Most Popular Books by Alastair Smith

A theory of politics that looks at what did not happen—or non-events—to explain policy change, economic development, democratization, and “autocratization.” Anticipating Instability puts forward a general theory of politics that attempts to explain the very many destabilizing political events in history that did not happen. Although most of us do not pay close attention to what did not occur, research shows that fear of non-events does more to redefine how people are governed than does the actual realization of coups and revolutions. In unraveling the dogs that didn’t bark, Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith analyze how, when, and why leaders who believe their hold on power is at risk focus their political survival efforts on adjusting their policy choices or shifting their government’s accountability. Such adjustments are the essential factors that determine whether a society becomes freer, more transparent, and prosperous—or more oppressive, corrupt, and impoverished. The book is unique in that it develops a general theory of politics using game theory reasoning and then tests dozens of hypotheses derived from the theory’s logic using both statistical methods and illustrative case studies.

Presents encyclopedic information on various fields of scientific study, including physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and Earth science.

A collection of jokes and riddles pokes fun at school life, teachers, lessons, discipline, lunchrooms, getting sick, and other highlights and low points of the school day.

Explains the terms and concepts associated with maps and how to make accurately-scaled maps of existing areas, as well as fantasy maps.

An illustrated tour of the universe, from our closest planetary neighbours, Mars and Venus, to star constellations, galaxies and black holes millions of light years away. With photographs, detailed illustrations and fascinating information about space, plus tips on trying astronomy at home and internet links to websites with the latest space news.

This book is an introduction to the world of physics and presents examples of modern technology which make use of light, sound, and electricity. Descriptions of Web sites are included.

A basic introduction to weather, the elements that create weather, and how to identify different kinds of weather.

Fold over pages reveal homes from a Roman apartment, an Egyptian house, a medieval castle and a stone-age home. 4-8 yrs.

This guide provides explanations of how homework and revision Web sites work, with links to the best sites for information, pictures, and study guidance. It contains dos and don'ts for dealing with the Internet and explains how to create eye-catching assignments.

This sticker book is based on a story from the Farmyard Tales series. It is a rebus puzzle to solve, where sticker pictures replace words in the story, and missing parts of each full colour main picture can also be completed by adding the appropriate sticker.

Simple text and illustrations explain reproduction and the growth of a baby inside the mother's womb.

A comprehensive and inspiring guide to drawing and painting subjects, ranging from people and animals to dinosaurs and buildings with plenty of full colour illustrations.

La mer est pleine de surprises. Viens donc voir... Tu découvriras une faune étonnante, du poisson capable de changer de forme aux monstres des grandes profondeurs qui brillent dans le noir. Et en soulevant les rabats, tu en verras d'autres derrière les algues et les rochers.

Political leaders face both internal and external threats to their tenure as leaders. To retain office leaders need mass support, for instance to win elections. However, they also need to deal with potential internal party rivals. Using a game theoretic model, we examine how the incentives created by these competing pressures affect the retention of ministers across different political systems. Since non-democratic leaders face relatively little threat from the masses, their concern is to reduce internal party risk. Therefore, they remove high performing ministers and retain mediocre and poor performers. As it becomes easier for the masses to replace the party in power, leaders must tradeoff internal and external threats. Retaining competent leaders improves party performance but generates an internal party rival.

This lift-the-flap book uses the elements of discovery and surprise to interest very young children and help them explore the topic of dinosaurs. Lift the flaps to find out where a baby dinosaur spends most of its time or to spy an adult dinosaur hunting its prey.