R. James Ferguson Books

An illustrated guide to the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean, including the people, politics, culture, and places to visit

In precarious and tumultuous times, schemes of social support, including cash transfers, are increasingly indispensable. Yet the inadequacy of the nation-state frame of membership that such schemes depend on is becoming evermore evident, as non-citizens form a growing proportion of the populations that welfare states attempt to govern. In Presence and Social Obligation , James Ferguson argues that conceptual resources for solving this problem are closer to hand than we might think. Drawing on a rich anthropology of sharing, he argues that the obligation to share never depends only on membership, but also on on being “here.” Presence and Social Obligation strives to demonstrate that such obligatory sharing based on presence can be observed in the way that marginalized urban populations access state services, however unequally, across the global South. Examples show that such sharing with non-nationals is not some sort of utopian proposal but part of the everyday life of the modern service-delivering state. Presence and Social Obligation is a critical yet refreshing approach to an ever-growing way of being together. 

Exploring China's response to global perceptions of its rise, this book delves into the nation's strategic approaches to mitigate perceived threats. Drawing on Confucian principles, it presents China's vision of a harmonious world, suggesting that its contributions to global order may exceed Western expectations of a "responsible stakeholder." The authors provide a rich philosophical and historical context, offering insights into both traditional and contemporary Chinese perspectives, thereby engaging readers in critical discussions about China's role in global politics.

James Ferguson examines the rise of social welfare programs in southern Africa in which states give cash payments to their low income citizens. These programs, Ferguson argues, offer new opportunities for political mobilization and inspire new ways to think about issues of production, distribution, markets, labor and unemployment.

Focusing on the intricate interplay of politics, philosophy, and history, this book explores the evolution of Chinese power over three millennia. It delves into social, strategic, and diplomatic trends that have influenced China's trajectory, offering a unique perspective on the factors contributing to the nation's contemporary rise. Through this analysis, readers gain insights into the underlying dynamics that have shaped China's past and present.