The inaugural issue of the Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research is out. Tara Maller (MIT): Diplomacy Derailed: The Consequences of Diplomatic Sanctions. A review of Revolution 1989 by Victor Sebestyen. Gauging the "yuck factor": A poll tries to get a handle on how far Americans are willing to take a chance on the brave new world of synthetic biology. How did China displace Japan as Asia's main partner in Latin America? A look at 5 ridiculous ancient beliefs that turned out to be true. Why using "like" in conversation isn't a sign of stupidity. A review of Colossus: Hoover Dam and the Making of the American Century by Michael Hiltzik. Betrayed by Spain and oppressed by Morocco, the Saharawi people of Western Sahara compare themselves to the Palestinians or the black majority in apartheid South Africa — and they want the world to know their story. Morocco and Spain are to face their toughest test yet as Spanish and Sahrawi activists prepare to launch a flotilla to call for the independence of Western Sahara. Two yentas walk into a bar: Old Jews make us laugh with "not-so-kosher" jokes. A review of Aftershock: The Next Economy and America's Future by Robert B. Reich (and more). An interview with Michael Robinson, author of Why Coolidge Matters. Geoff LeGrand on how Venezuela's communes are not as radical as you might think. Hegel on Wall Street: In a practical world, motives do not matter, actions do.
