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Continuum International
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This book presents a fascinating study of the impact Arctic reserves have — and will continue to have — on the global political and environmental stages. On 2 August 2007, a Russian submarine captured world headlines by making a dangerous journey to the bottom of the Arctic seabed and planting a metal, rust-free national flag more than 14,000 feet beneath the North Pole. The aim was to assert Russia's legal sovereignty over a region whose importance had only recently started to become apparent as its melting ice had made, or was expected to make, vast natural resources open to exploitation. The latest estimates are that the region holds around 13 per cent of the world's undiscovered oil and as much as 30 per cent of undiscovered natural gas reserves that would be hugely profitable for any country that managed to secure control over them. Gold, platinum, copper and other precious metals have also been found along the coast. Neighbouring countries — Russia, the United States, Canada, Denmark and Norway — are already doing everything they can to mark out new borders. The ensuing political disagreements over the issue are already rife. In particular, games of political intrigue between Moscow and Washington are being played out in the region. But as the world's resources become increasingly scarce and valuable, could the scramble for Arctic resources become violent? Could a 'War for the Arctic' be fought? |
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Putins Oil relates Vladimir Putins war for control of Russias vast oil reserves, in particular Mikhail Khodorkovskys oil firm, Yukos. The book investigates the complex world of Kremlin politics, including conspiracies and conspiracy theories, allegations that Roman Abramovitch plotted with Putin to destroy Khodorkovsky, suspicions of betrayal and double agents in the Kremlin and in Yukos, murder charges against Khodorkovskys partners, and the KGB defector who claims they were carried out by Kremlin agents. |
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In this authoritative book John Grainger explores the foundations of Alexander's empire and why it did not survive after his untimely death in 323 BC. Alexander the Great's empire stretched across three continents and his achievements changed the nature of the ancient world. But for all his military prowess and success as a conqueror, John Grainger argues that he was one of history's great failures. Alexander's arrogance was largely responsible for his own premature death and he was personally culpable for the failure of his imperial enterprise. For Alexander was king of a society where the ruler was absolutely central to the well-being of society as a whole. When the king failed, the Macedonian kingdom imploded, something which had happened every generation for two centuries before him and happened again when he died. For the good of his people, Alexander needed an adult successor, but he refused to provide one while also killing any man who could be seen as one. The consequence was fifty years of warfare after his death and the destruction of his empire. The work of Philip II, Alexander's father, in extending and developing the kingdom of the Macedonians was the foundation for Alexander's career of conquest. Philip's murder in 336 BC brought Alexander to the kingship in the first undisputed royal succession on record. |
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There has been a huge resurgence in the popularity and production of Documentary Films over the past few years, and there is a new generation of film makers who want to be involved. In addition, the digital revolution has made this genre more accessible to the general film maker, and documentaries can now be shot cheaply and with high production values. The Documentary Film Makers Handbook features incisive interviews with dozens of industry professionals, on subjects as diverse as interview technique, the NBC News Archive, music rights, setting up your own company, pitching your proposal, camera hire, the British Film Council, editing and distribution. The book also includes in-depth case studies of some of the most successful documentary films of recent years, including Mad Hot Ballroom, Born into Brothels, Touching The Void, and Beneath The Veil and Amandla! |
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Covers derivational and compound word formation in English morphology in depth, using a cognitive linguistics semantic framework. |
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A lively and accessible introduction to philosophical paradoxes — ideal for anyone coming to this fascinating subject for the first time. |
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This book presents a vivid and original portrait of the entire Romanov family, who shaped Russian history and politics for three centuries and whose legacy still sparks the public's imagination. For 300 years the history of Russia was inextricably linked to that of one family: The Romanovs. Claiming a divine right to reign and tracing the family line back to Peter the Great they shaped the history of Russia, for better or for worse, for three centuries. The influence of Michael, Ivan, Catherine II, Nicholas I and Alexander III defined the politics, society, art and philosophy of their times and lead to the establishment of Russia as one of the great world powers. But when the Romanov's gathered to celebrate their tercentenary in 1913 dark clouds were gathering all around. Rasputin had prophesized their demise and his unpopular influence on the Tsar was growing. The strain of the First World War had spread unrest throughout Russia. On 17 July 1918, three-hundred and four years of the Romanov dynasty ended when, probably under Lenin's orders, Tsar Nicholas II, his wife and five children were brutally murdered by a Bolshevik execution squad. This brilliant and original new work on the entire Romanov family paints a vivid picture of the dynasty and illustrates exactly what it contributed to the creation of Russia. By bringing the characters of the Tsars and their family to life Lindsey Hughes has added so much to our knowledge of this fascinating dynasty. |
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