Books by Jeffrey M . Shaw
The Ethiopian-Adal War, 1529-1543, 2021
In 1529, an army from the Sultanate of Adal in modern-day Somalia invaded neighbouring Ethiopia. ... more In 1529, an army from the Sultanate of Adal in modern-day Somalia invaded neighbouring Ethiopia. For the next fourteen years, the conflict ravaged Ethiopia, planting the seeds of enmity and mistrust in the Horn of Africa that resonate to this day. The Ethiopian-Adal War: The Conquest of Abyssinia brings sixteenth-century Arab, Portuguese, and Ethiopian primary source material from this conflict to contemporary readers for the first time in the English language in a single volume. Situating the conflict into the wider struggle for maritime supremacy between the Portuguese and Ottoman Empires, readers will have the chance to learn about a little-known conflict which nearly resulted in the subjugation of Christian Ethiopia at the hands of Imam Gurey, the Sultan of Adal. Included are maps of the conflict’s major battles, never before seen in any publication. Photographs of the Ethiopian landscape and a range of other illustrations complete the
account of this epic conflict.
The work focuses on the interplay of religion and politics in countries around the world with an ... more The work focuses on the interplay of religion and politics in countries around the world with an emphasis on the post-2000s. It is organized by global geographic regions including Africa, Central and South America, and the Middle East and presents countries alphabetically within those sections. Each region has a brief overview of the political-religious dynamics of the area so readers can compare and contrast the dynamics between and among countries in a region. The work also includes an introduction, sidebars, and a bibliography.
In the years following the War of 1812, American merchants and seafarers expanded the young natio... more In the years following the War of 1812, American merchants and seafarers expanded the young nation’s global reach, bringing trade goods to and from distant lands.
Previously unpublished, this annotated and illustrated edition, along with photographs of the original journal, draws readers into daily life at sea in a bygone era.
It is nearly impossible to read the news and not stumble across a headline that proclaims some ac... more It is nearly impossible to read the news and not stumble across a headline that proclaims some act of violence somewhere in the world. Whether conflict between nations, civil wars, or some combination of both, the twenty-first century has seen no decrease in war, terrorism, and bloodshed. Why is this? Has not our inter-connected and globalized world learned yet to live peacefully? While some philosophers and academics have proclaimed that today’s world is actually more peaceful and less violent than in ages past, it would be difficult to argue that acts of sensational and purposeful violence have not captivated us over the last few decades. There is, however, one voice among many that has given us plenty to think about regarding some of the pitfalls that our increasingly technological world may continue to face. Jacques Ellul is that voice. This book brings together a number of perspectives on Ellul’s thinking about violence and war. Collected from conference presentations, previous editions of the Ellul Forum, or just plain new thinking, these articles give the reader an overview of Ellul’s writing on violence, resistance, and war.
"ABSTRACT
This qualitative analysis examines the thinking of Thomas Merton and Jacques El... more "ABSTRACT
This qualitative analysis examines the thinking of Thomas Merton and Jacques Ellul on the impact that they believe technology and the idea of progress has had on human freedom. The thesis is that for both Merton and Ellul, modern technology itself and an uncritical acceptance of the idea of technological progress potentially inhibits the contemplative life and serves to deprive humanity of the God-given gift of freedom.
Examining Merton and Ellul through theological, sociological, and political lenses allows a point-by-point comparison of a number of different ideas that directly relate to the impact that technology has had on the human condition. This comparison identifies commonalities of thought and traces some of the antecedents to their thought. Merton approaches the topic from the Roman Catholic tradition while Ellul comes from the Protestant French Reformed Church. However, their remarkably similar conclusions offer the contemporary thinker a number of interesting points to consider regarding the impact that technology has had on the human condition. As Christians, Merton and Ellul provide a distinctly Christocentric view of freedom, and it is against this unique view that the impact of technology and the idea of progress is evaluated.
Both men offer a “third way,” which is an approach that allows one to transcend the grip that the technological society maintains over the individual. They are examples of men not only thinking about the impact that technology has had on human freedom as much as they are individuals firmly committed to living out the ideals that they spent their lives articulating.
