Kendall Wesley. From Gulag to Guantanamo: Political, Social and Economic Evolutions of Mass Incarceration

Rowman & Littlefield International, 2016. — 202 p. — ISBN10: 1783484705, ISBN13: 978-1783484706.This book is a hugely impressive commentary on the basic elements that have influenced policies of mass incarceration. The result is an eminently readable, carefully crafted, and ultimately satisfying account of one of the most important issues in America today: all politicians and their advisers should give this study a careful read as they consider how their policies will enhance or inhibit the development of a fairer, more stable society. (Joseph M. Siracusa, Deputy Dean of Global Studies, The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University)This is a passionate book. Wesley Kendall does not cloak his apprehension about the current policy direction in Western democracies and argues that too close a relationship between government and parts of the private sector is a significant driver of incarceration policies. Perhaps that is not the whole story but Dr Kendall assembles a case that it is part of the story. (Darryn Jensen, Senior Lecturer in Law, The University of the South Pacific)Dr. Kendall has given us a fine study on the failed incarceration policies of the United States that will jolt both law maker and reader. With recidivism rates in the US coming in at 70 percent; with an incarcerated population amongst the largest on earth, this study forcefully argues for a revaluation of policies that prevent suitable, adjusted re-integration of felons after prison. (Binoy Kampmark, Senior Lecturer in Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University)