Patrick Porter

The oldest ideas are the best. This book is a defense of an ancient way of thinking about international politics: realism. Patrick Porter, a scholar of international relations, defends the realist approach to understanding the world by addressing head-on the most robust critiques of the tradition. Drawing from a wide literature, Porter restages three prominent criticisms of realism: that it is immoral, unrealistic, and provincial. In erudite, clear, and at times morbidly funny prose, Porter makes the case that realism is, in fact, everything its critics believe it is not: moral in its commitment to securing the polity and its interests in a world where there is no higher government; realistic and the best starting point for explaining how human groups tend to behave; and practical for use by everyone, everywhere, including beyond the Euro-Atlantic. From Thucydides to Kautilya to Machiavelli, realists claim that the world is an inherently dangerous place defined by the shadow of conflict, whether we like it or not. As the 21st century grapples with multiple interlocking crises concerning economic dislocation, climate crisis, and war, we need realism now more than ever. This book is for readers who are looking for sensible guidance on how to work within that reality and survive in an increasingly hostile world.

The Brain Fitness Blueprint takes you on a transformative journey into brain fitness, revealing the secrets to optimising cognitive performance and physical vitality In today's unpredictable and often overwhelming world, a fit brain is no longer just about IQ. 'Brain fitness' encompasses emotional awareness and regulation, adequate cognitive rest, and resilience to meet the ongoing challenges we face every day. The Brain Fitness Blueprint is a holistic blueprint, providing practical techniques to achieve optimal brain health. Integrating ancient wisdom, such as meditation and mindfulness techniques, with new cognitive strategies, such as Unlimited Reality - a transformative practice that involves observing excellence in another person, then using imagery techniques to see through their eyes, hear through their ears, and feel every sensation in their body, as if you are living their experiences first-hand. In this digital era, constant connectivity and information overload can lead to mental fatigue and cognitive strain. The Brain Fitness Blueprint gives you the tools to not only survive, but truly thrive, in the modern world.