A Russian History Reading List

A Russian History Reading List Every time I start to think I understand Russian history, I remember Tolstoys line in War and Peace: “All we can know is that we know nothing. And thats the height of human wisdom.” Russian history is vast, and complicated, and in light of the state of current foreign affairs and Russias interference in our election, worth at least trying to know something about. But where to start? Id suggest a few works on the background of modern Russian history from the Revolution that ousted tsarist rule, through the Lenin and Stalin periods, then on to the transition to democracy and ending in the Putin era. These are a mix of books I read in political science and history classes while getting an undergrad degree in international studies and more recent releases Ive checked out to try and get a handle on the Russian political sceneâ€"which seems  more important than ever. The Russian Revolution by Sheila Fitzpatrick (2008) This slim volume is a highly readable account of the Russian Revolution that doesnt sacrifice any of the details and extends through Stalins consolidation of power in the 1930s. This serves as a fantastic entry point to Russian politics. The End of Tsarist Russia: The March to World War I and Revolution  by Dominic Lieven (2015) This book examines the Russian Revolution and WWI from a fresh perspective. Lievens approach is exceptionally detailed, while still offering new reasoning and perspective on why history unfolded as it did. A State of Nations: Empire and Nation-making in the Age of Lenin and Stalin  edited byRonald Grigor Suny (2001) This is a  collection of essays that looks at the nationality policy of both Lenin and Stalin. It focuses on minority groups within the Soviet Union and how the Soviet concept of nationality was created, defined, and modified in the early days. Lenins Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Empire by David Remnick (1993) This is actually one of my favorite books, ever. (No one said I wasnt a nerd). In it, I first read the words that I return to in moments of despair (in which I find myself often  post-election). The quote is from Mikhail Gorbachev, and it is: while I am breathing, I am hoping. Remnick, who is currently the editor of The New Yorker, won a Pulitzer for the incredible reporting that went into this chronicle of the demise of Soviet Russia. He interviewed peasants and Chernobyl survivors and even Gorbachevs high school girlfriend and a CIA agent who defected to the KGB. Its riveting. First Person: An Astonishingly Frank Self-Portrait by Russias President by Vladimir Putin, Nataliya Gevorkyan, Natalya Timakova, and Andrei Kolesnikov (2000) Lets be honest: this is propaganda, but insightful propaganda. When Putin burst onto the political scene in Russia as Yeltsins named successor, the Russian people and the world knew little about him. This collection of interviews sheds light on his early career and is a must-read for anyone trying to understand the figure that has dominated Russian politics for almost two decades. Russias Unfinished Revolution: Political Change From Gorbachev to Putin by Michael McFaul (2001) This Russian history book offers an insider perspective on the transition from post-Communist institutions and the key economic and political policies of the early Putin years. Darkness at Dawn: The Rise of the Russian Criminal State by David Satter (2004) Even though this is published by a university press, its a very  readable history of the rise of the criminal influence in Russian government following the downfall of the Soviet Union. Satter really uses his understanding of Russian psychology gained by years as the Moscow correspondent for the Wall Street Journal to give insight into what happened and why. Satter has many books on Russia, and those interested in diving deep into the subject matter should explore more. The Man without a Face by Masha Gessen (2012) There are many books that chronicle Putins policies (and crimes), but this one puts them in a more personal context, and is more readable for it. The Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice by Bill Browder (2015) This book uses  the story of a man who tried to investigate the corruption of Russian officials to illustrate the reality of Russian politics. Rather than helping to put the  criminals behind bars, he died in prison. Its as chilling and sinister as any suspense novel of shady dealings, political machinations, and murderâ€"and this one is true, and instead of shocking, it represents business as usual in Russian politics. Putin’s Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia?  by Karen Dawisha (2014) This book exposes so much of the Putins shadiness it was only published in the US and not in the UK, where libel laws take the burden of proof off the plaintiff. Dawishas book is meticulously researched, and shows how the Russian government became a front for organized crime. If youre thinking, it cant really be THAT corrupt read this and decide for yourself. The Invention of Russia: From Gorbachevs Freedom to Putins War  by  Arkady Ostrovsky (2016) If the parallels between Putin and Trump are alarming to you, this is the book Id recommend you read. Ostrovsky, as a Economist  correspondent, had a front row seat to Russias shift from seemingly embracing democratic, free-market capitalism to embracing rhetoric of a populist nationalism. Putin Country: A Journey into the Real Russia  by  Anne Garrels (2016) Like many recent books (and current bestsellers) probe the rural experience in America, this work looks at the Russia outside of Moscow, the cultural, economic, and political center of the vast country. Garrels visits  Chelyabinsk, a industrial city a thousand miles outside of the capitol, and interviews everyone from upwardly mobile white-collar workers to prostitutes and peasants, painting a picture of all the various subcultures that are not so different from those that populate Middle America. All the Kremlin’s Men by Mikhail Zygar (2016)  This recently published book by the chief editor of the opposition TV station  paints a different picture of how much power and control Putin actually has, and makes readers question who is really behind the strategy, or if there is any strategy at all. These books are just a beginning point to truly understand Russian history and politics, and Im no expert or scholar, just an interested and concerned reader. Do you have suggestions for further reading? Leave them in the comments. Find even more of our Russian book recommendations here. Sign up for True Story to receive nonfiction news, new releases, and must-read forthcoming titles. Thank you for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox.

