The Taming of Scarcity and the Problems of Plenty

The Taming of Scarcity and the Problems of Plenty

Author: Francis J. Gavin

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2024-03-07

Total Pages: 119

ISBN-13: 1040098266

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The underlying structure, incentives and costs shaping international relations, state behaviour and the nature of power are profoundly different today to how they were in the past, in ways that are scarcely recognised and widely misunderstood. For much of history, world politics was marked by profound scarcity in resources, information and security. A series of historical revolutions has largely tamed this scarcity in ways few could have imagined. These revolutions, however, have generated new, potentially catastrophic challenges for the world – the problems of plenty. In this Adelphi book, Francis J. Gavin argues that the institutions, practices, theories and policies that helped explain and largely tamed scarcity by generating massive prosperity, and which were sometimes used to justify punishing conquest, are often unsuitable for addressing the problems of plenty. Successful grand strategy in this new age of abundance requires new thinking. New conceptual lenses, innovative policies and processes, and transformed institutions will be essential for confronting and solving the problems of plenty, without undermining the expanding efforts against scarcity.


Book Synopsis The Taming of Scarcity and the Problems of Plenty by : Francis J. Gavin

Download or read book The Taming of Scarcity and the Problems of Plenty written by Francis J. Gavin and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2024-03-07 with total page 119 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The underlying structure, incentives and costs shaping international relations, state behaviour and the nature of power are profoundly different today to how they were in the past, in ways that are scarcely recognised and widely misunderstood. For much of history, world politics was marked by profound scarcity in resources, information and security. A series of historical revolutions has largely tamed this scarcity in ways few could have imagined. These revolutions, however, have generated new, potentially catastrophic challenges for the world – the problems of plenty. In this Adelphi book, Francis J. Gavin argues that the institutions, practices, theories and policies that helped explain and largely tamed scarcity by generating massive prosperity, and which were sometimes used to justify punishing conquest, are often unsuitable for addressing the problems of plenty. Successful grand strategy in this new age of abundance requires new thinking. New conceptual lenses, innovative policies and processes, and transformed institutions will be essential for confronting and solving the problems of plenty, without undermining the expanding efforts against scarcity.

New Answers to Old Questions

New Answers to Old Questions

Author: Aaron Connelly

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2024-06-26

Total Pages: 145

ISBN-13: 104021665X

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Outside Myanmar, the 2021 coup d’état has often been portrayed as the end of a hopeful period for the country. In this Adelphi book, however, Aaron Connelly and Shona Loong argue that the Aung San Suu Kyi government that preceded it was a false dawn, unlikely to fulfil the international community's aspirations for a stable, peaceful and strong Myanmar. Instead, the movement opposing the 2021 coup holds much greater promise – despite the bloody conflict that dominates the news today. Connelly and Loong survey three fundamental relationships that have shaped Myanmar before and after the coup – between the military and the state, between the majority Burmese and ethnic minorities, and between Myanmar and the world – to explain how opposition to the coup has shifted all of them in a more liberal, pluralist and cosmopolitan direction.


Book Synopsis New Answers to Old Questions by : Aaron Connelly

Download or read book New Answers to Old Questions written by Aaron Connelly and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2024-06-26 with total page 145 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Outside Myanmar, the 2021 coup d’état has often been portrayed as the end of a hopeful period for the country. In this Adelphi book, however, Aaron Connelly and Shona Loong argue that the Aung San Suu Kyi government that preceded it was a false dawn, unlikely to fulfil the international community's aspirations for a stable, peaceful and strong Myanmar. Instead, the movement opposing the 2021 coup holds much greater promise – despite the bloody conflict that dominates the news today. Connelly and Loong survey three fundamental relationships that have shaped Myanmar before and after the coup – between the military and the state, between the majority Burmese and ethnic minorities, and between Myanmar and the world – to explain how opposition to the coup has shifted all of them in a more liberal, pluralist and cosmopolitan direction.

