Die besten 100 Bücher zu US Politics

The Shock Doctrine (2008) offers insights into the dark world of disaster capitalism, in which crises serve as an instrument to undo the trade regulations and national protections which prevent international megacorporations from totally exploiting poorer countries. Rooted in the findings of the CIA-sponsored "MKUltra" psychological torture experiments, economic shock treatment has left behind a legacy of blood and destruction since it first began to be taken seriously in the 1970s.

In Failed States, author Noam Chomsky details the ways in which the United States has used its power to relentlessly pursue its own geopolitical and economic interests. The book cites examples from throughout history to demonstrate why the United States’ stated goal of promoting democracy is inconsistent with its own actions, at home and abroad.

Unfair (2015) outlines the major flaws inherent to the United States’ justice system. In addition to the unreliability of eyewitness testimony or the arbitrary nature of many judges’ decisions, every actor in the entire justice system – cops, lawyers, jurors and judges alike – is fundamentally, yet unconsciously, biased. Ultimately, the author argues that addressing these blind biases is the key to reforming our justice system.

World Order (2014) is a guide to the complex mechanisms that have governed international relations throughout history. These blinks explain how different countries conceive of different world orders and how they are held in balance or brought into conflict.

Two Nations Indivisible (2013) tells the story of the United States’ relationship with its neighbor to the south: Mexico. These blinks explain the profound connections between the two countries as well as the misunderstandings that keep them apart, with an emphasis on political and economic relations.

Political Order and Political Decay (2014) contrasts the history of democracy in America with its current condition to reveal the fundamental flaws of our modern democracy. From a declining middle class to selfish lobbyists and unadaptable institutions, these blinks explain just a few sources of political decay in the United States.

The Next Decade (2011) offers us a glimpse into the future, exploring the ways in which the United States’ attempts to maintain its dominant position on the international stage will shape events in countries and regions around the world.

Killing Lincoln (2011) tells the story behind the assassination of president Abraham Lincoln, which took place in 1865, shortly after the Confederate army had surrendered, effectively putting an end to the US Civil War. Learn all about the conspirators who plotted the killing, what their motives were and the details surrounding the fateful night at Ford’s Theater.

Dark Money (2016) is a chilling look behind the scenes of American politics, outlining how a small handful of the country’s richest people have been influencing the country’s political landscape since the 1970s. Far from a conspiracy theory, these are the cold hard facts of the powerful and immensely wealthy individuals behind the rise of today’s radical right-wing conservative movement.

Fire and Fury (2018) gives a fly-on-the-wall account of the Trump administration’s early days. With his insider access to the West Wing and over two hundred conversations with senior staff under his belt, Michael Wolff paints a fascinating portrait of an administration he claims is wholly unprepared to govern.

A World in Disarray (2017) is an overview of the major transformations in global politics since World War Two. These blinks describe an evolution from a non-interventionist order of nation states to one of globalization and international involvement.

Russian Roulette (2018) relates the results of an investigation by two journalists into the Russian interference in the 2016 American presidential election. These include details on Trump’s business ties to Russia, the Russian connections of his campaign team, the Russian hacking of Democratic institutions, the disinformation campaigns on social media and what Russian intelligence might have gathered to compromise Trump. The blinks also tell how the American intelligence community and the Obama administration reacted to the Russian hacking.

The Gatekeepers (2017) challenges the standard view of the US government. To most people, the United States is embodied by its president. After all, it’s he who appears on all the TV screens. But the mechanics of the executive branch means there’s a key figure who’s too easily forgotten: the chief of staff. It’s his responsibility to control who or what reaches the president. Chris Whipple traces the history of the best – and the worst – of these gatekeepers.

How Democracies Die (2018) examines the fundamental principles of democracy, with a look at historical cases – particularly in Latin America – where democracies have turned into dictatorships or autocracies. The authors examine how these democratic downfalls have happened, whether it could happen again in the future, and what could be done to prevent this dangerous and often lethal outcome. Attention is also given to the presidency of Donald Trump, to question his motives and determine whether he qualifies as an American autocrat.

The Vietnam War is remembered as one of the longest and bloodiest conflicts of the twentieth century. At the end of 1967, the US government was assuring the public the war was almost won; by February 1968, that was no longer the case. In Hue 1968 (2017) Mark Bowden examines the battle in the city of Hue which changed the way the American public viewed the war.