Essay on managerial ehics - 1410 Words

Complete Discussion Questions 3, 4, and 5 on page 27 of Business and Society. 3. Identify and explain the major factors in the social environment that create an atmosphere in which business criticism takes place and prospers. How are the factors related to one another? Has the revolution of rising expectations run its course? Or is it still a vital reality? Affluence refers to the level of wealth, and standard of living of the society. As the standard of living is increasing every year, people are becoming well educated. As a result they are expecting a lot more from the businesses. This is one of the factor leading to business criticism. Now a day’s people are spending more time using television and Internet especially social media†¦show more content†¦The micro level of corporate power is the level of individual business. The best example of this level is Walmart, with its dominance of the lower prices in the market. Finally, the individual level of corporate power resides in individual business leaders. Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple, Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, are good examples of people with the individual level of corporate power. Spheres of power include economic, political, social/cultural, technological, environmental, and power over the individual. The businesses with economic power controls their assets and sales. If any organization enjoys freedom in a particular state with the help of elected person, it sure is having political power. Cellphones, appliances and automobiles are manufactured and distributed by corporations with technological power. Corporations working hard to produce environmentally safe products. Business also have power over individuals because most people work for corporations and buy most of their products from corporations. 5. Explain in your own words the Iron Law of Responsibility and the social contract. Give an example of a shared understanding between you as a consumer or an employee and a firm with which you do business or for which you work. Is Congress justified in creating new regulations to govern the financial services industry? The iron law ofShow MoreRelatedTransformational Leadership A Personal Reflection2584 Words   |  11 Pagesfinding ways to get them to work together for their own mutual benefit, I am in sales and I have team members who are in direct competition with each other but I have to get them to work together for their own benefits as well as the teams benefit. Managerial strengths of the SP type are practical, expeditious, change oriented, adaptable, influential and observant, the SP has strong leadership traits. Possible weaknesses for the SP type of manager, are poor attention to theory, precedent and details

