Understanding Namibia

Understanding Namibia
Author: Henning Melber
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2015-01-04
Genre: History
ISBN: 0190257628

Since independence in 1990, Namibia has witnessed only one generation with no memory of colonialism - the 'born frees', who voted in the 2009 elections. The anti-colonial liberation movement, SWAPO, dominates the political scene, effectively making Namibia a de facto one-party state dominated by the first 'struggle generation'. While those in power declare their support for a free, fair, and just society, the limits to liberation are such that emancipation from foreign rule has only been partially achieved. Despite its natural resources Namibia is among the world's most unequal societies and indicators of wellbeing have not markedly improved for many among the former colonized majority, despite a constitution enshrining human rights, social equality, and individual liberty. This book analyses the transformation of Namibian society since Independence. Melber explores the achievements and failures and contrasts the narrative of a post-colonial patriotic history with the socio-economic and political realities of the nation-building project. He also investigates whether, notwithstanding the relative stability prevailing to date, the negotiation of controlled change during Namibia's decolonization could have achieved more than simply a change of those in control.

South Korea at the Crossroads

South Korea at the Crossroads
Author: Scott A. Snyder
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Total Pages: 203
Release: 2018-01-02
Genre: History
ISBN: 0231546181

Against the backdrop of China’s mounting influence and North Korea’s growing nuclear capability and expanding missile arsenal, South Korea faces a set of strategic choices that will shape its economic prospects and national security. In South Korea at the Crossroads, Scott A. Snyder examines the trajectory of fifty years of South Korean foreign policy and offers predictions—and a prescription—for the future. Pairing a historical perspective with a shrewd understanding of today’s political landscape, Snyder contends that South Korea’s best strategy remains investing in a robust alliance with the United States. Snyder begins with South Korea’s effort in the 1960s to offset the risk of abandonment by the United States during the Vietnam War and the subsequent crisis in the alliance during the 1970s. A series of shifts in South Korean foreign relations followed: the “Nordpolitik” engagement with the Soviet Union and China at the end of the Cold War; Kim Dae Jung’s “Sunshine Policy,” designed to bring North Korea into the international community; “trustpolitik,” which sought to foster diplomacy with North Korea and Japan; and changes in South Korea’s relationship with the United States. Despite its rise as a leader in international financial, development, and climate-change forums, South Korea will likely still require the commitment of the United States to guarantee its security. Although China is a tempting option, Snyder argues that only the United States is both credible and capable in this role. South Korea remains vulnerable relative to other regional powers in northeast Asia despite its rising profile as a middle power, and it must balance the contradiction of desirable autonomy and necessary alliance.

Historical Dictionary of Namibia

Historical Dictionary of Namibia
Author: Victor Tonchi
Publisher: Scarecrow Press
Total Pages: 586
Release: 2012
Genre: History
ISBN: 0810853981

On March 21, 1990, Sam Nujoma was sworn in as the first president of independent Namibia. This ceremony marked the end of a struggle that lasted more than two decades and a period of colonialism that lasted more than a century. Finally, after decades long wars over grazing in the 19th century, genocidal colonial suppression by Germany at the beginning of the 20th century, repressive apartheid racialism throughout the 20th century, and a prolonged armed liberation struggle, Namibians had the chance to choose their own leaders, develop a democratic political process in a free society, and to bring economic development and greater equity to their country. The Historical Dictionary of Namibia covers the history of Namibia through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has several hundred cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Namibia.

Eurasian Crossroads

Eurasian Crossroads
Author: James A. Millward
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Total Pages: 472
Release: 2007
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780231139243

Presents a comprehensive study of the central Asian region of Xinjiang's history and people from antiquity to the present. Discusses Xinjiang's rich environmental, cultural and ethno-political heritage.

The Political Economy of Namibia

The Political Economy of Namibia
Author: Tore Linné Eriksen
Publisher: Nordic Africa Institute
Total Pages: 380
Release: 1989
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9789171062970

Research institutes and documentation centres.

