In the rapidly evolving landscape of media and communication studies, scholars face a pressing challenge – understanding the profound and transformative impact of Over-the-Top (OTT) media on global societies. As video content flows directly to viewers over the internet, upending traditional cable and broadcast TV, the complexities of this digital shift pose intricate problems. Enter Exploring the Impact of OTT Media on Global Societies, a comprehensive handbook meticulously crafted to address these challenges and provide solutions. This groundbreaking publication seeks to unravel the intricate layers of OTT media, offering a holistic exploration of business models, technological infrastructure, regulatory issues, and the social and cultural implications that define the dynamic OTT industry. Dive into the evolution of OTT media, exploring the seamless delivery of video content and its disruptive influence on traditional media consumption. Uncover the strategies behind the production and distribution of OTT content, emphasizing the role of personalization and recommendation algorithms in shaping audience engagement. Navigate the complex terrain of regulatory and policy issues surrounding OTT media, addressing critical topics such as net neutrality, data privacy, and intellectual property rights. Witness the competitive dynamics of the OTT market, marked by the emergence of new players and their profound impact on traditional media companies. Beyond the technicalities, our book delves into the social and cultural implications of OTT media, revealing shifts in media consumption patterns, the phenomenon of binge-watching, and the transformative effects on advertising and marketing strategies.

In a world witnessing the transformative rise of China, the intricate dynamics of its soft power diplomacy have become a focal point of global attention. As geopolitical landscapes shift, the need to understand how China crafts its foreign policy, especially through the strategic use of soft power, becomes imperative. Soft Power and Diplomatic Strategies in Asia and the Middle East is a crucial resource to unraveling these complexities. The book addresses the post-COVID-19 changes in China's soft power application, providing an in-depth, comparative analysis of its diplomatic endeavors in the Middle East and East Asia. By exploring cultural exchanges, economic collaborations, and religious engagements, the book offers nuanced insights into China's strategies, making it an indispensable tool for academics, policymakers, diplomats, and those intrigued by contemporary geopolitics. This book aims to dissect the multifaceted approaches China employs to achieve its diplomatic objectives. From cultural initiatives to economic partnerships and religious engagements, the book unravels the adaptability and complexity of China's foreign policy mechanisms. Its primary objective is to provide a comparative framework for studying China's soft power diplomacy, filling a notable gap in existing scholarship. The interdisciplinary approach ensures rich, diverse analyses, fostering dialogues across international relations, Asian studies, and political science. By offering new theories, methodologies, and empirical data, the book not only challenges existing notions but also sparks further academic inquiry into the strategic use of soft power in foreign policy.

Rampant deforestation, rising carbon emissions, and more unprecedented threats are creating chaos and turmoil for the environment. The delicate balance between nature and humanity seems to waver on the brink of collapse. Climate change exacerbates standard occurrences of natural disasters, and endangers countless species. Amid these daunting challenges, the need for comprehensive research and actionable solutions has never been greater. Global Challenges for the Environment and Climate Change draws upon the latest research and empirical findings, and offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of our interconnected world. Exploring topics such as climate change, sustainable consumption, and global governance equips readers with the knowledge and insights needed to effect meaningful change.

With the advancement of technology and the increasing use of digital and social media platforms, we are experiencing an unprecedented era of global connectivity and information sharing. However, alongside these advancements comes a pressing challenge: the rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation, fueling fragmentation and polarization within communities worldwide. As regulations struggle to keep pace with technological innovation, media scholars, experts, and practitioners face a critical need for comprehensive strategies to navigate this complex terrain. Changing Global Media Landscapes: Convergence, Fragmentation, and Polarization offers a solution to the multifaceted challenges of modern media and communication. This book provides a vital platform for scholars and professionals to explore the intricacies of global media technologies and devise actionable strategies to combat misinformation. With a keen focus on media ethics, law, and organizational management, it equips readers with the tools needed to confront the evolving landscape of digital media responsibly and effectively.

The global narrative surrounding migrants, refugees, and people on the move is often fraught with biases, misunderstandings, and misrepresentations. While crucial for informing public opinion, media coverage can inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes, fuel discrimination, and distort realities. This leads to a climate where migrants and refugees are often misunderstood, marginalized, and even targeted with hate speech. Such narratives hinder efforts for inclusive societies and contribute to the polarization of public debates on migration. Media Representation of Migrants and Refugees offers a comprehensive solution by bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives to examine and challenge prevailing media narratives critically. By inviting scholars and practitioners from diverse fields such as Social Sciences, Humanities, Media, Communications, and Government, the book aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between media representations and the lived experiences of migrants. This book is a vital resource for academics, researchers, policymakers, and media professionals seeking to understand and address the challenges of media representation in the context of migration.

In August 2021, Afghanistan found itself in the grip of an unprecedented crisis as the Taliban swiftly regained control of the nation, quickly extinguishing the flame of academic freedom. The nation's educators and students faced an urgent dilemma and were compelled to escape persecution and navigate the perilous journey to safety. The once-promising dreams of university degrees for female students were overshadowed by the Taliban's restrictive educational policies. As the political situation changed quickly, chaos increased, leading to a hurried departure for many and creating a gap in the country's education system. The book, Resilience of Educators in Extraordinary Circumstances: War, Disaster, and Emergencies , captures the gravity of this unfolding humanitarian crisis, shedding light on the plight of those who sought refuge from the shadows of oppression. Beyond merely recounting the hardships faced, the book strategically delves into the interventions and coping mechanisms employed by individuals and organizations. It endeavors to identify the gaps in addressing the educational needs of a population caught in the crossfire of conflict. By showcasing exemplary contributions from institutions, local governments, and humanitarian actors, the book aims to construct a narrative of best practices on a global scale. This collection of narratives becomes a crucial document preserving the stories of those who defied adversity in the pursuit of education.

In the dynamic realm of generative artificial Intelligence (AI), the fusion of human creativity and machine intelligence has created a vibrant ecosystem of collaborative artmaking. However, this transformative process brings forth a myriad of concerns, ranging from ethical considerations and the need for originality to navigating the legal complexities surrounding intellectual property. As more and more online communities appear around the use of AI to aid in the creation of images, there arises a pressing need for a comprehensive guide that not only dissects the intricacies of artmaking with generative AI tools but also offers practical solutions to the evolving dilemmas faced by artists, researchers, and technologists. Making Art With Generative AI Tools emerges as an exploration of the challenges posed by this intersection of human expression and artificial intelligence. Artists engaging with generative AI find themselves grappling with issues of authenticity, social toxicity, and the commercial viability of their creations. From avoiding stereotypical visuals to ensuring proper crediting, the realm of generative AI is rife with these complexities. Furthermore, the blurred lines between human and machine authorship necessitate a deeper exploration of how these innovative tools impact creativity, representation, and the very fabric of the art world.