Author
Samuel Vaknin
Born 1961
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Books by Samuel Vaknin
Financial Crime and Corruption
"Financial Crime and Corruption" by Samuel Vaknin is a comprehensive examination of global financial misconduct, including corruption, embezzlement, and money laundering, written in the early 21st century. The text serves as an analytical and educational account aimed at understanding the mechanisms and implications of corrupt practices in both political and economic contexts. It delves into various case studies and theories regarding financial crime, illustrating the pervasive nature of these issues across different countries and systems. The opening of the book discusses the concept of slush funds, providing historical examples that showcase their misuse in both government and corporate environments. It highlights incidents like the FBI's Operation Swordfish and the corrupt practices of several politicians and organizations, emphasizing the detrimental effects of slush funds on public trust and governance. By setting the stage with concrete examples and precedents, Vaknin provides readers with a foundational understanding of how financial misconduct unfolds and proliferates within institutional frameworks, foreshadowing the broader discussions that will follow throughout the work.
After the Rain : how the West lost the East
"After the Rain: How the West Lost the East" by Samuel Vaknin is a collection of provocative articles written in the late 20th century. The work examines how Western powers mishandled their foreign relations with Eastern Europe, particularly in the Balkans, resulting in a geopolitical and cultural rift. Vaknin critiques the interactions between Western ideologies and the complex realities of the East, detailing the economic failures, political corruption, and sociocultural dynamics that have characterized these transitional societies. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to the author's perspective, as he reflects on the reception of his prior writings. He notes the backlash from various groups, especially in the Balkans, who accuse him of racism while failing to recognize the socio-economic complexities at play. The early sections establish a dialogue about the state of these societies, discussing historical traumas and the pervasive corruption stemming from communist regimes. Vaknin's tone is critical and unflinching as he outlines the psychological and institutional decay resulting from both past regimes and contemporary Western influence, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of the precarious balance between hope and despair in post-communist Eastern Europe.
Sipurim (Stories)
"Sipurim (Stories)" by Samuel Vaknin is a collection of short stories likely written in the late 20th century. The book presents a variety of narratives exploring human experiences, relationships, and the dichotomy of existence, reflecting the complexities of life through compelling characters and thought-provoking themes. The opening of the collection introduces the story "The Corruption of Abimbola Salako," which immerses readers into a corporate environment where themes of ambition and ethical dilemmas unfold. The protagonist finds himself in a tense meeting with his superior, discussing a lucrative project in Nigeria and the need to secure the approval of Abimbola Salako, a pivotal character who is a professor at a Lagos university. Amidst this corporate intrigue, the protagonist grapples with the implications of his dealings and the nature of his professional relationships. As the narrative unfolds, it hints at the challenges and moral complexities that accompany the pursuit of success, setting the stage for the exploration of various human conditions throughout the collection.
Malignant Self Love [Excerpts]
"EXCERPTS – NOT the full Book!"
TrendSiters Digital Content and Web Technologies
No description available.
Crime and Corruption
"Crime and Corruption" by Samuel Vaknin is a comprehensive examination of the intricate relationships between crime and corruption, touching on various dimensions such as political, financial, and social implications. Written in the early 21st century, the work delves into contemporary issues that arise from these phenomena, particularly how corruption impacts governmental and financial institutions across the globe. The opening sections appear to focus on specific cases of corruption and the mechanisms through which illicit money flows, suggesting that the book is a serious and analytical exploration of these subjects rather than a fictional narrative. The beginning of "Crime and Corruption" introduces the concept of slush funds and their pervasive role in corrupt systems, exemplified through historical references and contemporary events. Vaknin discusses various instances of state-sanctioned corruption, touching on prominent international figures and countries, such as Kazakhstan and Taiwan, to highlight the ways slush funds are used to facilitate bribery and conceal illicit activities. The author emphasizes that these practices are not confined to developing countries but are evident in supposedly stable democracies, illustrating a global crisis in transparency and accountability linked to financial malfeasance. This opening sets the tone for an investigative and critical discussion on crime and corruption in modern society.
Russian Roulette: Russia's Economy in Putin's Era
"Russian Roulette: Russia's Economy in Putin's Era" by Samuel Vaknin is an analytical exploration of Russia's economic landscape during the early 21st century, particularly under the leadership of Vladimir Putin. Written in the early 2000s, the text delves into various aspects of Russia's economy, highlighting the effects of political influence on financial institutions, military restructuring, and the energy sector. The book provides a critical perspective on how historical legacies have shaped contemporary practices in Russia's economic development. The opening of the book presents an overview of the security apparatus and military reform within Russia, introducing the influential role of former KGB and FSB officers in the government. Vaknin discusses the inefficiencies and corruption endemic to the military and how these issues affect Putin's attempts to regain control over the military and regional governments. He shares details about ex-KGB operatives transitioning into business roles during the chaotic post-Communist era, suggesting a blend of criminality and entrepreneurship in the new economy's emergence. This sets the stage for a deeper investigation into Russia's economic transformation and the intertwining of political and economic interests that characterize the Putin era.
