As a result of the initiative, ingenuity, and dedicated efforts of Steven Peterson and James Schubert, and the generous support of Alfred University, the Conference on Empirical Biopolitics was held from July 18 to July 22, 1990, on the campus of Alfred University. Six empirical studies were presented and extensively discussed at this small and intimate conference, with two or more hours devoted to each. Discussion focused not only on the specific research questions under investigation, but also on the ramifications for inquiry in the entire field of biopolitics. Odelia Funke and Fred Kort were the designated discussants, but all presenters took part in the stimulating discussions of each paper.

A conference on “The Infrastructure and Superstructure of the European Market: Implications for the Next Two Decades,” was held in St. Moritz, Switzerland, August 26-28, 1991. Sponsored by the Gruter Institute for Law and Behavioral Research, the planning and the most important intellectual impulses originated with Margaret Gruter. In this and in matters of organization, she was considerably supported by Michael McGuire of the University of California, Los Angeles.

Précis. The editors and contributors examine criminality from a biosocial perspective that conceptualizes criminal behavior as part of a continuum of pro/antisocial human responses that may have a common theoretical explanation. The book, divided into four major parts, includes chapters by contributors from the fields of psychiatry, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, genetics, and law.

Précis. This volume of 16 essays originated in a conference held in conjunction with the 1988 World AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) Day. The book explores the impact of AIDS on “hospital administrators, health care professionals, and persons with AIDS.” It is written with health policy in mind. Editor Gostin warns in his introduction that “[f]ailure to implement strong policies will cost the country its most vital resource—the health and well-being of a predominantly young and vigorous population” (p. 12). The author of each essay makes policy recommendations that, when taken together, amount to a set of policy goals and objectives covering the important facets of AIDS as a chronic illness.

Précis. Collected in this volume are the proceedings of the Fourth Monterey Dunes Conference on the Sense of Justice at the Gruter Institute. Contributors from law, political science, ethology, the biobehavioral sciences and psychology explore the concept of justice from the vantage points of its universal and particularistic, cognitive and emotional, innate and cultural properties.

Précis. This volume explores the contributions of sociobiology for an understanding of a wide range of conflictual behaviors among humans. While specifically focusing upon inclusive fitness theory, contributing authors forge ties between sociobiological propositions and data on conflict and cooperation from a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, social psychology, and political science, among others.

Précis. In this volume, Thomas Wiegele addresses “current developments in biotechnology which in turn can be used to fashion a meaningful inclusion of biotechnology into theories about the behavior of nations” (p. 3). The primary audience is scholars of international relations. There are, however, two other intended audiences: foreign policy-makers and students (both graduate and undergraduate). The general tone aims to be objective, rather than polemical, despite the “political contentiousness” (p. 5) of the subject. The author's assumptions are that most readers will be “conversant with established theoretical and policy approaches in international relations” (p. 4) and that the book will not be used as a general textbook for the study of international relations.