Namibia

Namibia
Author: Chris McIntyre
Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides
Total Pages: 624
Release: 2019-08-05
Genre: Travel
ISBN: 1784776378

This new thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's Namibia remains the essential guide for a successful visit to this vast country - more than twice the size of Germany but with less than 3% of the population. Written by expert author and long-standing tour specialist Chris McIntyre, this sixth edition incorporates all the most recent changes, including unrivalled coverage of places to stay and eat, from small, personal guesthouses to classy hotels and upmarket game lodges, and detailed information for self-drivers (including personally researched and checked GPS coordinates) as well as for fly-in and guided safaris. There's also in-depth coverage of wildlife and where to see it, including a new full-colour wildlife field guide section, covering mammals, reptiles and amphibians, marine life and birds. Two background chapters covering everything from history and politics to people, ethnic groups and culture are complemented by two chapters on planning, preparation, health and safety and two on the practicalities of getting around and camping and walking in the bush (including canoeing). Helping you to discover Namibia in detail, 13 chapters offer a regional breakdown, from the capital, Windhoek to the Southern Kalahari, Namib desert, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast, Etosha National Park, and the Kavango and Zambezi regions in the extreme northeast, including excursions into neighbouring Botswana. With sweeping landscapes and empty roads, Namibia has long captured the imaginations of travellers and photographers. Its immense emptiness offers majestic sand dunes, seemingly endless gravel plains, vast tracts of farmland and rugged mountains hiding galleries of ancient Bushman rock art. Add to this the wildlife and the unexpected beauty of the rivers that define the country's northern and southern boundaries, and it's easy to see why Namibia attracts lovers of the great outdoors.

Japan at the Crossroads

Japan at the Crossroads
Author: Nick Kapur
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Total Pages: 236
Release: 2018-08-06
Genre: History
ISBN: 0674988485

In spring of 1960, Japan’s government passed Anpo, a revision of the postwar treaty that allows the United States to maintain a military presence in Japan. This move triggered the largest popular backlash in the nation’s modern history. These protests, Nick Kapur argues in Japan at the Crossroads, changed the evolution of Japan’s politics and culture, along with its global role. The yearlong protests of 1960 reached a climax in June, when thousands of activists stormed Japan’s National Legislature, precipitating a battle with police and yakuza thugs. Hundreds were injured and a young woman was killed. With the nation’s cohesion at stake, the Japanese government acted quickly to quell tensions and limit the recurrence of violent demonstrations. A visit by President Eisenhower was canceled and the Japanese prime minister resigned. But the rupture had long-lasting consequences that went far beyond politics and diplomacy. Kapur traces the currents of reaction and revolution that propelled Japanese democracy, labor relations, social movements, the arts, and literature in complex, often contradictory directions. His analysis helps resolve Japan’s essential paradox as a nation that is both innovative and regressive, flexible and resistant, wildly imaginative yet simultaneously wedded to tradition. As Kapur makes clear, the rest of the world cannot understand contemporary Japan and the distinct impression it has made on global politics, economics, and culture without appreciating the critical role of the “revolutionless” revolution of 1960—turbulent events that released long-buried liberal tensions while bolstering Japan’s conservative status quo.

At the Crossroads

At the Crossroads
Author: Adriaan Verspoor
Publisher: World Bank Publications
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2008-01-01
Genre: Education, Secondary
ISBN: 0821371142

Expanded access to and improved quality of secondary education in Sub-Saharan Africa are key ingredients for economic growth in the region This Secondary Education in Africa (SEIA) synthesis report makes this point by bringing together a significant volume of analytical work sponsored by the World Bank and by many African and international partners. 'At the Crossroads: Choices for Secondary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa' argues the case for broad and equitable access for a basic education cycle of 8 to 10 years, as well as for expanded education and training opportunities. This book provides a timely resource on good practices and potential solutions for developing and sustaining high quality secondary education systems in Africa. It includes the main elements of a roadmap to improve Africa's secondary education systems' response to the demands of growing economies and rapidly changing societies.