Deborah Tannen s But What Do You Mean - 864 Words

In her essay, But What Do You Mean? Deborah Tannen discusses how men and women s conversation styles differ in how they communicate with one another. The problem is that men and women have different perspectives. Tannen explains that the conversation rituals among women are designed to be polite and sensitive to others, while the conversation rituals among men are designed to maintain superiority (328). Tannen explores seven ways in which men and women miscommunicate : apologies, criticism, thank-yous, fighting, praise, complaints, and jokes. Being no fault of either party, conversation strategies between men and women are just naturally different, these miscommunications can make conversation awkward and sometimes can be misunderstood. Tannen explains when talking about apologies, when women apologize to much they make it look like they are at fault even though they may not be (328). This reminds me of my mother. Last week we went out to eat and she ordered some soup. When s he took her first bite she noticed it wasn t even hot. She called the waiter back to the table, apologized for bothering her, then politely ask her if she could bring her another bowl of soup because hers was cold. The waiter said she was sorry and that she would bring another bowl out right away. When the waiter returned with another bowl, my mom apologizes once again for any inconvenience she may have caused. I think my mom was just trying to be polite. Her apology as TannenShow MoreRelatedDeborah Tannen s Article, But What Do You Mean?955 Words   |  4 PagesWhat I Meant was†¦ In Deborah Tannen’s article, â€Å"But What Do You Mean?† she enumerates seven different ways that women and men tend to have a kind of struggle. Tannen discusses how the men and women have different ways of speaking. The seven main differences are classified and divided into: apologies, criticism, thank-yous, fighting, praise, complaints, and jokes. First, men don’t correctly interpret apologies; they often implicate blame with apology, synonymous with putting oneself down. On theRead MoreCommunication Gap Between Men And Women1386 Words   |  6 Pagesin the way that we communicate. What we say, how we say it, and how the opposite sex interprets what we are saying are all affected by gender. With so much focus on building a more compassionate and understanding world, how do we make that step that will bring us closer to closing the communication gap? We learn at a young age starting out that communication between girls and boys is completely different. Girls say boys are mean, and boys don’t know what girls mean, these different attitudes comeRead MoreGender Inequality1640 Words   |  7 Pages Misogyny and gender constructs, such as the ideal of beauty, hold women back in various aspects of their lives as discussed in the articles â€Å"Marked Women† by Deborah Tannen and â€Å"A Woman’s Beauty: Put Down or Power Source† by Susan Sontag. Men are viewed as the dominant sex and in our patriarchal society, they have all the rights women do not get to enjoy. This gender gap leads to less discussion and knowledge about the grievances that men face. The issues of misandry are discussed in â€Å"Man Bashing:Read MoreYou Just DonY Understand1838 Words   |  8 PagesYou Just Don t Understand by Deborah Tannen, Ph.D. William Morrow and Company, 1990 Reviewed by Laura Morrison That men and women are on different wavelengths when it comes to communicating is probably not news to you. However, Can We Talk? the cover story of the December issue of New Age Journal, provides some excellent new perspectives on this age-old problem. The author, Peggy Taylor, interviewed sociolinguist Deborah Tannen, who has written a book called You Just Don t Understand: WomenRead MoreThe Inequality Of People Based Off Of Race1369 Words   |  6 PagesIn the world we live in today, when you look around there are so many different types of people. Differences such as races, backgrounds, and also different people with different stories to tell. We live in a world of a diverse group of people, so different that we found it hard to make everyone equal. Some would think living in such a diverse world we would form a common ground and maybe unite together to be equal but that is far from true. No I m not talking about the inequality of people basedRead MoreSex, Lies, And Conversation Deborah Tannen848 Words   |  4 Pages In the essay Sex, Lies, and Conversation Deborah Tannen focuses on the differences and lack of communication between men and women though observations. She came to the conclusion that men were not lacking in their listening, but they were however listening in a different way than the women did. On the other hand, men aren’t the only people that have terrible communication skills. In many ways, these differences between the two genders can cause major conflict when not understood by the oppositeRead MoreWhy Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together?962 Words   |  4 PagesHave you ever walked into a school that was rich and had students that were low income there or vice versa? You just have to stop and think about education and how your status of income, your race/ethnicity, and the gender you are will have an impact in how you learn and move on into understanding the ways of other ideas not just education. Now that s what professional authors state as a fact. For example, yo u have Jonathan Kozol in â€Å"Still Separate, Still Unequal† state the differences between theRead MoreNeil Postman And You Just DonT Understand1868 Words   |  8 PagesBetween the books, You Just Don t Understand by Deborah Tannen, and the book Amusing Ourselves to Death, by Neil Postman I prefer the book You Just Don t Understand. I prefer Deborah Tannen s book because her claims about the hierarchy in men’s conversation versus the need for inclusivity in women’s conversation are interesting, as I had not acknowledged this significance in communication between the two genders before. Overall, I like Tannen’s book because it highlights stark contrast in communicationRead MoreDifferences Between Men And Women1746 Words   |  7 Pages Gender Differences in Communication Have you ever thought someone wasn’t listening to you? Or that your request is being ignored because the response wasn’t framed in a way it should have been? Maybe it’s because you were speaking to a person who was of a different gender. Men use short direct speech, while women use indirect dialogue. Therefore, when genders meet up there’s a gap in communication. Men and women unconsciously communicate differently in numerous ways, so by understanding each other’sRead MoreHow Do Men And Women s Need For Intimacy?967 Words   |  4 Pages How do men s and women s different conversational styles reflect men s need for independence and women s need for intimacy? There are two articles that explains the different between men and women. According to author Deborah Tannen, article, Sex, Lies, and Conversation: Why Is It So Hard for Men and Women to Talk to Each Other? He explains, how do they use the body language of communication. They have different socialization; for instance, girls use talk for intimacy, but boys use talk to

