Books in Nations in the News series

China has become a global leader in the 21st century, relying on its military, economy, and diplomacy to project influence and become a superpower. With a billion and a half people, China's population is the largest in the world today and one of the most advanced, enjoying the fruits of a technology industry that has grown to become second to none.--Provided by publisher.

Saudi Arabia is a country in the midst of a major cultural shift. Women are beginning to see changes that allow them more freedom; yet the country still restricts them in ways unimaginable in Western society. The government's ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 plan aims to modernize the infrastructure, technology, and tourism sectors to make Saudi Arabia more attractive to the international community. But the country's harsh social policies risk alienating visitors and investors alike. As world economies pivot from fossil fuels to "greener" alternatives, Saudi Arabia risks losing its main source of income--oil--and the wealth of social services it provides for its growing population. To remain an influential player in Middle Eastern politics and a dominant force in world economics, Saudi Arabia will have to navigate through a dizzying social and economic transformation.

For much of the 20th and early 21st centuries, Mexico experienced a number of political, economic, and social upheavals that propelled the nation into the world's news cycle. Internal conflicts have included a growing problem with violent crime and drug cartels, as well as high levels of poverty and obstacles to upward mobility for the Mexican population. International affairs, especially relations with the United States over the security of the border between the two nations and the fate of NAFTA, have garnered much attention in the past several years. This book seeks to explain the political, economic, and social climate of Mexico, and examines the current issues facing the third-largest country in North America.

India is a nation both ancient and modern. Founded in 1947, its history dates back 4,000 years. The majority of India's workforce is comprised of farmers; yet its overall economic growth stands among the world's greatest. While its traditionalist society disenfranchises parts of the population, it has successfully carried out the largest free elections in the world. Seven hundred active languages and over one billion people characterize the Republic of India, a growing global power. By every measure, India has changed so much since its founding, boasting far better wealth and health, that it may as well be another country. For many Indians, however, little has changed: poverty remains endemic throughout much of society as the gains of a roaring economy go into the pockets of the wealthy. Hundreds of millions of Indians have no access to electricity, running water, or toilets, and earn as little as the equivalent of two dollars a day. The sheer size of India means that every problem is a big problem, requiring a big solution.

As a landlocked country in central Asia, the region now known as Afghanistan has stood at the crossroads of empires from ancient to early modern times. Today, the country remains at the forefront of international attention as numerous terrorist organizations operate within its borders, and the ongoing war between the United States, its allies, and rebel forces is nearly two decades old. Rife with economic strife and poverty, plagued by terrorist activity and insurgency, and led by a government struggling to maintain national security, Afghanistan's future appears as difficult as its past. This volume will provide insight into the nation's struggles as the second decade of the 21st century draws to a close.

Today, Iran represents a threat to its neighbors and maybe even the world. It could be one of the next nations to develop nuclear weapons. Although the United States and Europe have been engaging in intense diplomatic efforts to convince Iran not to go further down that road, tensions remain high. Iran is a proud country with an exalted history. Many of its leaders see it as their destiny to be a dominant power in the region, and possibly a next world superpower. In contrast to the government's aspirations, however, the people of Iran suffer high unemployment, social strife, and a harsh justice system that easily circumvents human rights. This has led to clashes between the government and citizens who simply desire jobs and a better life. Find out how Iran's history and culture mesh to create a country of opportunity and conflict. --

Presents a brief history of Iran and focuses on the recent political turmoil surrounding the country, beginning with the Islamic revolution brought about by Ayatollah Khomeini in the 1970s up to the current dispute over Iran's potential ability to develop nuclear weapons.Presents a brief history of Iran and focuses on the recent political turmoil surrounding the country, beginning with the Islamic revolution brought about by Ayatollah Khomeini in the 1970s up to the current dispute over Iran's potential ability to develop nuclear weapons.

Presents a brief history of Iran and focuses on the recent political turmoil surrounding the country, beginning with the Islamic revolution brought about by Ayatollah Khomeini in the 1970s up to the current dispute over Iran's potential ability to develop nuclear weapons.Presents a brief history of Iran and focuses on the recent political turmoil surrounding the country, beginning with the Islamic revolution brought about by Ayatollah Khomeini in the 1970s up to the current dispute over Iran's potential ability to develop nuclear weapons.