The Decentralization Delusion challenges the narrative that decentralization leads to enhanced democratic practices and higher levels of economic and social development.Instead, the book argues that decentralization theory tends to rely on assumptions which are idealistic and mostly inappropriate to non-Western contexts. Diving into over 50 case studies from around the globe, the book extensively assesses the intended and unintended outcomes of different types and levels o...

Deep beneath the surface of a fractured world, the Grey Clans seek power and survival in an intricate web of alliances and rivalries. Kaden, driven by unexpected betrayal, sets off on a perilous journey to uncover hidden truths and protect his people from an impending threat.Facing trials that test their loyalty, honor, and strength, the group must forge alliances with powerful clans while remaining vigilant against the dangers lurking in the shadows. Amidst political intrigue and ...

Welcome to a world where the extraordinary is the norm and power is the ultimate currency. In the enthralling first installment of the "Overpowered" series, "The Circle of Evil," nothing is as it seems, and survival depends on navigating the dangerous line between heroics and corruption.In a World Ruled by the Superpowered…Only 1% of the population boasts extraordinary abilities, and among these gifted individuals, a select few wield powers so immense that ...

The book is a gripping description of a mountain hike of nearly two weeks made from France’s Chamonix to Zermatt in Switzerland. The trip encompasses the approximately 170-kilometer Haute Route, which advances in the mountain range. Every day on the hike a mountain is crossed, or even three. The text relays situations that arose along the way and conversations with hikers from around the world, all described in a warm and humorous tone. The writer contemplates the choices a hiker must make...

Ah, the captivating realm of love and connection! It is a tapestry woven with the threads of attraction, understanding, and shared experiences. Like a mysterious charm, it draws us in, beckoning us to explore its depths.Picture the scene: Two souls, destined to cross paths, find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. It begins with a spark, an intangible energy that ignites the air around them. It's as if the universe conspires to bring them together, creating an atmosphere ...

This book provides more and clear insight about the human pancreas.The pancreas is a vital organ located in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It plays a crucial role in both the endocrine and exocrine systems, making it a unique and multifunctional organ within the human body. The pancreas is responsible for producing and releasing several essential hormones and enzymes that aid in digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.Anatomy of the Pancr...

This book investigates whether open theism provides a clear and viable response to the problem of evil. To better understand open theism, classical theism, Molinism and process theism are also considered.Responses to the problem of evil have traditionally revolved around God's goodness, justice and power. By contrast, this book argues that in order to resolve or better understand the tension between divine sovereignty and human freedom, the attributes of God have to be understood a...

Today that it has become customary to refer simultaneously to both the global and ethnic entities as a community, it has become necessary to reexamine the meaning of this belabored concept. That is exactly the burden of this book. It intends to find a meaning for a community that bridges the parallel trends of globalization and ethnic awareness to thereby enrich all parties. I believe I found a reliable metaphor for community in another concept: the “person.” The search for this new unders...

Despite its name, “naturalism” as a world-view turns out to be rather unnatural in its strict and more consistent form of materialism and determinism. This is why a number of naturalists opt for a broadened version that includes objective moral values, intrinsic human dignity, consciousness, beauty, personal agency, and the like. But in doing so, broad naturalism begins to look more like theism. As many strict naturalists recognize, broad naturalism must borrow from the metaphysical resour...

Recent empirical and philosophical research into the evolutionary history of Homo sapiens, the origins of the mind/brain, and the development of human culture has sparked heated debates about what it means to be human and how knowledge about humans from the sciences and humanities should be understood. Conversations on Human Nature, featuring 20 interviews with leading scholars in biology, psychology, anthropology, philosophy, and theology, brings these debates to life for teachers, studen...

When a man has done what he considers his duty to his people and country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is why I will sleep for eternity. Nelson MandelaWords of a man whose story is worthy of his seat in life. There is a secret in these words that is etched deep in our fabric, but remains to be awakened in a gift exclusive to us. Your gift will never be until the stories of your life are stories of people. The risk to the gift is an obsession with...

This book is a sequel of our first book titled Re-Defining Community published ten years ago by Peter Lang. A good part of this current book is devoted to defining and elaboration on the key concepts, solidarity, subsidiarity and the common good principles. These concepts are essential to the sense of community. The point is that any community is complex and diverse. The only way to ensure harmony in such a setting is to operate in solidarity, a term which entails mutual support and collab...