Bøker i Contemporary World Issues-serien

An up-to-date analysis of the wave of terrorism in the post-Cold War era and the ways in which states and societies are responding. Counter-Terrorism: A Reference Handbook outlines the threat of terrorism and ways to combat it.

A comprehensive look at torture, this book examines societal understanding of its use, how we got here, and how it might be regarded in the future. Torture and Enhanced Interrogation: A Reference Handbook begins with an overview of the history of torture, beginning in Ancient Greece and continuing to Guantanamo Bay and beyond.

The Climate Change Debate: A Reference Handbook provides an in-depth look at climate change facts and statistics.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in countries like the United States. This book provides a comprehensive summary of obesity in America and around the world, discussing the causes and proposing ways to help stem the tide and to help those who are overweight.

This go-to resource on substance abuse supplies the broad background knowledge and historical information needed to understand this important sociological issue and provides readers with a range of additional sources for continuing their study of the topic.From the pharmaceuticals advertised on television for various specific medical conditions; to alcohol, which is consumed regularly as a societal norm; to illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine; to marijuana, which is becoming legal in an increasing number of U.S. states, drugs are all around us and are ingrained in our culture. The difficult reality is that any drug is a substance that can be abused. Substance Abuse: A Reference Handbook provides a detailed discussion of the history of substance abuse, covers the classification of drugs, explains how drugs work in the body, includes a general survey of both legal and illegal drugs, and describes the methods of substance abuse prevention and treatment. Readers receive a comprehensive introduction to the broad topic of substance abuse and a variety of additional resources with which to conduct extensive research.In addition to describing the nature of licit and illicit drugs, the beneficial and harmful effects drugs can have on the human body, and factors that may lead to abuse and/or substance abuse, this book covers subtopics such as drug testing in a variety of settings including the workplace and sports, drug control mechanisms, and the debates relating to the legalization of drugs such as medical and recreational marijuana. The book also offers primary source resources that enable readers to directly examine the text of documents, such as significant laws and court cases dealing with aspects of substance abuse, alcohol prohibition amendments, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, a series of memoranda from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the prosecution of marijuana cases, and state doctor shopping laws.

This book examines the history of the concepts of intellectual property and the current state of U.S. and international intellectual property law. In this timely and readable volume, law professor Aaron Schwabach explores the three traditional categories of intellectual property-copyright, patent, and trademark.

From killer storms to their implications for the insurance premiums of U.S. residents, this much-awaited update explores the ecological, social, and economic consequences of hurricanes and their effects on both coastal and inland areas.

This work is a detailed survey of food safety issues today, from E-coli contamination in fruits and vegetables to food production practices that increase antibiotic resistance. Is our food safe?

This even-handed survey of contemporary urban development in America examines how and why a growing number of citizens are concerned about urban sprawl. Offering a balanced overview, Urban Sprawl marshals the facts, sorts out the benefits and the drawbacks, and withholds judgment.

A one-of-a-kind introduction to the major issues and controversies dominating the heated debate over U.S. forest policy today. Forest Conservation Policy: A Reference Handbook chronicles the dramatic history, current status, and global influence of U.S. forest policy.

This authoritative volume examines the reasons for rainforest destruction, the effects of deforestation on indigenous plant and animal life, and the policies and actions that are currently being taken to protect rainforests.

Surveying current research findings, social trends, and public controversies, Work and Family in America examines the changing cultures of the workplace, family, and home.

Focusing on religions such as Islam and Buddhism, this volume shows how religion influences politics and vice versa.

A handy source for basic statistics on prisoners, penal trends, and programs and services in America's prisons. Prisons in America covers such important subjects as punishment in the United States since colonial times;

Presenting an overview of information control in America, this volume discusses why some works of art and literature are controversial, and examines the arguments of both those who advocate unlimited free speech and those who would impose some limits.

From the popular video game Mortal Kombat to reality TV, this book offers a candid compilation of the history, problems, impacts, and solutions relating to media violence.

An engrossing review of the development of global consumerism and its impact on sociological issues.

A detailed survey of a growing scourge of the global economy-the smuggling of people, materials, and money.

This thoroughly revised second edition is an examination of domestic violence from social, legal, and historical perspectives.

This reference text explains what modern piracy is, where and why it happens, and what measures are being taken to combat it. While piracy today typically occurs in specific areas-such as Somalia and Southeast Asia-a single pirate attack can involve and affect many different countries.

This work is a fascinating overview of Americans' complex and occasionally uneasy relationship with military service, from World War II to the age of global terrorism. The end of the Cold War ushered in a new kind of war that has already made conventional tactics and strategy obsolete.

This extensive yet concise introduction to the phenomenon of globalization looks at its economic, environmental, and security dimensions as interpreted from different political points of view.

This volume provides an insightful overview of renewable and alternative energy technologies and policies in the United States and around the world. Are renewable and alternative energy solutions needed to combat many of the negative effects of fossil fuel (including global warming)?

While its primary focus is the United States, Feminism also examines how multiculturalism and global thinking have infused today's feminists with a sense of widened responsibility for girls and women worldwide. Readers will find a cultural overview of society's changing perception of women and a thoughtful analysis of the directions feminism is taking today.Other sections include a chronology of significant events, a collection of biographical sketches, and annotated listings of organizations and print and nonprint resources, including Internet coverage. Rounded out by a comprehensive index, this volume is excellent for anyone seeking a one-stop reference work on feminism.

This compilation of the best thinking about adoption by both historical and current authorities reveals a vital, ever-changing practice affecting the lives of millions of people around the globe. The ancient practice of adoption has changed significantly through history.

A thorough overview of the phenomenon of flooding, including frequency, damage, and information about organizations that help flood victims. What causes killer floods?

This work offers an insightful guide to the global struggle for human rights, the problems and shortcomings of the international human rights regime, and the resources essential to human rights studies.

A balanced and thoughtful analysis of human reproduction issues in the United States with emphasis on the ethical and policy implications of cutting-edge reproductive technologies. Few subjects are as divisive and partisan as the issues surrounding the propagation of the human species.

A thorough overview of the populations and social forces that have shaped the character of racial and ethnic diversity in the United States. Racial and Ethnic Diversity in America: A Reference Handbook documents how diversity as part of the social fabric of American society has changed its character over time.

This award winning handbook presents the views of both advocates and critics of the argument that government policies can establish gender and racial equality.