Book Description
No one is better equipped than psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton-a leading scholar of thought control and mass violence- to make sense of the extreme moment. From Hiroshima survivors to Nazi doctors, from Vietnam veterans to the cult that sarin-gassed the Tokyo subways, he has explained to us global apocalyptic urges, the ravages of psychic numbness, and the psychology of the survivor. Now, as al- Qaeda's desire to purify the earth of "evil" meets the unilateral urge to dominate the globe's sole superpower, Lifton believes we have arrived at a remarkably perilous moment. The United States-from its leaders to much of its people-feels itself painfully vulnerable and thinks of itself as a survivor nation. The combination of such feelings roiling through the land over the last year and an administration with unprecedented military power bent on dominating and purifying the earth adds up to an intensely dangerous atmosphere-in fact, a "syndrome." Unfortunately, there is no therapy available for empires-or rather, the only therapy available is self-prescribed. But while Lifton can't be therapist to the earth's last superpower, he can bring together a half century of wisdom and apply it to Superpower Syndrome.
Customer Reviews:
Apocalypse when?.......2005-09-29
Many have interpreted this book by Robert Jay Lifton as a not-so-veiled attack on the current Bush administration, and they would probably not be wrong. However, this is not just an attack on the current administration - I can envision Lifton's words being leveled in much the same way against almost any administration in the White House at the present time. While Lifton has specific points of contention with the current administration, he also has more general concerns about the way in which the United States conducts itself in a world in which it is the sole remaining superpower, and in which there is little to no accountability in any direct or official way for American actions abroad.
There is an apocalyptic idea that persists as an undercurrent in American society. The nineteenth century saw several major apocalyptic sects flourish - some still exist in new form from their beginnings back in the early days of American nationhood. Since the close of World War II, with the advent of nuclear weapons as a means of worldwide destruction, the idea of an apocalypse went from being a religious/theological possibility to a geopolitical/military strategy - Mutually Assured Destruction was for a time the game of brinksmanship the superpowers played.
Apocalypticism also took the form in popular imagination the end of the world according to a specialised set of interpretations of the Bible, especially certain sects of evangelicals and fundamentalists who subscribed to a more direct interpretation of 'signs of the end times'. Hal Lindsey is but the most famous of these interpreters; the recasting of prophetic interpretations in light of the fact that the world did not end within 40 years of the re-establishment of Israel continues to take place in popular religious press and other media.
There are many in the current administration, reflecting the attitudes of many in the country at large, who see their role as agents of this kind of apocalyptic age. There is a persistent attitude (which exists regardless of the political complexion of the administration) that Christendom is still something that exists and needs to be preserved, that the United States is the leader of Christendom, and that other religions may be permitted to be tolerated, but never dominant. This is particularly true in the Middle East, where the combination of religious differences (including different kinds of religious zeal on all sides) and valuable resources make for an explosive situation.
Lifton looks at all of these issues and more in a psychological context, arguing for greater understanding on the part of all, but particularly for those in power (which is never a bad idea, for those in power and authority bear a greater moral responsibility for understanding and reflection). Lifton's words, however, are not likely to be heeded as readily as they might have been given that his tendency toward the political polemic is likely to render those on the political right to dismiss him entirely, and those on the left to embrace him with little qualification (until such time as he turns his gaze on them, whenever they return to power).
This book is one that can be quickly read - it has some interesting ideas, and some new interpretations of history given his psychological framework. Lifton writes in a very accessible style. However, ultimately Lifton is likely to fall into the same class as those who have been predicting the apocalypse for half the life of this nation; his worst fears are unlikely to be realised (I remember the serious emotion of those afraid that Reagan was determined to cause a nuclear war so as to force the end of the world and the return of Christ), and the world will go on in its history for some time to come.
