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  Imitation Democracy - The...

  Dmitrii Furman

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  After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia under Yeltsin and Putin implemented a political system of "imitation democracy," marked by "a huge disparity between formal constitutional principles and the reality of authoritarian rule." How did this system take shape, how else might it have developed, and what are the prospects for re-envisioning it more democratically in the future? 
   
   
   
  These questions animate Dmitrii Furman's Imitation Democracy, a welcome antidote to books that blandly decry Putin as an omnipotent dictator, without considering his platforms, constituencies, and sources of power. With extensive public opinion polling drawn from throughout the late- and post-Soviet period, Furman offers a definitive account of the formation of the modern Russian political system, casting it into powerful relief through comparisons with other post-Soviet states. 
   
   
   
  Peopled with grey technocrats, warring oligarchs, patriots, and provocateurs, Furman's narrative details the struggles among partisan factions, and the waves of public sentiment, that shaped modern Russia's political landscape, culminating in Putin's third presidential term, which resolves the contradiction between the "form" and "content" of imitation democracy, "the formal dependence of power on elections and the actual dependence of elections on power."

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  The Doctrine of the Mean

  Confucius

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  The Doctrine of the Mean is a Confucian text that discusses the importance of balance and moderation in all things. It argues that by living a life of moderation, one can achieve harmony and order in the world. The text also emphasises the importance of li, or ritual propriety, in achieving this goal. Read in English, unabridged.

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  Joyful Living - Embracing...

  Fiona Zenith

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  In a world filled with stress and uncertainty, Joyful Living offers a transformative roadmap to reclaim your sense of joy and well-being. This insightful guide delves into the art of cultivating a positive mindset amidst life's challenges, equipping you with practical strategies to enhance your mental health and foster resilience. Fiona Zenith shares her personal journey from despair to empowerment, illustrating how simple shifts in perspective can lead to profound changes. Each chapter provides actionable techniques—from identifying negative thoughts and practicing gratitude to integrating mindfulness into daily routines. Discover how to build emotional resilience, create joyful habits, and embrace an optimistic outlook that will illuminate your path through adversity. With relatable stories, reflective exercises, and a wealth of practical advice, Joyful Living invites you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether you seek to enhance your personal happiness or support others in their quest for positivity, this book serves as your companion in navigating the complexities of life with grace and confidence. Transform your life today—embrace the power of positivity and unlock the joy within.

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  A Rare Recording of HP Lovecraft

  H. P. Lovecraft

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  H.P. Lovecraft (1890 - 1937) was an American horror fiction writer. Though he died in poverty and was only published in pulp magazines before his death, he is now regarded as one of the most significant 20th century authors in the genre. Lovecraft's most popular book is, perhaps, At the Mountains of Madness. He also wrote The Call of Cthulhu, along with many short stories and literary correspondences. In this rare recording, he is interviewed as part of a WPA project during the New Deal.
  
  ©2016 Listen & Live Audio (P)2016 Listen & Live Audio

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  Transformative Experience

  L.A. Paul

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  Transformative Experience by L.A. Paul challenges the foundations of how we make life's biggest decisions. From becoming a parent to changing careers—or even becoming a vampire in a thought experiment—some choices don’t just alter your circumstances; they change you. Paul introduces the concept of transformative experiences—decisions that are both epistemically transformative (you can’t know what they’re like until you live them) and personally transformative (they change your core values, preferences, or identity). 
   
  Traditional models of rational decision-making assume we can evaluate outcomes based on what we currently value. But what happens when the experience itself reshapes those values? If you can't imagine what the future will feel like, or if your future self values different things, how can you make a rational choice now? 
   
  Blending vivid examples, from parenthood to philosophical thought experiments, Paul explores the limits of foresight, the nature of self, and how we might embrace decision-making not as prediction—but as discovery. Transformative Experience is a groundbreaking work that forces us to rethink autonomy, authenticity, and the very meaning of rational choice.

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  Portugal's Bush War in Mozambique

  Al J. Venter

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  A new account of how Portugal fought a bush war in Mozambique for over a decade.Portugal fought a bush war in Mozambique — one of the most beautiful countries in the world — for over a decade. The small European nation was ranged against formidable odds and in the end was unable to muster the resources required to effectively take on the might of the Soviet Union and its collaborators—every single communist country on the planet and almost all of Black Africa. Yet, Al Venter argues, Portugal did not actually lose the war, and indeed fought in difficult terrain with a good degree of success over an extended period. It was radical domestic politics that heralded the end.  Mozambique is once again embroiled in a guerrilla war, this time against a large force of Islamic militants, many from Somalia and some Arab countries, and unequivocally backed by Islamic State and the lessons of Mozambique’s bush war are still relevant today.

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