How we are,or how we say that we are: The post-war comparative politics of Hans Daadler and others

This article reviews Comparative EuropeanPolitics: The Story of a Profession (London: Pinter1997 and 1999), edited by Hans Daalder, one of thefathers of contemporary comparative politics. Such avolume is the collection of the autobiographies ofalmost all the major scholars of comparative Europeanpolitics during the post-war period. It can beconsidered a non tedious way of getting a picture ofthe sub-field. What is the European comparativepolitics that emerges from these autobiographies? Inreviewing the book the answer is provided through theanalysis of four main features: first, what are thethemes and methods that prevail; second, is itpossible to single out the factors which form thebasis of the growth in the field? – a question Daalderalso asks; third, what are the ``lessons'' to be learntfrom these scholars; and fourth, what are the mostevident and noteworthy differences that exist betweenthe work of the scholars who wrote a contribution forthis book and those of the younger generations.

     

A Really Hard Case: Iranian Space Ambitions and the Prospects for U.S. Engagement

On 27 October 2005, the first Iranian satellite—Sinah-1—was launched. The satellite failed soon after launch, but it represented a significant technological step by the Islamic Republic, and was also a statement of intent on behalf of Iranian space ambitions. Current and projected Iranian space capabilities are highly dependent upon foreign technologies and expertise, but the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile programmes offer a glimpse of how Iran's space programme may yet develop. This essay provides an overview of Iranian space capabilities, and places it within contemporary Iranian domestic and strategic contexts. It also offers an insight into how Iran's space programme is organized, and lastly, offers a view on how best the United States might influence Iran's space programme.     

Alasdair MacIntyre: Dependent rational animals. Why human beings need the virtues. The Paul Carus lecture series 20

Ohne Zusammenfassung

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Alasdair MacIntyre: Dependent rational animals. Why human beings need the virtues. The Paul Carus lecture series 20 Chicago and La Salle (Ill.): Open Court 1999, 172 S., €, 31,91 ($ 26,95)

     

A very risky business. Medical professionals are demanding more effective AIDS protection for themselves.

Physicians, nurses and other health-care workers have always been willing to risk exposure to infectious diseases; it goes with the territory. But AIDS is in a grim category all by itself--a contagious illness that, so far, is almost always fatal. Today many health professionals no longer feel safe on the job--and they're demanding better protection for themselves.