How do we understand the functions of militaries of democratic societies? How good soldiers are made, how they behave when posted overseas, the issue of gender and the increased use of military beyond their core functions all demand a closer academic examination. This edited collection brings together work by exciting new scholars as well as established academics, and examines the identity and functions of the New Zealand Army from a range of perspectives. Drawing on anthropology, political studies, international relations, development studies, law, and defence and security studies, it provides a multi-&­faceted view of one military organisation, and helps further our understanding of the character and the challenges of military personnel and institutions in the twenty-first century.

The Middle East in Modern World History focuses on the history of this region over the past 200 years. It examines how global trends during this period shaped the Middle East and how these trends were affected by the region’s development. Three trends from the past two centuries are highlighted: The region as a strategic conduit between East and West The development of the region's natural resources, especially oil The impact of a rapidly globalizing world economy on the Middle East

In 2003 Victoria University hosted the Fourth Wellington Conference on World Affairs. This book is a collection of papers from that gathering. The theme was ‘ New Zealand in World Affairs’ and focused on three major threads: New Zealand’s role in the Pacific, Trans-Tasman relations and New Zealand in a globalising world. Chapters include a discussion and deconstruction of globalization; the role of diplomacy in a global world; security in Oceania in the post 9/11 era; a survey of diplomacy, politics with regard to nuclear testing by the French and an investigation of the differing world views held by Australia and New Zealand.