Battles for Freedom
Authoritarians and Democrats Meeting and Competing
(First Edition)
©2025, 268 pages
Paperback list price: $69.95
Cognella Direct Ebook: $60.95
You save $9 (13%)
Learn about all formats available for adoption
Bookstore Managers: contact orders@cognella.com to place an order
Battles for Freedom: Authoritarians and Democrats Meeting and Competing explores the dynamic interplay of Authoritarian and Democratic forces in global politics. Presenting a fresh analysis, the book navigates various political environments and their impact on civic society, advocating for a deeper understanding of how institutions function or fail in different contexts.
The book unpacks complex subjects, including the frameworks of Western Liberal Democracy, the emergence and persistence of authoritarian regimes, and the shifting definitions of these concepts under current conditions. Drawing from the author’s rich journalistic, business, and academic work, it elaborates on the significance of the media in shaping public perceptions. Focused not merely on elements like coercion and control by authoritarian leadership, the text also investigates the influence of cultural, socio-political, and economic factors.
Recommended for use in courses in political science, international relations, business, communication, and comparative politics, Battles for Freedom is well suited for global learning programs. It is an invaluable resource for core principles alongside real-world narratives and case studies that reflect geopolitical dilemmas.
The book unpacks complex subjects, including the frameworks of Western Liberal Democracy, the emergence and persistence of authoritarian regimes, and the shifting definitions of these concepts under current conditions. Drawing from the author’s rich journalistic, business, and academic work, it elaborates on the significance of the media in shaping public perceptions. Focused not merely on elements like coercion and control by authoritarian leadership, the text also investigates the influence of cultural, socio-political, and economic factors.
Recommended for use in courses in political science, international relations, business, communication, and comparative politics, Battles for Freedom is well suited for global learning programs. It is an invaluable resource for core principles alongside real-world narratives and case studies that reflect geopolitical dilemmas.
Dr. Mark Scheinbaum is a multifaceted scholar with an extensive career spanning education, media, business, and political science. Since 2017, he has been Adjunct Professor at the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University. Dr. Scheinbaum holds an Ed.D. in organizational leadership from Northeastern University, where he also served as Vice President of the Graduate Student Educational Research Association (AERA). He has taught Latin American politics at the University of Louisville Quality Leadership Center in Panama, R.P. Dr. Scheinbaum has held leadership roles in media and finance. He served as a journalist for United Press International and ABC TV Network News, covering major events and earning a Pulitzer Prize nomination for investigative reporting. He also works as Managing Director at Shearson Financial Services LL, FINRA, SIPC, MSRB.
Formats and Bulk Order Pricing for Confirmed Adoptions
Publisher Direct Versions — Available through the Cognella Student Store for confirmed adoptions |
||
|
$60.95
Best Value! |
Publisher Direct Ebook | Publisher Direct ebooks are available in your Cognella account immediately after purchase and provide access for 180 days. Our ebooks run on VitalSource and RedShelf with perpetual/annual options available. |
|
$67.95
Shipping Included! |
Publisher Direct Paperback | These special, discounted paperback editions are sold exclusively through the Cognella Student Store (store.cognella.com) for confirmed adoptions. They are not available through other retailers. The books are printed on demand, do not have an ISBN, and are not intended for resale, which results in savings we pass along to students. Most Publisher Direct Paperbacks also come with free, immediate access to the first 30% of the ebook and shipping included. |
Higher Education Bookstore Pricing — These suggested retail prices include a total projected mark-up of 25% |
||
|
Inclusive Access Available!
|
Ebook 979-8-8233-7592-4 |
We partner with VitalSource, Kortext, and RedShelf to provide day-one access to students through campus bookstores. Bookstores and these vendors share in the total projected mark-up. Learn more about Inclusive Access at cognella.com/inclusive-access. Contact us for details. |
| $69.95 | Paperback 978-1-7935-8455-7 |
Standard paperback version. Contact us for course adoptions; also available for individual purchase through national wholesalers and retailers — and from our website directly — see Purchase button above. |
| See more options | ||
| Other Formats Talk to a rep for details |
Other formats (perforated, hardcover, etc.) may be available. Contact us for course adoptions; specialty formats are not available for individual purchase. | |
"As I near the end of Battles for Freedom, I'm newly impressed at [Mark Scheinbaum's] writing skill and [his] ability to handle a highly complex subject with many facets, told in a readable, conversational tone with citations from [an] impressively wide reading of related thoughts and facts and events, mentions of both historic and current examples ranging from Panama to Burma and India, and challenging prompts for student readers. I this [his] personal comments, impressions, and memories add a significant element to the interest and readability. [...] [The book] lays out the practical problem of whether authoritarians can solve real problems better than democrats and give students many hints about where to look for their own answers to these and other questions, no neat formulas to copy down, but questions and sources for them to seek answers."