Deterrence, Diplomacy and the Risk of Conflict Over Taiwan

Deterrence, Diplomacy and the Risk of Conflict Over Taiwan

Author: Bill Emmott

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2024-07-15

Total Pages: 141

ISBN-13: 1040224040

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Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine confirmed that revived great-power competition has heightened the prospect of global conflict, while restoring the concept of deterrence to centre stage. The stakes in a conflict in East Asia, however, would be even higher than those in Ukraine. A war over Taiwan could bring the United States and China, the world’s two greatest powers, into a direct military conflict which would represent a contest for regional or global leadership and would be likely to draw other powers into the fight. Such a war – in which the nuclear question would be ever-present – can currently be described as ‘possible, avoidable, but potentially catastrophic’. In this Adelphi book, Bill Emmott evaluates the diplomatic and deterrence strategies that countries in and outside the Indo-Pacific region are using to try to reduce the risk of that conflict occurring. This book examines these strategies in the light of the lessons of the Ukraine war and identifies yardsticks with which to gauge their potential effectiveness and sustainability. Our goal, Emmott argues, must be for all sides to regard such a US–China conflict as ‘inevitably catastrophic and therefore inconceivable’.


Book Synopsis Deterrence, Diplomacy and the Risk of Conflict Over Taiwan by : Bill Emmott

Download or read book Deterrence, Diplomacy and the Risk of Conflict Over Taiwan written by Bill Emmott and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2024-07-15 with total page 141 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine confirmed that revived great-power competition has heightened the prospect of global conflict, while restoring the concept of deterrence to centre stage. The stakes in a conflict in East Asia, however, would be even higher than those in Ukraine. A war over Taiwan could bring the United States and China, the world’s two greatest powers, into a direct military conflict which would represent a contest for regional or global leadership and would be likely to draw other powers into the fight. Such a war – in which the nuclear question would be ever-present – can currently be described as ‘possible, avoidable, but potentially catastrophic’. In this Adelphi book, Bill Emmott evaluates the diplomatic and deterrence strategies that countries in and outside the Indo-Pacific region are using to try to reduce the risk of that conflict occurring. This book examines these strategies in the light of the lessons of the Ukraine war and identifies yardsticks with which to gauge their potential effectiveness and sustainability. Our goal, Emmott argues, must be for all sides to regard such a US–China conflict as ‘inevitably catastrophic and therefore inconceivable’.

Taming Your Crocodiles Practices

Taming Your Crocodiles Practices

Author: Hylke Faber

Publisher: Courier Dover Publications

Published: 2021-01-13

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 0486848817

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Learn how to implement leadership practices into everyday life, deepen your appreciation for the adventure of life and leadership, connect with your calling, and turn your fears into growth practices.


Book Synopsis Taming Your Crocodiles Practices by : Hylke Faber

Download or read book Taming Your Crocodiles Practices written by Hylke Faber and published by Courier Dover Publications. This book was released on 2021-01-13 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn how to implement leadership practices into everyday life, deepen your appreciation for the adventure of life and leadership, connect with your calling, and turn your fears into growth practices.

Taming Your Crocodiles

Taming Your Crocodiles

Author: Hylke Faber

Publisher: Courier Dover Publications

Published: 2018-05-16

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13: 0486830438

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"A daring and important addition to the field of leadership development." — Vijay Govindarajan, New York Times bestselling author. Faber offers practical advice to help unlock your potential for growth by overcoming your "crocodiles" and fostering a supportive team environment.


Book Synopsis Taming Your Crocodiles by : Hylke Faber

Download or read book Taming Your Crocodiles written by Hylke Faber and published by Courier Dover Publications. This book was released on 2018-05-16 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A daring and important addition to the field of leadership development." — Vijay Govindarajan, New York Times bestselling author. Faber offers practical advice to help unlock your potential for growth by overcoming your "crocodiles" and fostering a supportive team environment.