The Big Lie (2017) is a right-wing account of current American political events. Author Dinesh D’Souza thinks that attacks against Trump from the Left are unfair. The progressive Left claim that Trump is a racist and a fascist, and have likened him to a Nazi, but this book radically upends these accusations. For D’Souza, the American Left is recycling one big lie. It’s the Democrats who are the real Nazis, the true fascists and racists.

An American Sickness (2017) takes an honest look at the state of the American health-care system and frankly diagnoses its many ailments. When big business started taking over what were once charitable organizations, things began to go truly wrong. Rosenthal presents valuable information on how to reduce health-care bills and not get taken for a ride by greedy hospitals and over-prescribing doctors.

Fascism (2018) examines fascism, both as a historical phenomenon and a present-day threat. It explores the factors that lead to fascist governments as well as the common threads connecting them, while also cautioning citizens against complacency. Even today, there are many reasons to fear for the health of democracy.

No Is Not Enough (2017) offers a critical account of Trump’s first months in the Oval Office, reflecting on how he got there and what we should expect from him. At the heart of this account is not only an unmasking of Trump’s routine shock tactics, but also advice on how we can resist and forge a better tomorrow.

The Case for Trump (2019) explains the story of how a businessman and reality TV star with no political experience managed to best his Republican rivals and Hillary Clinton to become president of the United States. And what’s more, it shows how Trump, despite being constantly attacked in the media, is managing to implement his policies successfully.

Upheaval (2019) takes us through some of modern history’s biggest national crises to find out how each nation ended up in such trouble, and how they managed to get out of it. Looking at seven different nations, author Jared Diamond reveals how some of the same problems and solutions have emerged time and again, whether we’re looking at Chile and Indonesia in the 1970s, or Australia and Germany after WWII.

The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee (2019) is a vivid history of Native America since the 1890 massacre at South Dakota’s Wounded Knee Creek. These blinks show that – contrary to popular opinion – in the twentieth century, Native Americans did not slide into obscurity and achieve nothing of note. On the contrary, this was a time filled with momentous and extraordinary events.

American Carnage (2019) details the ideological battle at the heart of the Republican Party over the last decade. From George Bush’s “compassionate conservatism” to the Tea Party’s right-wing fervor, Tim Alberta covers the ideological metamorphosis that led to Donald Trump’s presidency.

The Conscience of a Conservative (1960) is a classic statement of the conservative mindset. Penned in an age of bipartisan support for big government, Barry Goldwater’s manifesto rekindled a conservative movement committed to shrinking the state. Over the next 20 years, Goldwater’s positions on topics such as taxation, education, and welfare became commonsensical on the American right, laying the foundations for the 1980s Reagan revolution. 

In Triggered (2019), Trump Jr. presents an excoriating critique of contemporary left-wing politics in the United States. These blinks expose what Trump Jr. perceives as the violent and hypocritical tactics used by the left to advance its agenda, from rampant political correctness to online abuse. They also explore the author’s belief that the greatest threat to freedom of speech today comes from the left.

Hawai’i (2019) is a detailed history of the economic forces that have shaped Hawaiian society. Author Sumner La Croix traces the arc of commerce, from traditions first established in the twelfth century by Polynesian colonists to the modern Hawaiian state. Along the way, he examines what has changed and what has stayed the same.

A Promised Land (2020) is the first volume of the memoirs of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States. The memoir chronicles Obama’s journey from teenage Honolulu ne'er-do-well to Chicago community organizer and on to one of the most beloved – and mistrusted – figures in American history.

Donald Trump v. The United States (2020) tells the story of the 2016 presidential campaign and the subsequent Special Counsel investigation into the Trump administration. It details the ways in which the investigation was assisted by the White House counsel – and how it was curtailed by Trump and the Justice Department.

Compromised (2020) is an inside account of the FBI’s handling of the now-famous Midyear Exam and Crossfire Hurricane investigations concerning Hillary Clinton and the Trump campaign, respectively. It tackles partisan media and White House accusations head-on, from the point of view of a person at the center of it all.

Shakespeare in a Divided America (2020) offers a new perspective on American history. In looking back at eight instances where Shakespeare’s plays have been politicized by those on both sides of the political spectrum, we can see how the playwright's work has remained highly relevant over the years.

