Benjamin Appel

The Death and Life of State Repression addresses a problem that dates back at least 75 years, if not before. Since World War II, individuals and institutions from around the world have been concerned with state repression/human rights violations and since about 1990, a robust empirical literature has emerged to investigate what drives this behavior up or down (i.e., exploring variation). While useful, this work has generally ignored important aspects of the "Death/Life cycle" of state repression: i.e., its onset, escalation, termination and recurrence. Such an approach is important because different explanations and policies might be relevant for different parts of the cycle. Exploring a new database of repressive spells from 1976-2006 and new theory regarding spells, The Death and Life of State Repression breaks new ground in a variety of different ways. The book argues that repression is a sticky process that is largely slow-moving and non-adaptive. Consequently, change in this behavior is rare unless the ruling cohort is perturbed in some manner. What perturbs is somewhat surprising. The authors do not argue or find support for the predominant variables/policies advanced by the international community (i.e., naming/shaming, international law, military intervention and economic sanctions). Rather, their research advances and finds that political democratization plays a crucial role in reducing and stopping most aspects of repressive spells, and democratization itself is influenced by non-violent direct action. The book has major implications for those who wish to study state repression, as well as those who have an interest in trying to reduce and stop it from occurring across the Death/Life cycle. The path to less repressive behavior has never been clearer.

The Death and Life of State Repression addresses a problem that dates back at least 75 years, if not before. Since World War II, individuals and institutions from around the world have been concerned with state repression/human rights violations and since about 1990, a robust empirical literature has emerged to investigate what drives this behavior up or down (i.e., exploring variation). While useful, this work has generally ignored important aspects of the "Death/Life cycle" of state repression: i.e., its onset, escalation, termination and recurrence. Such an approach is important because different explanations and policies might be relevant for different parts of the cycle. Exploring a new database of repressive spells from 1976-2006 and new theory regarding spells, The Death and Life of State Repression breaks new ground in a variety of different ways. The book argues that repression is a sticky process that is largely slow-moving and non-adaptive. Consequently, change in this behavior is rare unless the ruling cohort is perturbed in some manner. What perturbs is somewhat surprising. The authors do not argue or find support for the predominant variables/policies advanced by the international community (i.e., naming/shaming, international law, military intervention and economic sanctions). Rather, their research advances and finds that political democratization plays a crucial role in reducing and stopping most aspects of repressive spells, and democratization itself is influenced by non-violent direct action. The book has major implications for those who wish to study state repression, as well as those who have an interest in trying to reduce and stop it from occurring across the Death/Life cycle. The path to less repressive behavior has never been clearer.

""We Were There With Cortes And Montezuma"" is a historical fiction book written by Benjamin Appel. The story is set in the early 16th century and follows the journey of Hernan Cortes and his men as they embark on a mission to conquer the Aztec Empire in Mexico. The book is narrated from the perspective of two young boys, Pedro and Diego, who are part of Cortes' expedition. Through their eyes, readers witness the events leading up to the arrival of the Spanish in Mexico, the subsequent battles and the eventual downfall of the Aztec Empire. The book is a vivid portrayal of the clash of two vastly different cultures and the impact it had on the people involved. It is a gripping tale of adventure, bravery, treachery, and tragedy that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

""We Were There In The Klondike Gold Rush"" is a historical fiction book written by Benjamin Appel. The story follows two young boys, Johnny and Lee, who leave their homes in Seattle to join the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897. The boys face numerous challenges as they travel through treacherous terrain and harsh weather conditions to reach the gold fields. Along the way, they encounter various characters, including prospectors, con artists, and Native Americans. The book provides a vivid description of the Klondike Gold Rush, including the excitement and desperation that drove thousands of people to risk their lives in search of gold. It also explores the impact that the gold rush had on the environment and the indigenous people who lived in the area.""We Were There In The Klondike Gold Rush"" is a compelling story of adventure, perseverance, and friendship. It offers readers a glimpse into a fascinating period of American history and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Two novels from the mean streets of 1940's New York City. Sweet Money Girl was originally published by Gold Medal Books in 1954 and tells the story of three lives that collide one December in New York City-Hortense, the dance instructor who knows how to look out for number one; Maxie, the mamma's boy who just wants his shot at happiness; and Hugh, who wrecks it for all of them. Life and Death of a Tough Guy was originally published in 1955 by Avon Books. Joey Kasow is a skinny Jewish kid growing up in the 1920's in Hell's Kitchen. Tormented by the Irish thugs in the neighborhood, he eventually gains their begrudging respect and is allowed to join their gang, the Badgers. Joey grows up tough. He knows he's got to take whatever is dished out to him to stay in the gang. He learns how to inflict pain--he learns how to kill. And gradually he works his way up the ladder to become the Spotter's enforcer. He is now Joey Case. But Joey can't escape his past, falling in love with innocent young Sadie Madofsky, his refuge from the brutal world around him. All Joey wants is to get ahead--but the Spotter has other plans for him.