Nuclear Statecraft

Nuclear Statecraft

Author: Francis J. Gavin

Publisher: Cornell University Press

Published: 2012-10-16

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13: 0801465761

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We are at a critical juncture in world politics. Nuclear strategy and policy have risen to the top of the global policy agenda, and issues ranging from a nuclear Iran to the global zero movement are generating sharp debate. The historical origins of our contemporary nuclear world are deeply consequential for contemporary policy, but it is crucial that decisions are made on the basis of fact rather than myth and misapprehension. In Nuclear Statecraft, Francis J. Gavin challenges key elements of the widely accepted narrative about the history of the atomic age and the consequences of the nuclear revolution. On the basis of recently declassified documents, Gavin reassesses the strategy of flexible response, the influence of nuclear weapons during the Berlin Crisis, the origins of and motivations for U.S. nuclear nonproliferation policy, and how to assess the nuclear dangers we face today. In case after case, he finds that we know far less than we think we do about our nuclear history. Archival evidence makes it clear that decision makers were more concerned about underlying geopolitical questions than about the strategic dynamic between two nuclear superpowers. Gavin's rigorous historical work not only tells us what happened in the past but also offers a powerful tool to explain how nuclear weapons influence international relations. Nuclear Statecraft provides a solid foundation for future policymaking.


Book Synopsis Nuclear Statecraft by : Francis J. Gavin

Download or read book Nuclear Statecraft written by Francis J. Gavin and published by Cornell University Press. This book was released on 2012-10-16 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We are at a critical juncture in world politics. Nuclear strategy and policy have risen to the top of the global policy agenda, and issues ranging from a nuclear Iran to the global zero movement are generating sharp debate. The historical origins of our contemporary nuclear world are deeply consequential for contemporary policy, but it is crucial that decisions are made on the basis of fact rather than myth and misapprehension. In Nuclear Statecraft, Francis J. Gavin challenges key elements of the widely accepted narrative about the history of the atomic age and the consequences of the nuclear revolution. On the basis of recently declassified documents, Gavin reassesses the strategy of flexible response, the influence of nuclear weapons during the Berlin Crisis, the origins of and motivations for U.S. nuclear nonproliferation policy, and how to assess the nuclear dangers we face today. In case after case, he finds that we know far less than we think we do about our nuclear history. Archival evidence makes it clear that decision makers were more concerned about underlying geopolitical questions than about the strategic dynamic between two nuclear superpowers. Gavin's rigorous historical work not only tells us what happened in the past but also offers a powerful tool to explain how nuclear weapons influence international relations. Nuclear Statecraft provides a solid foundation for future policymaking.

Taming the Dragons of Change

Taming the Dragons of Change

Author: Richard Stieglitz

Publisher: Taming The Dragons of Change

Published: 2006-10

Total Pages: 327

ISBN-13: 1424122228

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Hardworking men and women wrestle with the dragons of personal and professional change every day. Despite the highest standard of living in history, they feel burned by frustration, hassle and stress. Some important thing seems to be missing no matter how much they care, how hard they work, or how many possessions they own. Paradoxically, they have more and feel less satisfied. But what can they change? Must they abandon high-paying careers to enjoy family relationships, achieve personal happiness, and contribute to the community? Taming the Dragons of Change is written by the CEO of a high-tech company who evaluated his demanding career and busy lifestyle, discovered a few simple changes, and found joy, peace and security in a hectic world of rampant change. Taming the Dragons of Change is a practical book. It offers refreshing new tips that enable readers to simultaneously savor the career success theyve earned, and have the happiness and fulfillment they crave. The book is written in a format that fits conveniently into the frantic lives of career-focused people. It can be enjoyed in brief increments stolen from busy days. These golden nuggets will make readers laugh and cry, think and grow, as they learn how to experience both career success and personal happiness in an ever-changing world.


