The Oxford Companion to Politics of the World

US: Oxford University Press, 1993. Hardcover. Good/Good. Will the end of superpower rivalry bring greater international harmony--or more volatile and dangerously unpredictable conflicts? Where two massive sp heres of influence once divided the globe, now regional conflicts erupt int o scenes of tragedy and confusion. In Africa, the new Europe, Asia, and the Americas, nations chart a bold course toward democracy. But they cannot br eak free of old divisions, as ethnic nationalism emerges amidst economic de vastation. Indeed, nations everywhere, however powerful, are buffeted on ev ery side. Their sovereignty is checked by the global economy as well as pow erful regional economic and political blocs. At a time of exceptional ferme nt, Oxford is pleased to present the most authoritative, timely, in-depth r eference available for understanding the people, nations, conflicts, moveme nts, institutions, and issues that dominate the world political stage. Edited by a team of eminent political scientists, The Oxford Companion to P olitics of the World provides readers the depth of coverage, the historical contexts, and the richness of interpretation needed to come to terms with today's volatile international scene. Drawing on the insights of nearly 500 authors from more than 40 countries, the volume provides comprehensive cov erage of international affairs and domestic politics throughout the world. Articles discuss virtually every nation in the world, and include extensive information on institutions, political parties, leaders, and the sources of political mobilization and conflict. The volume also includes biographies of more than seventy-five political leaders and thinkers who have shaped the c.