Books matching: regional conflicts
47 result(s)
- #1
Save:Walking the Nile by Levison Wood is a gripping account of the author's journey from Rwanda to Egypt, following the course of the Nile. The book offers a detailed and descriptive exploration of the countries and people encountered along the way, providing insights into the challenges, surprises, and adventures faced during the expedition. Wood's writing style captivates readers, immersing them in the journey and making them feel like they are walking alongside him, experiencing the highs and lows of the trek firsthand.
The moment we entered the compound, I knew things were bad. The South Sudan Hotel had been opened in the run-up to independence in 2011, promoted widely as a safe place for foreign dignitaries to stay... - #2Vortexby:
Save:Larry Bond's 'Vortex' is a military thriller set in a radicalized South Africa, where a shadowy coup led by Karl Vorster results in a brutal crackdown and invasion of Namibia. As the conflict escalates, involving white supremacists, communists, and rebel factions, the United States and Great Britain become involved, facing the threat of destabilizing the global economy. The book expertly weaves together elements of politics, weaponry, strategy, and technology, portraying a complex and devastating conflict with detailed military descriptions.
He took a careful breath and held it for a moment, willing himself to ignore the thick, rancid aroma of rotting meat. Luthuli had seen and smelled too many corpses in his twenty five years with the Af... 'The Long Fuse: An Interpretation of the Origins of World War I' by Laurence Lafore is a deep and insightful analysis of the events that led to World War I. Lafore carefully examines the emergence of armed alliances, focusing on how Germany's fears, ambitions, and actions played a pivotal role in pushing other nations towards war. The author delves into the inner workings of key players such as the Austrian Foreign Ministry and explores the complexities of pre-World War I Europe with a cool and incisive look, free of preconceptions.
Lafore's writing style is characterized by a detached and wise approach, providing a dispassionate analysis of events without assigning blame. He focuses on the importance of events as they happened, without the distortion of hindsight, and emphasizes the emergence of nationalism and perceived national interests as key factors leading to the eruption of war. weaves together seemingly unrelated events to showcase the long-term causal links that built up to the outbreak of World War I, challenging traditional viewpoints and offering a unique perspective on the origins of the war.
- #4
Save:'The Arsonists' City' by Hala Alyan is a multi-generational family saga that follows a Lebanese family as they navigate their relationships and secrets across countries like the United States, Lebanon, and Syria. The story revolves around the family patriarch, Idris, who decides to sell his childhood home in Beirut, leading to a gathering of the far-flung family members for a belated memorial. As the family reunites under one roof, the complexities of their relationships unfold, delving into themes of guilt, atonement, and unconditional love.
The novel is praised for its beautifully crafted storytelling that weaves together themes of generational trauma, sibling rivalry, family secrets, and the impact of war on individuals living in Lebanon and Syria. Through rich character development and intricate relationships, 'The Arsonists' City' explores the dynamics of a second-generation immigrant family, reflecting on themes of love, music, intrigue, and compassion, while delving into the characters' past and present struggles.
THE PHONE RINGS as Ava and Nate are just finishing having sex. The frequency has been whittled down to two, three times a month since Zina’s birth. Ava has come first, as is their tradition, on her be... - #5
Save:'Prelude to World War III' by James Rosone presents an interesting premise where the US is depicted as being surrounded by enemies who are united in their mission to destroy the country. The plot explores the idea of few friendly countries relying on the US for protection, creating a tense and precarious geopolitical situation. The writing style is engaging and fast-paced, drawing readers into a world where the threat of a global conflict looms large, making it a compelling read for those interested in alternative history and geopolitical fiction.
Misha Glenny's book, The Balkans: Nationalism, War and the Great Powers 1804 - 1999, offers a detailed history of the Balkan region from the early 19th century to the late 20th century. The author provides a compelling narrative that examines how the instability in the Balkans resulted not from ethnic hatred, but from constant interference by great powers. While the book covers many countries including Greece, Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, it has been critiqued for its limited discussion of certain areas like Slovenia and the post-war period of Romania and Bulgaria. Glenny’s account aims to show that the conflicts in the region often stemmed from deeper historical forces rather than the animosities of the people themselves.