Book Synopsis Taming the Dragons of Change by : Richard Stieglitz

Download or read book Taming the Dragons of Change written by Richard Stieglitz and published by Taming The Dragons of Change. This book was released on 2006-10 with total page 327 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hardworking men and women wrestle with the dragons of personal and professional change every day. Despite the highest standard of living in history, they feel burned by frustration, hassle and stress. Some important thing seems to be missing no matter how much they care, how hard they work, or how many possessions they own. Paradoxically, they have more and feel less satisfied. But what can they change? Must they abandon high-paying careers to enjoy family relationships, achieve personal happiness, and contribute to the community? Taming the Dragons of Change is written by the CEO of a high-tech company who evaluated his demanding career and busy lifestyle, discovered a few simple changes, and found joy, peace and security in a hectic world of rampant change. Taming the Dragons of Change is a practical book. It offers refreshing new tips that enable readers to simultaneously savor the career success theyve earned, and have the happiness and fulfillment they crave. The book is written in a format that fits conveniently into the frantic lives of career-focused people. It can be enjoyed in brief increments stolen from busy days. These golden nuggets will make readers laugh and cry, think and grow, as they learn how to experience both career success and personal happiness in an ever-changing world.

Gold, Dollars, and Power

Gold, Dollars, and Power

Author: Francis J. Gavin

Publisher: UNC Press Books

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13: 9780807828236

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"Gavin demonstrates that Bretton Woods was in fact a highly politicized system that was prone to crisis and required constant intervention and controls to continue functioning. More important, postwar monetary relations were not a salve to political tensions, as is often contended.


Book Synopsis Gold, Dollars, and Power by : Francis J. Gavin

Download or read book Gold, Dollars, and Power written by Francis J. Gavin and published by UNC Press Books. This book was released on 2004 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Gavin demonstrates that Bretton Woods was in fact a highly politicized system that was prone to crisis and required constant intervention and controls to continue functioning. More important, postwar monetary relations were not a salve to political tensions, as is often contended.

Taming Uncertainty

Taming Uncertainty

Author: Ralph Hertwig

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2019-08-13

Total Pages: 489

ISBN-13: 0262353148

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An examination of the cognitive tools that the mind uses to grapple with uncertainty in the real world. How do humans navigate uncertainty, continuously making near-effortless decisions and predictions even under conditions of imperfect knowledge, high complexity, and extreme time pressure? Taming Uncertainty argues that the human mind has developed tools to grapple with uncertainty. Unlike much previous scholarship in psychology and economics, this approach is rooted in what is known about what real minds can do. Rather than reducing the human response to uncertainty to an act of juggling probabilities, the authors propose that the human cognitive system has specific tools for dealing with different forms of uncertainty. They identify three types of tools: simple heuristics, tools for information search, and tools for harnessing the wisdom of others. This set of strategies for making predictions, inferences, and decisions constitute the mind's adaptive toolbox. The authors show how these three dimensions of human decision making are integrated and they argue that the toolbox, its cognitive foundation, and the environment are in constant flux and subject to developmental change. They demonstrate that each cognitive tool can be analyzed through the concept of ecological rationality—that is, the fit between specific tools and specific environments. Chapters deal with such specific instances of decision making as food choice architecture, intertemporal choice, financial uncertainty, pedestrian navigation, and adolescent behavior.


