The collapse of communist systems in South East Europe resulted in a landscape to be newly arranged. Diverse forces compete to capture the popular energies released by the embrace of old and new identities. Deficits of modernization in a post communist nexus have deepened cultural asymmetries and challenge EU integration in new ways. Drives to rule of the “strong hand”, feod-like patron-client relations, “self-orientalization” as result of dilettante “social engineering” and unrealistic cultural politics increase the entropy of transition. Plamen K. Georgiev discusses the most controversial issues of a possible accession of Turkey into EU and its impact on a number of collective identities as Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, Croatia, vulnerable to Islamic fundamentalism, but also new breeds of nationalisms. This comparative study prompts apt ideas for EU coordinated national politics, fostering its cultural homogeneity and integrity in a global world of rising risks and new responsibilities.

An exploration of some of the most important and enduring ideas in human history - from religion, science, philosophy, medicine, psychology, politics, economics and art - each presented in brief, accessible form. 'Big' ideas are those concepts and theories that have radically transformed our understanding of the world we live in, our place in that world and the ways we have shaped the past and will shape the future. They are the ideas that have had a huge impact on human civilization - and they come from all disciplines of human ingenuity. Topics covered range widely and include Creation Mythology, Existentialism, The Elements, Relativity, Space Travel, Geometry, Ethics, Behaviourism, Genetics, Warfare, The Nation State, Anarchism, Capitalism, Classical Art and Architecture, The Renaissance - and much more. This concise, accessible and multi-faceted book provides an essential introduction to 150 of the most important principles of Western thought.

A lively history of the universe and human civilization, this authoritative volume tells the story of the cosmos, the stars, and human development on earth. The Little Book of Big History is an endeavor to encapsulate the entire story of the cosmos, from the Big Bang to the current day, into an engaging and comprehensive narrative. Combining methods from history, astronomy, physics, and biology to draw together the big story arcs of how the universe was created, why planets formed, and how life developed, the result is a unique perspective of mankind’s place in the universe. Excited by the alternative "framework for all knowledge" that is offered by this approach, Bill Gates is funding the Big History Project, which aims to bring this concept to a wider audience around the world. The Little Book of Big History breaks down the main themes of Big History into highly informative and accessible parts for all readers to enjoy. By giving a truly complete timeline of world events, this book shines a whole different light on science as we learned it and makes us think of our history—and our future—in a very different way.

In Greek mythology, Medusa was a Gorgon a winged monster with snakes for hair. Anyone who looked at her was instantly turned to stone. But she wasn't born that way. Not even close. Athena was so jealous of Medusa's beauty that she cursed her. Zeus changed the story to make his son, Perseus, look good. Hades is here to set the record straight on Perseus, Medusa, and everything in between.

In this modern version of the Greek myth, Persephone asks Hades for a ride to escape her overprotective mother, sneaks into the Underworld, and refuses to leave.