Speaking for Myself (2020) is an insider’s account of Donald Trump’s first two years in office by the woman whose job it was to present the president’s thinking to the world – press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Alongside fascinating snapshots of Trump’s decision-making process, values, and sense of humor, Sanders offers readers a glimpse of the inner workings of the White House and the role of the press in American political life.

The Economists’ Hour (2019) is a compact history of how economists came to dominate our political discourse. This work traces the rise of neoliberal ideology from the 1960s to today.

Chaos Under Heaven (2021) brings to life the behind-the-scenes negotiations and deliberations that dictated the Trump administration’s policy toward China. America’s understanding of the inner workings of the Chinese state has changed a great deal, yet competing interests have so far led to a chaotic response as the US grapples with this foreign policy challenge. 

How To Destroy America in Three Easy Steps (2020) is an account of the political forces threatening to tear America in two. Drawing on history, philosophy, and politics past and present, this book emphatically argues that Americans should remember exactly what it is that unites them.

The Man I Knew (2021) is the simultaneously heartwarming, tear-jerking, and surprising story of George H. W. Bush’s life after the White House. Many people are aware of President Bush’s accomplishments as a politician – shepherding the US through the end of the Cold War, successfully navigating the Gulf War, and signing the Americans With Disabilities Act into law, to name but a few. But this isn’t the story of George Bush the politician –⁠ it’s the story of George Bush the husband, friend, and father.

American Kompromat (2021) tells the dark and unsettling tale of how the Russian KGB began cultivating Donald Trump as an asset –⁠ and then hit the jackpot when he became the president of the United States. Drawing connections between Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, and a mysterious Catholic sect called Opus Dei, it explores the reasons why Trump repeatedly did Putin’s bidding –⁠ and who enabled him to do so.

On the House (2021) is the memoir of a political maverick and one of the Republican party’s most outspoken representatives. Tracing his life from a Democrat-voting, blue-collar household in Cincinnati through to his crusading career on Capitol Hill, John Boehner tells us how Washington really works and dishes the dirt on enemies and allies alike.

The Dying Citizen (2021) explores the ways in which modern American democracy is being weakened. Touching on issues like globalization and identity politics, it discusses how left-wing progressives are damaging the foundations of the United States. 

Richard Nixon: The Life (2017) is a thorough biography of one of the most controversial American presidents. Tracing Nixon’s life from his humble upbringing through his meteoric political ascent to his crashing downfall in the Watergate scandal, it reveals a complex, troubled, and sentimental man.

After the Fall (2021) takes a sobering look at the rise of nationalism and authoritarianism in places like Hungary, China, Russia, and the United States of America. It examines how the standing and influence of the US changed in the years following the Cold War, and how this has led to the current challenges facing democracy around the world. 

The Reckoning (2021) is an unflinching look at contemporary American society. This sharp treatise draws informative connections between the nation’s traumas and its current issues.

The 1619 Project (2021) is an anthology of essays investigating the origins of the slave trade in America, and how it has shaped what the country would become. It’s also an exploration of how we create history, and how these stories shape our political present. The essays are accompanied by fictional excerpts and poetry, bringing to life the experiences of enslaved people in America.

Adrift (2022) argues that the United States is flailing, despite all its success and global dominance since World War II. It’s a country struggling to adapt to revolutionary changes in technology, facing deep economic and political divisions and threats of extremism, and quickly losing ground to rivals like China. Despite all of this, Scott Galloway still sees reason for hope, but first lays out what he sees as the biggest challenges facing the nation. 

It’s OK to be Angry About Capitalism (2023) is a critique of the economic and political system in the US. It offers a blueprint on how to move past unbridled capitalism onto a fairer and freer future.

Killing the Killers (2022) takes you deep into the global war on terror. As it examines the role of Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, it moves through all the theaters of action including Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Iran, and Afghanistan. It’s the eleventh book in the best-selling Killing series.

Mayflower (2006) tells the epic story of the 1620 voyage to establish a colony of religious separatists on North American shores, and the astonishing aftermath of their fateful trip. From life-or-death struggle to peaceful coexistence with native peoples to devastating war just a half century later, it tells the unvarnished truth of the people and politics that went on to shape a nation.

