Matt Qvortrup Libros

"This book is about this conflict between the ethnos and the demos, and about the problems that are raised when solutions to ethnic and national issues and conflicts are sought through referendums. Its main focus is on determining when different kinds of referendums on ethnonational issues occur and also on determining if they lead to exacerbation of conflict or the opposite-if balloting can stop bullets. Referendums have often been perceived to be incompatible with nationalism. This book looks at these conflicts through a comprehensive study of all the referendums held on ethnic and nationalist issues from the French Revolution to the 2020 referendum on independence for New Caledonia"

We have politics on our mind—or, rather, we have politics in different parts of our brains. In this path-breaking study, Matt Qvortrup takes the reader on a whistle stop tour through the fascinating, and sometimes frightening, world of neuropolitics; the discipline that combines neuroscience and politics, and is even being used to win elections. Putting the 'science' back into political science, The Political Brain shows how fMRI-scans can identify differences between Liberals and Conservatives, can predict our behaviour with sometimes greater accuracy than surveys, and can explain the biology of uprisings, revolutions, and wars. Not merely a study of empirical evidence, the book shows how the philosophical theories of, among others, Plato, Aristotle, and Spinoza can be supported by brain scans. Along the way, it also provides an overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge of the organ that shapes our politics. The book shows that if we rely on evolutionary primitive parts of the midbrain—those engaged when we succumb to polarised politics—we stand in danger of squandering the gains we made through the last eight million years.

Focusing on key indicators of well-being, this book explores various countries to determine which ones excel and the reasons behind their success. It delves into factors that contribute to a high quality of life, providing insights into the best places to live globally and the underlying principles that support their achievements.

Democracy on demand is a most comprehensive analysis of the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of referendums and the challenges to modern democracy. It shows how democracy is vulnerable, and how it can be saved from demagogues. -- .

Written in a conversational form, this book provides an accessible and entertaining primer to those aspiring to make a new state. -- .

This captivating narrative chronicles Angela Merkel’s rise in politics, showcasing her ability to outmaneuver male colleagues and transform Germany into Europe's leading economy. With the storytelling flair of a novelist and deep political insight from years as an academic and journalist, Matt Qvortrup offers a personal glimpse into Merkel’s life under communism. He recounts her experiences with the Secret Police, living as a squatter in Berlin, and her rapid ascent from distributing leaflets to joining Helmut Kohl’s Cabinet within a year. This account reveals how Merkel and her predominantly female advisors consistently outsmarted the conservative male-dominated political landscape, fostering a more liberal and prosperous Germany. The narrative intertwines Merkel’s life story with a vivid portrayal of German history from 1945 to the present, featuring figures like Willy Brandt, Konrad Adenauer, and Helmut Kohl. At a pivotal moment, as Merkel represents the West in negotiations with Putin regarding Ukraine and influences British EU membership, this lively account highlights the journey of a woman with a doctorate in quantum physics who has emerged as Europe’s preeminent leader.