Explores how democracy has been constricted and deformed by economic power-brokers and a self-serving political class from Birmingham to Bangalore. Swift considers the different tools people in power have used to manipulate democratic principles, such as freedom, to their advantage. Includes chapter-length discussions of topics such as the economic meltdown, Barack Obama, eco-democracy, democratising the economy and democracy in the global south. It is also a guide to the rich diversity of forms of elected government full of practical advice for voters.

In this updated edition of the No-Nonsense Guide to Democracy, Richard Swift explores how democracy has been constricted and deformed by economic power-brokers and a self-serving political class from Birmingham to Bangalore. The book includes chapter-length discussions of topics such as the economic meltdown, Barack Obama, eco-democracy, democratizing the economy, and democracy in the Global South. It is not only a guide to the rich diversity of forms of elected government, but it also contains practical ideas for empowering today's voters around the world.

Swift explores how democracy is constricted and deformed by economic power-brokers and a self-serving political class from Birmingham to Bangalore. Including chapter-length discussions of topics such as eco-democracy, democratizing the economy, and democracy in the southern hemisphere, the book is also a guide to the rich diversity of forms of elected government and contains practical ideas for empowering today's voters around the world.

In this updated edition of the No-Nonsense Guide to Democracy, Richard Swift explores how democracy has been constricted and deformed by economic power-brokers and a self-serving political class from Birmingham to Bangalore. The book includes chapter-length discussions of topics such as the economic meltdown, Barack Obama, eco-democracy, democratizing the economy, and democracy in the Global South. It is not only a guide to the rich diversity of forms of elected government, but it also contains practical ideas for empowering today’s voters around the world.

Green issues and politics are no longer separate entities, and as environmental issues will only become more pertinent in the future, it will dominate the political spectrum. From climate chaos to consumerism, the crisis facing human civilisation is clear. Yet the response from polticians at present is still inadequate and environmental activists focus on single campaigns rather than electoral politics. The new addition to the No-Nonsense Guides measures the rising tide of eco-activism and awareness and explains why it heralds a new politcal era worldwide.

Terrorist or freedom fighter? Analyzing the causes and contexts of terrorism the world over, Barker guides readers through the moral and political theories justifying and guiding terrorist acts.

The power and influence of the mass media grows daily, crucially affecting the way all of us see and understand each other. The No-Nonsense Guide to Global Media introduces readers to the political economy of the major mediafilm, television, radio, recording, publishing and the Internet. Peter Steven looks at the ever greater concentration of ownership and at the convergence of technologies and media functions. At the same time, he emphasizes the diversity of local media production and media around the world. The media is more than the economics of ownership and the technology of production, he stresses; it is also audiences, in all their annoying and wonderful diversity.