Determining Based Outcome Measure For Selecting The Gas...

What type of research did you use to determine what evidence-based outcome measure to select? In an effort to better serve clients in the counseling field, accountability in the form of evidence-based outcome measures has become an important component within the profession. Erford (2014) states that counselors must offer research based interventions that are empirically sound and has the ability to produce desired outcomes in their clients. In an effort to determine an appropriate evidence-based outcome measure, I went to Capella’s library and entered â€Å"mental health counseling† and â€Å"outcome measure† as search terms. After reviewing the abstracts of a few peer-reviewed journal articles, I selected Making Change Visible: The Possibilities in†¦show more content†¦The scale ranges from -2 (much worse than expected) to +2 (much better than expected). Zero on the scale is assessed as meeting the client’s and counselor’s expectations. When the goals are established, the GAS instrument is completed by the counselor and client to e stablish the client’s baseline level of expectation before treatment. A minimum number of counseling sessions will be established and counseling proceeds. Upon completion of counseling, the counselor and client complete the GAS instrument separately. How will you go about implementing a program evaluation model to determine client gains? In order to implement a program evaluation to determine client gains, there will be a team consisting of myself as the lead consultant, 3-4 program evaluation support staff members who will assist in the evaluation process and one staff member from the center being included to provide relevant center information. Key staff from the center will be asked to form an advisory group where all evaluation measures, outcomes and processes will be discussed, approved and presented. The program evaluation model will be implemented in various stages. The stages include evaluation planning, data collection, analysis/interpretation, and reporting/dissemination. The setting is a college campus’s counseling unit of their wellness center. The assessment will also focus on students that only utilize one-on-one, face-to-face counseling services.