"
War and Religion: An Encyclopedia of Faith and Conflict, 2017
The A–Z entries document ancient events and movements such as the First Crusade that began at the... more The A–Z entries document ancient events and movements such as the First Crusade that began at the end of the 10th century as well as modern-day developments like ISIS and Al Qaeda. Subtopics throughout the encyclopedia include religious and military leaders or other key people, ideas, and weapons, and comprehensive examinations of each of the major religious traditions' views on war and violence are presented. The work also includes dozens of primary source documents—each introduced by a headnote—that enable readers to go directly to the source of information and better grasp its historical significance. The in-depth content of this set benefits high school and college students as well as scholars and general readers.
Papers by Jeffrey M . Shaw
The International Journal of Critical Cultural Studies, Dec 30, 2014
This study begins with a definition of technology provided by Carl Mitcham. It then goes on to ev... more This study begins with a definition of technology provided by Carl Mitcham. It then goes on to evaluate this definition by applying some of Jacques Ellul's thinking, as well as that of Lewis Mumford. What impact might technology have on the human condition, and how might these philosophers help us to discern what that impact might be?
Techne: Research in Philosophy and Technology 18/3, Oct 2014
Robots will play an increasingly prominent role in our lives over the next few decades. Like comp... more Robots will play an increasingly prominent role in our lives over the next few decades. Like computers and mobile phones have done in recent years, robots have the potential to change the way we perform our everyday tasks, re-shaping the society in which we live and possibly our very notion of our own humanity. As robots take on more roles and responsibilities, we will be forced to confront not only questions regarding the ethical implications of those actions, but whether or not the robots themselves deserve to be treated in a manner commensurate with the ethical obligations that we owe one another.
On the Correlation of Center and Periphery (Global Humanities. Studies in Histories, Cultures and Societies), Jan 2015
Throughout history, religious and philosophical thinking has often focused on identifying the “tr... more Throughout history, religious and philosophical thinking has often focused on identifying the “true self.” Whether through philosophical speculation, religious devotion, or mysticism and contemplation, various traditions have emerged which have sought to achieve a type of “self-transcendence” which can either allow for a closer union with the creator, or for a more complete understanding of one’s true nature. This desire is not unique to only one culture, as it has appeared in one form or another across cultures. Three twentieth-century figures who have sought to evaluate the importance of self-transcendence are the American Catholic monk Thomas Merton, the Iranian psychoanalyst A. Reza Arasteh, and the Japanese Buddhist monk Daisetz T. Suzuki. Their thinking on the subject often overlaps, and they represent a unique convergence of thought which crosses cultural boundaries and has had a lasting impact on contemporary thinking in the realm of contemplative thought. In addition, examining the interaction between Merton and Arasteh on the one hand, and Merton and Suzuki on the other, offers an interesting approach to the study of cross-cultural dialogue in the humanities. Merton, a Westerner, borrows from and synthesizes the ideas of two thinkers from the East, and in doing so he contributed immeasurably to interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue. This article examines Thomas Merton primarily as a Western thinker who benefited from his reading of both Arasteh and Suzuki. The concept of self-transcendence and some background on its importance will be followed by a brief sketch of Merton and the value that he placed in his correspondence with both Arasteh and Suzuki. Following the section on Merton, a similar section on Arasteh and then one on Suzuki will round out the discussion, with the focus being specifically on Merton’s engagement with their ideas.
Dialog No. 24, Sep 2013
Using particular examples of the artistic revolution, technological advances, and political uphea... more Using particular examples of the artistic revolution, technological advances, and political upheavals in Europe during the period from 1900-1920, how might we support Hegel’s claim that such an unsettled zeitgeist demonstrates “the cunning of reason,” or the idea that history progresses using the particular actions of individuals? Another aspect of the cunning of reason is “the idea that social action has cumulative unintended consequences” (Knapp, 594). While this idea is not central to Hegel scholarship per se, the first decades of the twentieth century offer us the opportunity to review Hegel’s thesis, that “universal reason, through men, shapes history” (xi). In the disciplines of “law, art, philosophy, religion, literature, science and other spheres, Hegel tried to uncover processes by which rules, concepts and laws emerged that were . . . universalistic” (Knapp, 587). If we take Hegel’s thesis and examine the first two decades of the twentieth century, looking specifically at the art, literature, and music scenes of this time, one can argue that Hegel’s “cunning of reason” can be used to illustrate the zeitgeist of violence and discord that characterized these years.
