many Westerners, the challenges faced by Less Developed Countries, or LDCs, seem remote until a major event bursts into the news and demands our attention, such as the rise of the Islamic State and the Syrian civil war. The purpose of this book is to enhance our understanding of the political, economic and cultural forces that lay behind these changes. Lauded for his ability to distill a tremendous amount of information—including the latest literature—into a concise, accessible volume, this 8th edition is the perfect complement to any course on the developing world. As with past editions, Handelman takes an in-depth look at the trials facing emerging nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Through examining the cultural and political issues of these countries, ranging from democratization to women’s rights, students are able to understand the people and lifestyle behind the movements. Among its many updates, this edition examines the emergence of the Islamic State as the world’s most powerful and brutal terrorist organization, the phenomenon of mass emigration from war zones in the developing world, as well as an updated and expanded analysis of the growing role of women in parliaments and congresses in LDCs. In addition, the 8th edition offers end-of-chapter study aids such as key terms and discussion questions, in addition to online self-study quizzes and flash cards for students to test their comprehension.

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