Lesson Before Dying By Grant Analysis Essay Example For Students

Lesson Before Dying By Grant Analysis Essay In the novel A Lesson Before Dying, although Grant is an educated black man inthe era of a racist society he has struggles greater than most men of hisdecent. I feel sorry for him because of his limitations, even though I view himas a coward. He cannot break free of his background and family. The three mainfemale characters in the novel, Tante Lou, Miss Emma, and Vivian, restrict andlimit Grants choices. Grant realizes that freedom means leaving his small townand creating a new life, yet each woman holds a chain that keeps him from hisdestiny and the right to be free. First, Tante Lou, his aunt holds Grant fromhis dreams by refusing to let him go his own way. Tante Lou wants Grant to stayat home with her and take care of her. But, in the time the novel takes place,it wasnt common for young men stay with their elders and help out, especiallywhen Grant has a college degree and can accomplish so much. Tante Lou tookadvantage of this in any means necessary, using the fact that Grant is f amilyand in essence owes it to her to stay and help out. We can see this on page 14when Tante Lou forces Grant to talk to Mr. Henri about seeing Jefferson. You are going up there with us Grant, or you will not sleep in this housetonight. Tante Lou denies Knodt 2 Grant choices that men his age have. Next, Miss Emma, who doesnt have a family relation to Grant, also restricts hischoices in life. Miss Emma plays an important role in the novel by beingJeffersons godmother, and in a painstaking situation. She asks Grant in a waythat gives him no real choices to teach Jefferson to be a man. Leaning on herability to persuade, and using her power as an extensive friend to Tante Lou shecan basically tell Grant what to do and gets away with it. She knew Grant didnot want to go and teach Jefferson, but still went ahead with it. Drivingalong the St. Charles River I could feel Emma not looking at me, not looking atanything..just thinking. Like my Aunt she knew how much I hated all ofthis.(p.68) Miss Emma therefore forces Grant to do matters that she wants,not what Grant thinks he is capable of doing. Thirdly, Vivian, the love of hislife, is also limiting Grants ability to make decisions based strictly on hisown intent. She understands Grants need to leave and see new things, but hasrestricti ons in her life that will not allow her to help Grant begin a newexistence. Vivian is in the middle of a drawn out divorce and needs to see itthrough so she can maintain custody of her children. We see an example of thison page 93. Lets go somewhere and spend the night. Baton Rouge, NewOrleans- anywhere, Grant asks. I cant, My Babies. This sentence alonedescribes the turmoil she is going through with her own threatening aspects andhow it effects Grants choices. I think the book is an intriguing novel andsurfaced important issues dealt with in society. Religion, racism, and manyother articles of today are just a few. But, Grant is a complex character andcan be depicted thoroughly. His education holds him to a new Knodt3 standard notexpected of people back then, but withholds him from reaching his dreams. Hecannot find what he is looking for in this small town that A Lesson Before Dyingtakes place in. I feel sorry for him until Jefferson teaches him other factorsinvolved to being a re al and distinct kind of man. He evolves dramatically. But,his need to be free is still restrained by Tante Lou, Miss Emma, and Vivian indifferent, yet important ways.

Untitled document Essays - Creative Works, Films, American Culture

"Remember it is a sin to kill a mockingbird." This is a quote straight from Harper Lee's character Atticus, in her her novel To Kill A Mockingbird , and arguably the most important one. This quote has me thinking, "is it really a sin to kill a mockingbird?" Some would agree with Atticus's belief and others would disagree with his thoughts; however, it is in fact a sin to kill a mockingbird. Three reasons to support this claim would be mockingbirds are innocent, the Bible is against it, and it is illegal. It is a sin to kill a mockingbird because they are innocent creatures. In response to the quote by Atticus, Miss Maudie says, "Your father's right, Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." She is right. These beautiful birds don't take anything but give us the gift of music. One we should all cherish. It is a sin to kill a mockingbird because the Bible says not to. As I just explained, Mockingbirds are innocent, but there is an even deeper meaning to the innocence we feel from Harper Lee's words. In the novel, Tom is a mockingbird. This is a metaphor that should not be ignored. This deeper meaning is taking the characters personalities and comparing them to the lovely mockingbird. Because mockingbirds are innocent we must see that this means Tom is innocent too as he is the perfect resemblance. The Bible provides many examples for why it is wrong to kill an innocent man. For example, Leviticus 24:21 states, "Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, and whoever kills a person shall be put to death." Another example is, Exodus 20:13 which also exclaims,"You shall not murder." It is a sin to kill a mockingbird because it is illegal. Atticus was not just keeping our hearts from doing and thinking wrong, he was also saving us from possible fines and prosecutions. The Washington Post states, " It is illegal to transport, trap or kill native non-game adult birds like Blue Jays or Mockingbirds without a permit, even if they are harassing birds at nest boxes or feeders." Those who disagree and say, "it is not a sin to kill a mockingbird", might bring up the point that mockingbirds get into our gardens and eat all of our tomatoes. This is invalid because like us, they are surviving. We should not put a mother bird to death for having the sense to feed her babies. In conclusion, it is a sin to kill a mockingbird because they are innocent, the Bible says not to, and it is illegal. I hope now we can all agree Killing a mockingbird is wrong. Now this does not mean we should kill as many seagulls as we like. The metaphor still stands and we should absorb the lesson we have learned through this story.