Martin McReynolds, Retired Miami Herald (and Knight-Ridder) Latam Editor, National Editor, Deputy Foreign Editor, and United Press International Bureau Chief in Buenos Aires, Lima, San Juan, Panama, Rio, Bogota, and Santo Domingo
Student Reviews of the Preliminary Edition
"“The author achieved what few others are able to do, namely, to incorporate his own experiences in a way that makes the book full of intellectual surprises and relevant to everyday readers. Overall, my experience with the textbook has been positive—it is a engaging and lively work.”
"I reflect on the intricate interplay between authoritarianism and democracy in shaping the future of human civilization. It is a sobering reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom and justice and our collective responsibility to safeguard the principles that define our humanity. In a world marked by uncertainty and complexity, our choices will reverberate for generations to come, shaping the destiny of nations and the course of history (Scheinbaum, 2023). ... encapsulates the profound challenges for survival in a world where authoritarianism and democracy vie for dominance. It is a testament to the enduring struggle between the forces of oppression and liberation and the inherent tension between security and freedom. However, amidst these challenges lies the potential for renewal, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. As we navigate the complexities of this ever-evolving landscape, may we draw inspiration from the lessons of history and the enduring quest for a more just and equitable world.”
“I found this textbook to be very valuable in helping me process what I have seen in the United States of America since 2016. The information is not only credible but also valuable reading for any adult who wants to ask serious questions about the political discord in the United States.”
“By having these many perspectives on Wiesel, Obama, and Scheinbaum with the current academic conversation, an improved comprehension of our responsibility in maintain democracy and human rights becomes visible. If we start working together, we can create a strong defense against the growing threat of authoritarianism and the dangers of lack of interest.”
“Another focus is on the role of media and information in Battles for Freedom and the importance of understanding, censorship, and propaganda, and the use of technology both by authoritarians and democrats to control information was a large part and takeaway."
"(The)concluding chapter for the book ... puts the things that we learned into perspective and gives us a taste of the ongoing battle between democracy and authoritarianism. It produces many questions regarding ‘zero tolerance’ and how we should deal with authoritarians as well as how democratic countries are being swayed by individuals with authoritarian tendencies.”
"Every case study acknowledges the difficulties of governing clashes between ethnic groups, and the defense of equality ... challenges us, the readers, to consider the complexity of democracy and freedom in a diverse setting. It emphasizes how important it is to fully understand perspectives on culture, heritage, and political variables while tackling complex governance and human rights ... inspires readers to participate in the constant fight for justice and liberty as well as the complexity of modern global politics through its wide range of case studies.”
“Reading Battles for Freedom and my class participation in Authoritarians and Democrats have taught me that governing requires that most citizens participate in elections. The ability of citizens to be thoroughly engaged in making decisions that others and themselves must live with should be a matter of life or death. There can be no cop-outs, ‘I do not feel for any of these candidates,’ and ‘It will not make a difference’ can no longer be excused in 2024."
"One positive aspect of the book is its in-depth analysis of the impact of these ‘Battles for Freedom' on societies and individuals. By examining the experiences of those involved in these struggles, it humanizes the political dynamics at play, making the narrative more engaging and relatable for readers. Additionally, the book sheds light on the lasting effects of these conflicts, both on a local and international scale, emphasizing the significance of standing up for democratic principles in the face of authoritarian opposition.”
