers available, economic constraints, institutions and public support. Looking at economic policy, taxation and welfare, A Wealthier, Fairer Scotland provides a realistic analysis of the opportunities and constraints facing a small, devolved nation. how they might be used to shape the country's future.