Revolutionary waves are usually triggered by a successful example of one country, which is then emulated by other states with similar social and cultural conditions and problems, for example the 1989 revolutions against the disintegrating Soviet Union. One such wave of civil unrest recently washed over the North Africa and Middle East. Major common factors in the affected countries that lead to the protests were government corruption, dictatorship, poverty, human rights violations and high unemployment. Learn more about the protests and revolutions in the Arab world, their similarities and...

Decades after the first successful space missions, the international community is still continuing to explore all the possibilities outer space has to offer, among them military ones. The United States and Russia are widely regarded as the two leading forces in space militarization, while newly-emerging superpowers like China and India have been pushing for this agenda as well. Having spy satellites at their disposal has become an important necessity for nations that put strong emphasis on their military power and security. Experts believe that the issue of arms race in the space will have to...

There are several reasons why the media and industry experts have named carbon monoxide the ''silent killer'' it is a gas that cannot be sensed, yet it has the ability to kill people even while they are asleep in their homes. The gas is emitted by commonly used appliances, and if left without proper ventilation or detection mechanisms carbon monoxide builds up and people get exposed not even realizing it. Experts claim that in order to decrease the number of deaths resulting from this poisoning, it would be wise to invest in specific devices that would detect the presence of the gas and...

The ''green lifestyle'' and ''green thinking'' movements have been growing in popularity and gaining more and more followers, since it has become obvious that facts like global warming, climate change and oil-dependence can no longer be left without the publics attention. The development of electric car manufacturing has been a significant milestone in international efforts to provide more climate-friendly means of transportation. With the industry coming up with new and more advanced models, it seems clear that battery-powered vehicles might become the ''green wheels of the 21st century''....

The history of spying is long and example-rich. The 20th century in particular saw increasing numbers of espionage cases, as the rivalry between the United states and Russia (formerly Soviet Union) intensified. Recent years have seen the booming of economic and corporate espionage, as large companies use these methods to obtain classified information. Espionage originated in the People's Republic of China has become one of the greatest concerns facing intellectual property. Many of such cases are followed by expensive settlements or trials, if spying is detected. This book provides rich and...

It is hard to rationally explain how a small, peaceful and easily governed country can fall from being one of the planet's most developed and prosperous economies to nearly going bankrupt and all this during a few years time. Yet it is exactly what happened to the small country of Iceland. Severe banking crisis forced Iceland to borrow billions of USD, and while searching for new political and economical solutions the Reykjavik based government decided on joining the European Union. Negotiations are still in process, and the Icelanders themselves will have the last say in the matter whether...

Despite the global economical and financial crisis the planet's biggest and most influential arms producers have continued to make profit. It is no wonder though, as countries have significantly increased their military spendings. Currently the United States are responsible for more than 40% of global military expenditures, with certainty taking the top spot among other countries. Leading arms manufacturers seem eager to provide the necessary technologies, as this is a highly profitable industry. In order to become fully informed on the arms industry and its key-figures read this book. It...

Aga Khan IV is one of the most notable investors in the Muslim community. Engaging in fields like culture, architecture, economy, various industries, health care and education, the Development Network set up by the 49th Imam of the Shia Ismailis has helped local communities with investments worth millions and millions of US dollars. Aga Khan IV himself is an Ivy-league educated leader with a love for race horses and a title of ''His Highness'' granted by none other than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. His efforts to encourage collaboration and respect between the Muslim community and the West...

It is often said that there is a reverse proportion between the Madagascar wildlife and its population. While the island's nature is highly diverse and rich, most of local residents live on less than 1 USD a day. The country's history has seen numerous challenges, among the recent ones being corruption, political unrest and environmental havoc. International community has raised concerns regarding the protection of Madagascar's unique flora and fauna and stopping illegal logging and animal trade. In order to have a closer look at one of the planet's most biologically diverse and beautiful...

Mercury is the innermost and also the smallest planet of our Solar System. Named after the Roman messenger of the Gods for its quick movement across the sky, its proximity to the star and lack of atmosphere cause huge variations in its surface temperature - from 427 degrees Celsius on the day side to -179 degrees at night. Though Mercury currently remains one of the least explored planets of our home system, scientists expect to learn much from the MESSENGER probe which successfully entered its orbit on March 18, 2011. Learn more about the extreme and mysterious planet in this book.