An excellent look at the Bush presidency .......2004-08-22
from a different angle. In essence what Dr. Lifton does is to put the Bush administration on the psychiatrist's couch and probe into the psyche of Bush, his cronies, and like-minded ideological extremists. One conclusion that can be readily drawn is that psychologically there is minimal distinction between Bush and his neo-con and Christian extremist cronies and those extremists from other religious and ethnic groups (say, such as the Likudites and Osama bin Ladin & Al Qaida). Lifton does a decent job not only of describing in layman's terms the psychological underpinnings of these extremists, but goes on to show the destructive dynamic that often exists between competing groups of extremists. A must read.
Relevance increases over time.......2004-06-08
Dr. Lifton puts George W. Bush, his advisors and foreign policy on the psychoanalyst's couch, and what emerges is an unflattering, dangerous portrait. The combination of evangelical, fundamentalist Christianity and military action is hypocritical; I cannot understand bloodthirsty, xenophobic, war mongering, cutthroat capitalists who pray and sing the praises of Christ their saviour. Bush, Dr. Lifton states, is the first president who would not hesitate to employ nuclear strikes.
The author, a Harvard psychiatrist, envisions the U.S. as a beacon of peace, wisdom and dignity, and decries "bull in a china shop" diplomacy that only serves to exacerbate resentment. Bush has been a brilliant advocate for violence, somehow operating under the premise there is a finite number of terrorists - "evildoers". His consolidation of power in all three branches of government (legistative, executive, judiciary) is frightening, and diametrically opposed to how the Founding Fathers designed the Constitution. The latter recognized the potential for good and evil lies within the human psyche, not without: to Bush, "we are good, they are bad". Simplistic and Machiavellian; the end justifies the means. The us against them, black and white thinking prevalent has resulted in the horror (yes, civil war) that is Iraq today. The Middle East has been destabilized, and will likely further deteriorate; there is a history here, of which too many Americans (particularly those in power) are ignorant. It fascinates me that some Americans still believe Iraq was directly responsible for 9/11, that weapons of mass destruction are waiting to be discovered, and that Saddam Hussein harboured Al Qaeda terrorists.
Any extremism, whether Oriental or Occidental, must not be tolerated. Someone must step out of the vicious cycle of violence, rather than perpetuate. "A plague on both you houses" I often muse.
Dr. Lifton advocates the U.S., with her considerable resources, must exercise wisdom over folly, become more humane, respectful of other cultures (ie, not shove democracy down Arab throats at gunpoint - the antithesis of how American democracy evolved) and recognize the complexity of Middle Eastern history, culture, tradition and politics. To me, Dr. Lifton is less concerned with politics than ethics - what is right, what will serve U.S. and world interests in the long run, rather than operating on a one sided, perhaps personally motivated, agenda. I am haunted by the fear Bush bases foreign policy decisions on Revelations, obsessed with provoking an apocalyptic battle to prepare for the second coming of Christ. Am I the only one who remembers a smiling Rumsfeld shaking hands with Saddam Hussein over the sale of weapons during the Iran-Iraq war? Political expediency is a fascinating phenomenon, and fickle as weather.
The book, despite a dour tone, ends on a note of hope: America has the means, potential, of elevating humanity to a new level of peace, consciousness and prosperity. As a historian, I am not quite so optimistic. America is still an infant in world history and has much to learn regarding the global community; the old chestnut about not understanding history and being doomed to repeat its mistakes is tragically true in this instance. The U.S., motivated by self interest, has too often interfered with the internal affairs of sovereign nations. Personally, I admire New Zealand: socially progressive, environmentally conscious, with proportional representation, and carefully considered foreign policy.
Alarmist, Unrealistic, and Extremely Biased!.......2004-02-23
The author tries to convince us that the Americans have let power go to their heads and have wreaked havoc (and will wreak more and more) on the globe. The author treats the subject of world power as if it were a patient lying on a psychologists couch - a foolish way to explain global politics! Obviously the Americans have done far more good for other countries than bad. Though many mistakes have been made in every presidency, America still remains one of the most financially generous and altruistic nations on the globe!