"I found the textbook to be a fascinating examination into the world of dictators and the paths taken towards authoritarianism/totalitarianism. In particular, I thought the reactions of societies and people were contrary to what I would expect, especially from affluent, well-educated nations. Perhaps, the most beneficial analysis was the J-Curve analysis where students visually see on a graph the divergence that happens between what people achieve in a society and their expectations (Scheinbaum, 2023). I was also pleased by the focus on media and the impact and influence of social media on civic knowledge, engagement, and acumen. I think we’re still experiencing and learning how to adapt to it with respect to how information is shared and processed.”
Martin McReynolds, Retired Miami Herald (and Knight-Ridder) Latam Editor, National Editor, Deputy Foreign Editor, and United Press International Bureau Chief in Buenos Aires, Lima, San Juan, Panama, Rio, Bogota, and Santo Domingo
Student Reviews of the Preliminary Edition
"“The author achieved what few others are able to do, namely, to incorporate his own experiences in a way that makes the book full of intellectual surprises and relevant to everyday readers. Overall, my experience with the textbook has been positive—it is a engaging and lively work.”
"I reflect on the intricate interplay between authoritarianism and democracy in shaping the future of human civilization. It is a sobering reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom and justice and our collective responsibility to safeguard the principles that define our humanity. In a world marked by uncertainty and complexity, our choices will reverberate for generations to come, shaping the destiny of nations and the course of history (Scheinbaum, 2023). ... encapsulates the profound challenges for survival in a world where authoritarianism and democracy vie for dominance. It is a testament to the enduring struggle between the forces of oppression and liberation and the inherent tension between security and freedom. However, amidst these challenges lies the potential for renewal, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. As we navigate the complexities of this ever-evolving landscape, may we draw inspiration from the lessons of history and the enduring quest for a more just and equitable world.”
“I found this textbook to be very valuable in helping me process what I have seen in the United States of America since 2016. The information is not only credible but also valuable reading for any adult who wants to ask serious questions about the political discord in the United States.”
“By having these many perspectives on Wiesel, Obama, and Scheinbaum with the current academic conversation, an improved comprehension of our responsibility in maintain democracy and human rights becomes visible. If we start working together, we can create a strong defense against the growing threat of authoritarianism and the dangers of lack of interest.”
“Another focus is on the role of media and information in Battles for Freedom and the importance of understanding, censorship, and propaganda, and the use of technology both by authoritarians and democrats to control information was a large part and takeaway."
"(The)concluding chapter for the book ... puts the things that we learned into perspective and gives us a taste of the ongoing battle between democracy and authoritarianism. It produces many questions regarding ‘zero tolerance’ and how we should deal with authoritarians as well as how democratic countries are being swayed by individuals with authoritarian tendencies.”
"Every case study acknowledges the difficulties of governing clashes between ethnic groups, and the defense of equality ... challenges us, the readers, to consider the complexity of democracy and freedom in a diverse setting. It emphasizes how important it is to fully understand perspectives on culture, heritage, and political variables while tackling complex governance and human rights ... inspires readers to participate in the constant fight for justice and liberty as well as the complexity of modern global politics through its wide range of case studies.”
“Reading Battles for Freedom and my class participation in Authoritarians and Democrats have taught me that governing requires that most citizens participate in elections. The ability of citizens to be thoroughly engaged in making decisions that others and themselves must live with should be a matter of life or death. There can be no cop-outs, ‘I do not feel for any of these candidates,’ and ‘It will not make a difference’ can no longer be excused in 2024."
"One positive aspect of the book is its in-depth analysis of the impact of these ‘Battles for Freedom' on societies and individuals. By examining the experiences of those involved in these struggles, it humanizes the political dynamics at play, making the narrative more engaging and relatable for readers. Additionally, the book sheds light on the lasting effects of these conflicts, both on a local and international scale, emphasizing the significance of standing up for democratic principles in the face of authoritarian opposition.”
"I found the textbook to be a fascinating examination into the world of dictators and the paths taken towards authoritarianism/totalitarianism. In particular, I thought the reactions of societies and people were contrary to what I would expect, especially from affluent, well-educated nations. Perhaps, the most beneficial analysis was the J-Curve analysis where students visually see on a graph the divergence that happens between what people achieve in a society and their expectations (Scheinbaum, 2023). I was also pleased by the focus on media and the impact and influence of social media on civic knowledge, engagement, and acumen. I think we’re still experiencing and learning how to adapt to it with respect to how information is shared and processed.”