Glenny's writing style is engaging and accessible, reflecting his background as a former BBC correspondent. He effectively combines anecdotes with historical analysis, making complex subjects easier to follow for readers. The book is dense with information, providing a comprehensive overview that some may find overwhelming. Despite its flaws, such as a hurried treatment of the disintegration of Yugoslavia, it remains a highly recommended read for those keen on understanding Balkan nationalism and its historical complexities.
- #7
Save:"American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America" by Colin Woodard is a comprehensive exploration of the regional cultures that have shaped North America since the 18th century. Woodard divides North America into 11 ethnocultural nations, each with its own unique origins and characteristics, providing a different perspective on American history. The book delves into the historical development of these nations, their alliances, conflicts, and how they have influenced the political landscape of the United States. Woodard's writing style is informative and thought-provoking, offering insights into the complexities of American history and the ongoing impact of these regional cultures.
History has tended to portray the native peoples of the Americas as mere extras or scenery in a Western drama dominated by actors of European and African descent. Because this book is primarily concer... The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts by Louis de Bernieres is a humorous and chaotic novel set in a fictional South American country filled with a diverse cast of characters including military officers, guerrillas, landowners, and spirits. The plot revolves around a series of events triggered by Dona Constanza's decision to divert a river to fill her swimming pool, leading to chaos and conflicts in the villages. De Bernieres skillfully incorporates magical realism, political satire, and dark humor into the narrative, creating a story that seamlessly weaves together elements of farce, tragedy, and social commentary.
The novel is praised for its vivid characters, sparkling prose, and the author's ability to blend humor and imagination with insightful social critiques. Readers appreciate the episodic structure of the book, which presents each chapter as a standalone story while interconnecting all characters and episodes in a cohesive manner. De Bernieres is lauded for his masterful writing style, which combines elements of magical realism, satire, and wry humor to create a unique and engaging reading experience.
It had been an auspicious week for Capitan Rodrigo José Figueras. On Monday he had with his platoon stopped a truck loaded with marijuana on the road from Chiriguaná to Valledupar and made the peasant...'Rise to Globalism: American Foreign Policy Since 1938' by Stephen E. Ambrose covers a comprehensive history of America's global relations, focusing on key events such as World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. The writing style presents a balanced narrative, detailing the actions and decisions of various U.S. presidents in the realm of foreign policy. delves into the complexities of international relations, highlighting the challenges faced by America in navigating its role as a global superpower.
"The Savage Wars Of Peace: Small Wars And The Rise Of American Power" by Max Boot is a detailed account of lesser-known aspects of US military history, focusing on small wars from 1800 to the present day. The book covers a wide range of small-scale military interventions, from protecting American citizens and trade to unofficial attempts to control Pacific islands, providing a global tour of American military involvement in various regions such as China, Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, and the Middle East. Boot challenges the notion that small wars are a post-Cold War phenomenon, showcasing America's extensive experience in such conflicts from Thomas Jefferson's time to the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Max Boot's writing style in "The Savage Wars Of Peace" is engaging and informative, offering vignette-style storytelling that keeps the reader's attention throughout. The book delves into the history of US military presence in different regions, successful military occupations, and the colorful personalities involved in small wars, providing a comprehensive picture of the US military experience beyond the traditional big war narrative. Boot also explores the lasting effects of these small wars and the likelihood of future efforts, presenting arguments for the benefits of such interventions and challenging common myths surrounding US military actions.
It was 7:00 P.M., and the African night was turning blue-gray beneath the faint light of a crescent moon when the small ship entered the harbor of Tripoli. The two-masted ketch, driven by a light bree...