I suggest the author find a more compassionate culture than that of the Americans - His search will yield up no other nation and it is because of our rich moral and ethical heritage. America is not some pathologic killer, but a Gentle Giant in a world of terrorists, egomaniacs, and ruthless dictators such as Saddam Hussein.
An excellent psychiatric analysis of 'Superpower Syndrome.'.......2004-01-20
This concise book is undoubtedly one of the most important critiques of America's foreign policy along with Barber's, Rampton & Stauber's and Daalder & Lindsay's. The author recognizes, for example, the war on Iraq as a manifestation of America's apocalyptic face-off against Islamist forces. Nonetherless, at the heart of 'Superpower Syndrome,' the author argues, lies a powerful fear of vulnerability. This insight that the world only superpower suffers from such ambiguity is an extremely interesting point which only psychiatrists can explore. He also refers to other apocalyptic imaginations such as Islamist's and a Japanese cult called 'Aum.' I really enjoy reading this interesting work!
Book Description
"We hope that range managers reading this book will realize that they are also wildlife managers, and that wildlife managers reading this book will realize that they are also habitat managers; in the region this book covers, rangeland and habitat are synonyms."-from the Preface
For most of the last century, range management meant managing land for livestock. The best measure of success was how well a landowner grew the grass that cattle ate. In this century, landowners look to hunting and wildlife viewing for income; rangeland is now also wildlife habitat, and landowners are managing their land not just for cattle but also for wildlife, most notably deer and quail.
Unlike other books on white-tailed deer in places where rainfall is relatively high and the environment stable, this book takes an ecological approach to deer management in the semiarid lands of Oklahoma, Texas, and northern Mexico. These are the least productive of white-tail habitats, where periodic drought punctuates long-term weather patterns. The book's focus on this landscape across political borders is one of its original and lasting contributions. Another is its contention that good management is based on ecological principles that guide the manager's thinking about:
Habitat Requirements of White-Tailed Deer
White-Tailed Deer Nutrition
Carrying Capacity
Habitat Manipulation
Predators
Hunting
Customer Reviews:
Excellent reference and nice authors.......2007-01-04
This is a great reference book for anyone interested in range management and wildlife. I would highly recommend this book. The co-authors of this book are very dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. I am proud to consider them both friends of mine. Thank you for the good work.
Customer Reviews:
Finally Some Common Sense.......2002-05-31
As an ex cattle rancher who spent way too much time (as did my employees) trying to get similar ideas across to the BLM I find this book to be incredibly refreshing. Ranchers, environmentalists and government range managers should be required to read this book. Daggett is to be commended for having the guts to take on this monumental change in attitude amongst all those named above and he's proved his point. Ranchers need to face the fact that they can change their ways for the betterment of all and evironmentalits and government range managers need to open their eyes to the fact that we are never again going to have the rangelands we had 200 years ago. But, with this approach, we can have the best of both worlds for the range, the ranchers and the public. We can also redirect the incredible amount of time, money and effort that is wasted on the wars between all involved to more productive, peaceful and productive pursuits.
Book Description
A companion volume to Wildlife Habitat Management of Wetlands, this book brings together an extensive compilation of tried-and-proven manipulation techniques for enhancing the biodiversity of upland habitat for edge and interior game and nongame wildlife. The authors explore the full range of structural and nonstructural methods for natural and cultural habitat improvements. Wildlife managers and students will find clear, detailed guidance on how to reduce impact and alter plant succession for biodiversity by both direct and indirect methods. In-depth coverage is also included on such key topics as guilds, minimum viable populations, edge versus interior wildlife, size of reserves, succession, and much more. An ideal text for wildlife habitat management courses. With 1500 references, it is also an excellent reference book and guide for practicing wildlife managers.
Book Description
The presence of brush in rangeland environments is a high-priority issue among landowners, and not just in Texas. Whether they manage their land for livestock, hunting, or wildlife watching, what to do about unwanted woody plants remains a serious and pervasive question for them.
