What is Vladimir Putin up to? This book shows how the mentality of Putin and his team - the code of Putinism - has shaped Russian politics over the past two decades. It explains not only the thoughts and ideas that motivate Putin's decisions, but also the set of emotions and habits that influence how Putin and his close allies view the world. The code of Putinism has powerfully shaped the nature of Russia's political system, its economy, and its foreign policy. Taylor draws on a large numb...

This book argues that Putin's strategy for rebuilding the state was fundamentally flawed. Taylor demonstrates that a disregard for the way state officials behave toward citizens - state quality - had a negative impact on what the state could do - state capacity. Focusing on those organizations that control state coercion, what Russians call the 'power ministries', Taylor shows that many of the weaknesses of the Russian state that existed under Boris Yeltsin persisted under Putin. Drawing o...

Russia is rarely out of the news. Yet Russian politics can be difficult to understand. It is powerfully shaped by large, impersonal forces such as geography, and Russia's place in the international political and economic system. At the same time, Russia's formal political institutions, such as the Constitution and electoral procedures, are relatively weak and manipulable compared to those of stable, established democracies. Under these circumstances, powerful leaders represent a source of ...

What is Vladimir Putin up to? This book shows how the mentality of Putin and his team—the code of Putinism—has shaped Russian politics over the past two decades. It explains not only the thoughts and ideas that motivate Putin's decisions, but also the set of emotions and habits that influence how Putin and his close allies view the world.Taylor draws on a large number of interviews, the speeches of Putin and other top officials, and the Russian media to analyze the mentality of Tea...

Russia is rarely out of the news. This has been particularly true since it launched the largest war in Europe since World War II when it invaded Ukraine in 2022. Yet Russian politics can be difficult to understand. It is powerfully shaped by large, impersonal forces such as geography, and Russia's place in the international political and economic system. At the same time, Russia's formal political institutions, such as the Constitution and electoral procedures, are relatively weak and mani...

The story of the interplay between finance, freeways, and urban form in the twentieth century and their enduring impact on American cities and neighborhoods in the twenty-first.American cities are distinct from almost all others in the degree to which freeways and freeway travel dominate urban landscapes. In The Drive for Dollars, Brian D. Taylor, Eric A. Morris, and Jeffrey R. Brown tell the largely misunderstood story of how freeways became the centerpie...

The SAGE Handbook on Decision Making, Assessment and Risk in Social Work provides a comprehensive overview of key strands of research and theoretical concepts in this increasingly important field.With 49 chapters and four section summaries, this Handbook describes the ‘state of the art’; discuss key debates and issues; and gives pointers on future directions for practice, research, teaching, management of services, and development of theoretical understandings.A key aim of ...

Ignite the Spark of Rebellion!Dive into the smog-choked streets of Newhaven, where whispers of rebellion flicker like embers in the oppressive darkness. Join Eleanor, a fiery spirit yearning for freedom, and Nathaniel, the last heir to a forgotten magic, as they ignite a revolution that will shake the very foundations of the iron fist.Will their crimson flame melt the Chancellor's grip and liberate the city? Or will their defiance be consumed by the smoldering despair?...

A story of love and rebellion surfaced in the midst of a once-decaying dystopian Gothic realm, where shadows clung to the remains of a vanished civilization. Unknowingly directing change, Alistair and Elysia were two spirits brought together by the whispers of passion that lingered in the shadows. Once hidden behind layers of secrecy, their love story sparked a revolution that toppled the harsh system that ruled the city.Alistair and Elysia were at the vanguard of ...

Peanut butter and jelly have always played a part in most children's eating regimen beginning at an early age. Most children can remember their parents putting a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in their lunch bag or having it provided in the school cafeteria. This book hopes to spark children's laughter with humorous food characters helping their friend (who happens to be Peanut butter). Peanut butter will always be an enjoyable food for children (to eat) or to enjoy in humorous literatur...

The United States of America is the best country for opportunity and the freedoms it provides. If you have an appreciation for our military, American freedom, and the American Workers who provide great services in our country, these poems will inspire you and make you appreciate your country even more.

The assessment of needs and the process of planning care are central issues in modern social work practice. Skilled assessment of client needs and strengths is essential to effective planning and efficient provision of quality social work services including both counselling and personal care. The focus of this book is on the development of the skills required at each stage of the social work process: assessment, care planning, implementation and evaluation. Throughout the book a balance is...