The Developmental Psychology of Psychopathology
"The Developmental Psychology of Psychopathology" by Samuel Vaknin is a scientific publication written in the early 21st century. This work explores the intricate relationship between childhood development and the emergence of narcissistic and psychopathic features in adulthood, emphasizing how familial dynamics, particularly parental interactions, contribute to these psychological conditions. The opening of the book establishes the groundwork for discussing the narcissistic personality, particularly through the lens of parental influence. It begins with an analysis of the narcissist's atypical emotional landscape—how they seek validation from others while simultaneously viewing them as mere sources of admiration. Vaknin further delves into early relational patterns shaped by parental figures, detailing how these relationships can lead to either healthy self-esteem or maladaptive narcissism. The text introduces complex concepts regarding self-identity, emotional detachment, and the pivotal role of formative experiences in the context of childhood development, illustrating how these elements can culminate in various mental health disorders.
Terrorists and Freedom Fighters
"Terrorists and Freedom Fighters" by Samuel Vaknin is a scholarly examination of contentious political groups, written in the early 21st century. The text delves into the complex historical and ideological narratives surrounding various factions in the Balkans, questioning the dichotomy between those designated as "terrorists" and those labeled as "freedom fighters." The work aims to explore the motivations, methods, and ultimate consequences of these groups' actions, revealing how the same behaviors can be interpreted differently based on perspective. At the start of the book, the author introduces the fundamental concepts that underpin the ongoing conflicts in the Balkans, positing that groups claiming just causes often descend into violence and criminal behavior. Vaknin highlights the psychological mechanisms driving such organizations, emphasizing that idealism can quickly devolve into brutality. The opening portion sets the stage for a detailed exploration of specific groups, such as the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO) and the Black Hand, focusing on their historical context, tactics, and the tragic outcomes of their quests for national identity and independence. The narrative unveils the chaotic interplay of competing nationalities, ideologies, and power struggles that characterize the region's troubled history.
Wars and Empire
No description available.
Moral Deliberations in Modern Cinema
"Moral Deliberations in Modern Cinema" by Samuel Vaknin is a philosophical essay collection published in the early 21st century. The book delves into the ethical ambiguities and moral conflicts depicted in modern films, using various cinematic works as case studies to explore themes such as identity, agency, and moral responsibility. Each essay examines a different film, providing an in-depth analysis of the characters and storylines while bringing to light their moral implications. In this thought-provoking collection, Vaknin analyzes films like "The Talented Mr. Ripley," "The Truman Show," "The Matrix," and "Titanic," among others. He engages with complex questions surrounding identity, free will, and the nature of morality as portrayed in these narratives. For instance, he discusses the identity disturbances faced by characters like Tom Ripley and Dan Merrick, who grapple with their sense of self amid psychological disorders. Furthermore, he examines how films illustrate broader societal issues, such as capitalism's ethical dilemmas in "The Truman Show" and the moral responsibilities individuals have towards one another, highlighted through the layers of injustice seen in "Titanic." Through these analyses, Vaknin invites readers to reflect on their ethical beliefs and the impact of media on moral perceptions.
Issues in Population and Bioethics
No description available.
The Belgian Curtain: Europe after Communism
"The Belgian Curtain: Europe after Communism" by Samuel Vaknin is a scholarly analysis of post-communist Europe, likely written in the early 21st century. The work explores the political, social, and economic dynamics that emerged in Europe following the fall of communism, discussing the implications of EU expansion and NATO's evolving role in a changing geopolitical landscape. The opening of the text introduces the complexities surrounding the European Union and NATO's competing alliances, particularly in the context of the 2002 Treaty of Nice. It highlights how the integration of former communist states into these Western institutions reflects both an urgent geopolitical necessity and a fraught historical trajectory. Vaknin emphasizes the shift in perceptions among newly independent Eastern European countries as they navigate their contemporary alliances with the United States and their relationships with Western Europe, creating a nuanced backdrop for the discussions to follow in the rest of the publication.
Cyclopedia of Economics
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The First Book of Factoids
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The Labor Divide
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Capitalistic Musings
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Narcissistic and Psychopathic Leaders
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Issues in Ethics
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Abuse, Torture, and Trauma and their Consequences and Effects
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Cyclopedia of Philosophy
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Essays on God and Freud
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The Suffering of Being Kafka
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The Conundrums of Psychology
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