In the pages of this book, leading range management professionals introduce and explain not only the mechanisms of managing brush but also the changes in management philosophy and technology that have taken place over time. From the futile attempts at eradication to the successes of integrated brush management, practitioners examine mechanical, biological, chemical, and fire-related methods from three perspectives--the past, the present or "state-of-the-art," and the future. In a final discussion, three specialists address the timely and important subject of brush management as it relates to water yield, economics, and wildlife.
Available statistics generally show an increase in the major problem species, such as juniper and honey mesquite, on Texas rangelands. But those who plan brush management in a systematic way, apply the correct treatment, and follow up properly can "beat the odds" and gain both technically and economically successful results.
Customer Reviews:
Natural Allies: Conservationists and Ranchers .......2007-08-08
I've long held to the common environmentalist's view that cattle and sheep grazing in the arid west was an environmental disaster, destroying vegetation, habitat, and displacing wild animals. New research and books like this have changed my opinion. Sayre, a well know dry-land ecologist, profiles six ranches in Arizona and New Mexico and describes how ranchers have enhanced their grazing land with environmentally-sound techniques. This sounds like dry stuff, but this attractive book and a not-too-technical text make the subject interesting.
Traditionally, ranchers and environmentalists were sworn enemies with nothing but contempt for each other. This was silly. The threat to the open land of the West now is 2-acre "ranchettes" and galloping suburbanization. Preserving the big ranches from "development" is the best means we have to ensure that the lone prairies remain for future generations. What we now see, with books like this one, is science rather than emotion being used to evaluate how ranch land can be improved and preserved -- or at least damage minimized -- through better techniques of grazing cattle.
The New Ranch Handbook is large-format; the cover features dramatic before and after color photos of good and bad grazing; and 100 good black and white photos are scattered among 100 pages of text. It's an excellent book for the dry-land rancher, the environmentalist, or people like me who just like to know what we're looking at as we explore the great American Southwest.
Smallchief
Average customer rating:
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Caring for Natural Rangelands
Ken Coetzee
Manufacturer: University of Kwazulu Natal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Popular Economics
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Conservation
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ASIN: 1869140710 |
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Fragmentation in Semi-Arid and Arid Landscapes: Consequences for Human and Natural Systems
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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| Popular Economics
| Business & Investing
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| Anthropology
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ASIN: 1402049056 |
Book Description
Exploring the concept of fragmentation, the ecological processes interrupted by fragmentation, and the social consequences of fragmented landscapes, this book presents a timely synthesis on the effects of fragmentation on arid and semi-arid pastoral systems throughout the world.
The global significance of the world’s rangelands is large, with these arid and semi-arid systems making up almost 25% of the earth’s landscapes – and supporting the livelihoods of more than 20 million people. These ecosystems are also home to several of the planet’s remaining megafauna, as well as other important species. Yet fragmentation across these rangelands has significantly impaired the ability of both people and animals to compensate for temporal heterogeneity in vegetation and water by exploiting its spatial heterogeneity, resulting in limited resource availability.
The case is developed that while fragmentation arises from different natural, social and economic conditions worldwide it creates similar outcomes for human and natural systems. With information from nine sites around the world the authors examine how fragmentation occurs, the patterns that result, and the consequences of fragmentation for ecosystems and the people who depend on them. The book will provide a valuable reference for students and researchers in rangeland ecology, park and natural resource management, environmental and ecological anthropology, economics and agriculture.
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Global Rangelands: Progress and Prospects
Manufacturer: CABI
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
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| Biology
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Environmental Science
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ASIN: 0851995233 |
Book Description
Rangelands are those parts of the world where pastoral people graze native and domestic herbivores on native vegetation. Here the natural and fossil resources are utilized by other people for a host of purposes, including fuels and minerals, water catchment, ecotourism and recreation, nature conservation, and carbon sinks. More than half of the earth's surface is rangeland. This book contains new concepts and systems approaches useful for the management of rangeland resources by the people who live there and the institutions that support them.
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