Sachleben argues that television and films can be very useful instruments for helping us learn about world politics, and he gives us insights into the popular culture that surrounds these media and is perhaps also driven by them. He provides a process for 'reading' films and countless examples of how to do this in a thoughtful and reasoned way. A very polished, thorough, thoughtful, and insightful volume.
~Patrick J. Haney, coauthor of American Foreign Policy in a New Era
World Politics on Screen addresses a subject that has been neglected in the literature, yet is of significant importance and increasing interest. With its interdisciplinary approach, integrating the literatures of political science, history, and even sociology with a wide selection of films, the volume will be an excellent text in the growing number of undergraduate courses devoted to politics and film.
~Bruce Altschuler, author of Acting Presidents: 100 Years of Plays about the Presidency
It has taken our discipline decades to come up with an global politics text book that meets students where they are. World Politics on Screen is thoughtful, deep, and relevant. Students will like World Politics on Screen because of the popular culture aspect which is fun but also a great way to learn the discipline. Faculty will like it because it keeps the students engaged (which makes our job easier) and it treats the content with respect. Both sides win.
~Koop Berry, Professor of Government and Foreign Affairs and Director of the Honors Program at Walsh University
Casablanca. Star Wars. Slum Dog Millionaire. The Godfather. Men in Black. Escape in Mark Sachleben's book weaving film and history. He offers a lively and panoramic discussion of how film has reflected, and continues to mirror, global political issues. He seamlessly blends the major ideas and currents of international politics with movies from around the world since the early 20th century. Sachleben gives us reason to enjoy the classics all over again, but this time with a deeper appreciation of their connection to time, place, and purpose. And Simpsons' fans will not be disappointed!
~Joan Serafin Andorfer, Frostburg State University
Exceptional, insightful and accessible to undergraduate students and advanced scholars alike, this superb foray into international relations, cinema and popular culture adroitly mines the messages of a diverse array of films, connecting the theory and practice of world politics. Encouraging critical thinking and engaged citizenship, the topical chapters consider intransigent and evolving dilemmas facing the planet by employing films that provide crucial context and alternative perspectives, thus illuminating the roots of the tragedy and terror, evolution and enlightenment, hope and progress that define the human condition.
~Kevan M. Yenerall, Professor of Political Science, Clarion University
