This edited book will examine the Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean from multidimensional geo-strategic, political-economic, socio-cultural/religious and demographic perspectives. It analyzes the conflicting geopolitical interests of the major and regional powers, as well as those of NATO and the European Union, with a focus on energy, democracy and corruption, shifts in population, as well as religious political influence. The authors argue that the US, NATO and EU leaderships can no longer afford to ignore the two regions — if the increasing potential for conflict is to be averted. The Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean are returning to a major position in the contemporary geostrategic nexus since NATO began a new expansion into the Balkans by bringing Montenegro in 2017 and North Macedonia in March 2020 into membership, after its previous expansion to Slovenia in NATO’s “Big Bang” in 2004 and to both Albania and Croatia in 2009.

This book includes over 175 photographs covering twenty rural cities and eight different counties together with the first-ever Amana Colonies barn tour. Many different types of barns are displayed such as: octagonal, hexagonal, Pennsylvania, monitor, gambrel, and gable.--Back cover.

The changes brought by the Arab Spring and ensuing developments in the Middle East have made the Kurds an important force in the region. Tel-Aviv and Washington place high hopes on Erbil to facilitate their dealings with Baghdad, Damascus, Teheran and Ankara. Kurds living in Turkey, Syria and Iran have been inspired by the successes of their brethren in Iraq who managed to gain significant independence and make remarkable achievements in state building. The idea of a greater Kurdistan is in the air. This book focuses on how the Kurds have become a new and significant force in Middle Eastern politics. International expert contributors conceptualize current developments putting them into theoretical perspective, helping us to better understand the potential role the Kurds could play in the Middle East.

The revised and updated edition of the definitive guide to the reptiles of this region written by a team of internationally acclaimed herpetologists. East Africa is home to a remarkable assemblage of reptiles, from crocodiles and chameleons to turtles and tortoises, lizards, worm-lizards, and a stunning array of snakes. The region is a true herpetological hot-spot. This fully revised edition of the classic field guide to the region's reptiles explores the full diversity of these animals. With updated text, detailed maps and more than 600 new photographs, this book includes every one of the 500 or so species in the region. All are described and mapped, with virtually every species accompanied by at least one colour photograph. Comprehensive and definitive, Field Guide to East African Reptiles is an essential tool for all naturalists, conservationists, educators, field workers, medical personnel and students in the region.