This volume of the National Political Science Review; the official publication of the National Political Science Association; is anchored by a major symposium on The Politics of the Black "Nation;" the book authored by Matthew Holden in 1973; which is now considered one of the most influential books in the field of black politics. Twenty-five years provide a sufficient timespan on which to base a retrospective of the book and simultaneously to reflect upon the evolution of the black liberation struggle; more formally called; African American politics. In the present age; there is not much talk about "a black nation;" certainly not as was heard during the 1960s and mid-1970s. Yet there is a persistent sense of separateness in that there is constant thought and talk of "Black America" as a significantly separate communal entity. Black Americans are seen as a racially and culturally distinct community holding to social; political; economic interests which have special significance and poignancy for them. Holden's perception of the nature of the times in the early seventies stands in sharp contrast to how contemporary analysts of African American politics tend to perceive the nature of African Americans' role in political life and their position in American society in the present age. In this retrospective; readers have the opportunity to get a sense of what Holden argued of the seven essays that make up his seminal volume and to consider how well Holden's observations have stood the tests of time. In addition to the essays presented at the symposium; which pointedly discuss Holden's work; there are essays dealing with "African American Politics in Constancy and Change;" by contributors including Charles Henry; David Covin; Robert C. Smith; Clyde Lusane; Cheryl Miller; D'Linell Finley; and Sekou Franklin; among others. Other features are a highly informative discussion of the Literary Digest magazine's Straw-Vote Presidential Polls; 1916-1936; and a review essay by Peter Ronaye in which he discusses "America as 'New World' Power: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Post-Cold War Era." The volume concludes with fifteen book reviews by knowledgeable scholars. The Politics of the Black "Nation" is a timely; thought-provoking volume. It will be of immense value to ethnic studies specialists; African American studies scholars; political scientists; historians; and sociologists.
#697260 in Books M.E. Sharpe 1998-05-02 1998-04-30Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .53 x 6.00l; .73 #File Name: 0765600048240 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy Not really youI absolutely loved the book. It provides numbers; analysis; objective political and financial data and a very balanced presentation of the whole situation; in depth of time. You don't need to be a financial or political specialist to "get" the book; but some background does help.It's 4 stars for me.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. WORSTBy Alexey TuzikovI must reveal that I am Russian. I have never read a book more detached from reality. The author ABSOLUTELY doesn't understand Russia and its internal processes. False historical analogies; wrong conclusions; misinterpreted signals. If you want understand dissolution of USSR or modern Russia this should be your last book; or better don't read it at all.12 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Excellent OverviewBy Jonathon LeverStrayer's book is more than proposing one particular thesis as to why the USSR is no longer in existance. His book is more about using the events that happened between 1985 and 1991 (while keeping in mind the context of 1917-1985) to look at how a historian does his/her work. Rather than proposing one thesis and saying this is the reason for the collapse; Strayer examines a multitude of theses and discusses the pros and cons of each of them from a historians perspective.I would recommend this book for two reasons; one if you want to know what events influenced the collapse of the USSR; this book does a good job (well documented too) of providing an overview of those events. From the rise of Gorbachev to the failed coup attempt. The second reason I would recommend this book is that from the perspective of a history teacher; Strayer gives an excellent opportunity to look at how historians analyze events and try to develop a thesis to fit those events. This book would serve as an excellent way to look at the historian's trade.Overall; Strayer has given people several theses and the information to back those theses so that they can make up their own minds as to why the USSR is no longer around.