Book Synopsis Taming Uncertainty by : Ralph Hertwig

Download or read book Taming Uncertainty written by Ralph Hertwig and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 2019-08-13 with total page 489 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An examination of the cognitive tools that the mind uses to grapple with uncertainty in the real world. How do humans navigate uncertainty, continuously making near-effortless decisions and predictions even under conditions of imperfect knowledge, high complexity, and extreme time pressure? Taming Uncertainty argues that the human mind has developed tools to grapple with uncertainty. Unlike much previous scholarship in psychology and economics, this approach is rooted in what is known about what real minds can do. Rather than reducing the human response to uncertainty to an act of juggling probabilities, the authors propose that the human cognitive system has specific tools for dealing with different forms of uncertainty. They identify three types of tools: simple heuristics, tools for information search, and tools for harnessing the wisdom of others. This set of strategies for making predictions, inferences, and decisions constitute the mind's adaptive toolbox. The authors show how these three dimensions of human decision making are integrated and they argue that the toolbox, its cognitive foundation, and the environment are in constant flux and subject to developmental change. They demonstrate that each cognitive tool can be analyzed through the concept of ecological rationality—that is, the fit between specific tools and specific environments. Chapters deal with such specific instances of decision making as food choice architecture, intertemporal choice, financial uncertainty, pedestrian navigation, and adolescent behavior.

Coping with Water Scarcity

Coping with Water Scarcity

Author: Jean-Marc Faurès

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9789251073049

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The report aims to provide a conceptual framework to address food security under conditions of water scarcity in agriculture. It has been prepared by a team of FAO staff and consultants in the framework of the project "Coping with water scarcity - the role of agriculture", and has been discussed at an Expert Consultation meeting organized in FAO, Rome, during the period 14-16 December 2009 on the same subject. It was subsequently edited and revised, taking account of discussions in the Expert Consultation and materials presented to the meeting. The purpose of the Expert Consultation was to assist FAO to better design its water scarcity programme. In particular, the experts were requested to provide recommendations on the range of technical and policy options and associated principles that FAO should promote as part of an agricultural response to water scarcity in member countries. The document offers views on the conceptual framework on which FAO's water scarcity programme should be based, proposes a set of definitions associated with the concept of water scarcity, and indicates the main principles on which FAO should base its action in support to its member countries. At the meeting, experts were requested to review the draft document and provide feedback and recommendations for its finalization. Issues that were addressed in discussions included: 3⁄4 Water scarcity: agreement on key definitions. 3⁄4 The conceptualisation of water scarcity in ways that are meaningful for policy development and decision-making. 3⁄4 The quantification of water scarcity. . 3⁄4 Policy and technical response options available to ensure food security in conditions of water scarcity. . 3⁄4 Criteria and principles that should be used to establish priorities for action in response to water scarcity in agriculture and ensure effective and efficient water scarcity coping strategies.


Book Synopsis Coping with Water Scarcity by : Jean-Marc Faurès

Download or read book Coping with Water Scarcity written by Jean-Marc Faurès and published by Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). This book was released on 2012 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The report aims to provide a conceptual framework to address food security under conditions of water scarcity in agriculture. It has been prepared by a team of FAO staff and consultants in the framework of the project "Coping with water scarcity - the role of agriculture", and has been discussed at an Expert Consultation meeting organized in FAO, Rome, during the period 14-16 December 2009 on the same subject. It was subsequently edited and revised, taking account of discussions in the Expert Consultation and materials presented to the meeting. The purpose of the Expert Consultation was to assist FAO to better design its water scarcity programme. In particular, the experts were requested to provide recommendations on the range of technical and policy options and associated principles that FAO should promote as part of an agricultural response to water scarcity in member countries. The document offers views on the conceptual framework on which FAO's water scarcity programme should be based, proposes a set of definitions associated with the concept of water scarcity, and indicates the main principles on which FAO should base its action in support to its member countries. At the meeting, experts were requested to review the draft document and provide feedback and recommendations for its finalization. Issues that were addressed in discussions included: 3⁄4 Water scarcity: agreement on key definitions. 3⁄4 The conceptualisation of water scarcity in ways that are meaningful for policy development and decision-making. 3⁄4 The quantification of water scarcity. . 3⁄4 Policy and technical response options available to ensure food security in conditions of water scarcity. . 3⁄4 Criteria and principles that should be used to establish priorities for action in response to water scarcity in agriculture and ensure effective and efficient water scarcity coping strategies.