Synesis: A Journal of Science, Technology, Ethics, and Policy. Journal of the Potomac Institute of Policy Studies, 2013
"Technology is taken for granted. We live in the age of technology, our lives surrounded by produ... more "Technology is taken for granted. We live in the age of technology, our lives surrounded by products and gadgets that even a decade ago would have been unrecognizable. Cell phones, ipods, ipads, the Bluetooth, xbox, and myriad other devices have altered our lives in numerous ways. But are these the things that we mean when we use the word “technology?” Does the definition of technology that we have come to rely upon refer to gadgets, or to a process? Various philosophers and scientists over the years have addressed technology and attempted to offer a full account of its impact and its meaning. The guest editors of this thematic issue hope to reinvigorate this debate, asserting that in order to properly conceptualize technology, an interdisciplinary approach is warranted in order to best capture the essence of this phenomenon. We invite scholars from multiple disciplines to join the debate.
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Joint Force Quarterly, Jan 1, 2014
This article summarizes a war game conducted at the US Naval War College in January, 2013, examin... more This article summarizes a war game conducted at the US Naval War College in January, 2013, examining ways in which the Royal Navy and the US Navy can more effectively operate together in pursuit of common national security objectives.
Conference Reports by Jeffrey M . Shaw
Book Chapters by Jeffrey M . Shaw
Königshausen & Neumann , Sep 2015
Chapter to be published in "Peripheries of the Cold War."
The chapter is an examination of th... more Chapter to be published in "Peripheries of the Cold War."
The chapter is an examination of the Cold War's influence over the Ogaden War, and the Ogaden War's impact on the relationship between the Superpowers.
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Books by Jeffrey M . Shaw
account of this epic conflict.
Previously unpublished, this annotated and illustrated edition, along with photographs of the original journal, draws readers into daily life at sea in a bygone era.
This qualitative analysis examines the thinking of Thomas Merton and Jacques Ellul on the impact that they believe technology and the idea of progress has had on human freedom. The thesis is that for both Merton and Ellul, modern technology itself and an uncritical acceptance of the idea of technological progress potentially inhibits the contemplative life and serves to deprive humanity of the God-given gift of freedom.
Examining Merton and Ellul through theological, sociological, and political lenses allows a point-by-point comparison of a number of different ideas that directly relate to the impact that technology has had on the human condition. This comparison identifies commonalities of thought and traces some of the antecedents to their thought. Merton approaches the topic from the Roman Catholic tradition while Ellul comes from the Protestant French Reformed Church. However, their remarkably similar conclusions offer the contemporary thinker a number of interesting points to consider regarding the impact that technology has had on the human condition. As Christians, Merton and Ellul provide a distinctly Christocentric view of freedom, and it is against this unique view that the impact of technology and the idea of progress is evaluated.
Both men offer a “third way,” which is an approach that allows one to transcend the grip that the technological society maintains over the individual. They are examples of men not only thinking about the impact that technology has had on human freedom as much as they are individuals firmly committed to living out the ideals that they spent their lives articulating.
"
Papers by Jeffrey M . Shaw
"
Conference Reports by Jeffrey M . Shaw
Book Chapters by Jeffrey M . Shaw
The chapter is an examination of the Cold War's influence over the Ogaden War, and the Ogaden War's impact on the relationship between the Superpowers.
account of this epic conflict.
Previously unpublished, this annotated and illustrated edition, along with photographs of the original journal, draws readers into daily life at sea in a bygone era.
This qualitative analysis examines the thinking of Thomas Merton and Jacques Ellul on the impact that they believe technology and the idea of progress has had on human freedom. The thesis is that for both Merton and Ellul, modern technology itself and an uncritical acceptance of the idea of technological progress potentially inhibits the contemplative life and serves to deprive humanity of the God-given gift of freedom.