Even in Pot-Legal States, Federal Marijuana Laws Remain

Even in Pot-Legal States, Federal Marijuana Laws Remain Even as more states legalize marijuana for recreational or medical uses, production, sale, and possession of marijuana in those states continue to be violations of federal drug laws.   And as the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will, under certain circumstances, arrest and prosecute violators of federal marijuana laws even in pot-legal states. Background As of June 2015, Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and the District of Columbia had enacted laws legalizing marijuana for both recreational and medical uses. In all, 23 states and the District of Columbia currently had enacted laws legalizing marijuana in some form. However, in a classic example of federalism at work, the GAO noted that the U.S. Attorneys will continue to prosecute cases that threaten federal marijuana enforcement priorities, despite state legalization laws. Just for the record, the current federal penalties for possession of up to 50 kilograms of marijuana or 1 to 49 marijuana plants range from up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for a first offense, to up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 for a second offense. What are the Federal Marijuana Enforcement Priorities? Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) officials and U.S. Attorneys in six states with medical marijuana laws told GAO investigators that their decisions on enforcement and prosecution of federal marijuana laws were typically based on three main factors: Resources needed to target the most significant public health and safety threats, such as violence associated with drug-trafficking organizations;Addressing the concerns of local law enforcement agencies regarding detrimental social side-effects related to the growth of the commercial medical marijuana industry; and Resources need to implement the DOJ’s current marijuana enforcement policy guidance. In an August 29, 2013 memo to all U.S. Attorneys, the DOJ made it clear that they should continue to use their â€Å"limited investigative and prosecutorial resources† to â€Å"rationally† address what the DOJ considers   When are Federal Marijuana Laws Most Likely to Be Enforced? In most cases, enforcement and prosecution of federal marijuana laws in the marijuana-legal states has been and will continue to be focused on preventing the following significant threats: That marijuana will be distributed to minors.That revenue from the sale of marijuana will go to criminal enterprises, gangs and drug cartels.That marijuana from states where it is legal under state laws will be distributed in other states.That state-authorized marijuana operations will be used as cover for trafficking other illegal drugs, like cocaine or heroin.That violence and firearms will be used as part of the growing and distribution of marijuana.That drugged driving and other â€Å"adverse public health consequences† will result from the use of marijuana.That marijuana will be grown on public lands, like national parks, possibly endanger the pubic or government employees.That marijuana will be possessed or used on federally-controlled property. GAO Finds Problems With DOJs Enforcement Monitoring Process According to the GAO, the DOJ molds its marijuana enforcement policies by monitoring the effects of state marijuana legalization in two ways: First, the U.S. Attorneys consult with state law enforcement officials about the potential impacts of federal marijuana enforcement policies. Second, the DOJ consults with the Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal agencies, including the Office of National Drug Control Policy to assess the marijuana enforcement-related data those agencies provide. However, the GAO reported that DOJ had failed to document and report on the federal marijuana enforcement monitoring program as required by its own guidelines. â€Å"Documenting a plan specifying its monitoring process would provide DOJ with greater assurance that its monitoring activities relative to DOJ marijuana enforcement guidance are occurring as intended,† reported the GAO. Providing all of the appropriate federal agencies with a fully documented plan would help the U.S. Attorneys identify state enforcement that are and are not effectively protecting the eight federal enforcement priorities. The DOJ agreed with the GAO’s recommendation that it create and share a fully-documented plan specifying its process for monitoring the effects of state marijuana legalization.