Examining Merton and Ellul through theological, sociological, and political lenses allows a point-by-point comparison of a number of different ideas that directly relate to the impact that technology has had on the human condition. This comparison identifies commonalities of thought and traces some of the antecedents to their thought. Merton approaches the topic from the Roman Catholic tradition while Ellul comes from the Protestant French Reformed Church. However, their remarkably similar conclusions offer the contemporary thinker a number of interesting points to consider regarding the impact that technology has had on the human condition. As Christians, Merton and Ellul provide a distinctly Christocentric view of freedom, and it is against this unique view that the impact of technology and the idea of progress is evaluated.
Both men offer a “third way,” which is an approach that allows one to transcend the grip that the technological society maintains over the individual. They are examples of men not only thinking about the impact that technology has had on human freedom as much as they are individuals firmly committed to living out the ideals that they spent their lives articulating.
"
"
The chapter is an examination of the Cold War's influence over the Ogaden War, and the Ogaden War's impact on the relationship between the Superpowers.
Throughout history, technological advances and new inventions have often led to increased lethality. As technological advances have led to more accurate and more powerful weapons, casualties on the battlefield and often times in the civilian populations of the belligerents have generally increased. However, it is worth nothing that “advances in lethality have not been exclusively caused by weapons.” In many cases, inventions, tools, artifacts and other various technological advances have been adopted by armed forces even when their intended use was elsewhere. Ever since the Bronze Age gave way to the Iron Age, various technologies have contributed to the inexorable increase in warfare’s lethality. However, it might be the case that advances in nanotechnology, precision weaponry, and information and communication technology have the potential to reverse this trend. It is possible that developments in these areas may lead to more advanced weaponry with the potential to inflict tremendous destruction. This paper suggests that advances in these three areas may also have the potential to reduce warfare’s lethality, with a commensurate reduction in casualties on both the battlefield as well as within civilian populations.
Thanks!!
migration of human beings and the interventions of state power. Therefore, we ask for paper proposals from all
fields of the humanities that will analyze the interconnectedness of migration and state power. Possible topics
might focus on but are not limited to:
– Migration and state prejudices
– Migration and politics
– Migration and hate crimes
– Migration and state restrictions
– Migration and daily life (limited by state power)
– Forced migration
– Limitations of migration
For a better planning of the next volume, we ask you to send in a short proposal (around 250 words) and a CV by
15 July 2015. Final papers, ranging from 5000 to 7500 words (using footnotes, stylesheets will be provided by the
editor) are due by 31 August 2015.
Please send all materials or inquiries to global-humanities@neofelis-press.com
Dr. Frank Jacob
CUNY-QCC
CUNY Graduate Center, 34th Street and 5th Ave. New York City, 1 May 2015
War is always related to many different aspects, e.g. religion, technology, etc. However, one of the aspects of central importance for the history of warfare is geography. It is not only integral to the planning of tactics and strategies, but plays an important role in the outcome of war and its long-term aftermath. Furthermore, the interplay between war and geography is not purely a modern phenomenon but can be traced back through the ages of history. Geography always had the potential of providing an advantage or disadvantage etc. The aim of the conference is to assemble researchers from all disciplines of the humanities, who are working on topics that are dealing with this special interrelationship from antiquity to the 21st century. Therefore we not only invite scholars who could talk about theoretical approaches of geographically determined warfare, but also those who are working on specific regional, national or international topics, that are related to the influence of geography on warfare. The purpose is to provide a forum for a fruitful, interdisciplinary discussion, which will open new perspectives on military history in general and the history of warfare in particular.
A list of possible, but not exclusive, topics could include:
- War memory and geography
- Regional problems of geography and warfare
- War strategies and geography
- Geographic advantages and disadvantages in specific battles
- Geography as the cause for warfare
- Natural resources and warfare
- Geography as a consequence of warfare
Selected conference papers are going to be published as an edited volume and in general all proposals will be considered for later publication as well.
Please send a short proposal (max. 500 words, deadline is 30 November 2014) and a short biographical note to SDanielsson@qcc.cuny.edu and FJacob@qcc.cuny.edu