Letter to the American Church (2022) is part cautionary tale, part call-to-action to churches in America. It challenges Christians to speak up and be more involved in shaping the state of the country, even if that means getting political.

Confidence Man (2022) is a full account of Trump’s life in the spotlight. It tracks his career from early New York real estate deals to his tumultuous tenure in the White House. It shows how his aggressive personality was molded early on and only intensified as the stage grew bigger.

Saving Aziz (2023) is the story of how one man’s daring rescue of his friend and brother-in-arms turned into a multi-organizational effort that has resulted in rescuing over 17,000 allies from Afghanistan. 

The End of the World Is Just Beginning (2022) asks what happens if or when the United States stops policing the global order it established after the Second World War. The short answer is that the world as we know it will come to a grinding, potentially violent halt. The longer answer takes us on a thrilling ride through the politics and economics of trade, energy, and foreign policy. 

Profit Over People (1999) is a deep dive into the often hidden world of neoliberalism, revealing how global power structures and US policies are influenced by corporate interests. You’ll be taken on a journey that uncovers an economic system geared toward the affluent, often to the detriment of the many.

What’s Our Problem (2023) offers a fun and unique perspective on the strange state of the modern world in which we live. Using the author’s iconic comedic style, it draws on observations from political theory, psychology, history, and modern-day events to explain what is going on in our society, and what we can potentially do to fix it.

Myth America (2022) is a collection of essays that examine and dismantle some of the most pervasive myths about America: how it was founded, who’s allowed to be here, and how we define a ‘real’ American or American family.

Destined for War (2017) applies ancient military thinking to a very contemporary conflict: the power struggle between the established power of the US, and the rising power of China. It uncovers how this dynamic has led to conflict in past centuries, and spells out what the US and China must do in the future to avoid all-out war.

Becoming FDR (2022) tells the remarkable story of the personal health crisis and recovery that transformed Franklin D. Roosevelt from a self-centered, pampered golden boy to the mature, empathetic President who would go on to lead a nation through the darkest days of The Great Depression and the second World War. 

Be Useful (2023) is an inspirational journey through the life and principles that have propelled Arnold Schwarzenegger to unparalleled heights. It encapsulates the wisdom and tools he developed from a young age to transcend the limitations of his humble beginnings, emphasizing the power of a clear vision, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to being useful. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice, it encourages others to forge their own paths – highlighting the intrinsic capability within each individual to shape their destiny and make a meaningful impact. 

Understanding Power (2002) is a compilation of discussions and seminars by Noam Chomsky curated by Peter R. Mitchell and John Schoeffel. Throughout this collection, Chomsky delves into a wide range of topics, primarily focusing on how power and politics shape societies – critiquing media, corporate power, and governmental control, all while examining how these forces influence public opinion, policy, and democracy. With a focus on America, it reinterprets events of the past concerning foreign and social policy, highlighting the many challenges that Americans continue to face.

Democracy Awakening (2023) looks back at the unique relationship America has had with the concept of democracy over the years. It puts modern events into the larger context of the nation’s ongoing struggle for voting rights, equality, and the looming threat of authoritarian politics.

Citizen (2024) is a reflective memoir that explores former US president Bill Clinton’s life after leaving the White House. It covers pivotal moments in recent history, alongside personal insights about public service and the importance of building a better future. Through these reflections, Clinton emphasizes the power of community and individual action in shaping a more just and compassionate world.

Dreams from My Father (1995) is a deeply personal memoir about life growing up in the 1960s and 70s as the mixed-race child of a very blended family, and what it meant for the journey to adulthood. At the same time, it is a carefully considered and richly-detailed meditation on the nature of international race relations, family bonds, and community across generations and continents, offering a unique perspective on the background of a future President of the United States.  

Too Big to Fail (2009) draws you into the heart of the 2008 financial crisis, revealing the high-stakes decisions and power struggles that shaped the world's economic landscape at that time. This gripping narrative untangles a complex web of financial intrigue, and will help you understand the forces that drove one of the most tumultuous periods in financial history.

Milton Friedman (2023) provides a nuanced biography of the influential free-market economist. Tracing Friedman's groundbreaking work across diverse policy areas, it explores his instrumental role in the rise of modern American conservatism and free market ideology. 

The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory (2023) is an expansive and critical portrait of evangelical Christians in post-Trump America. Penned by the son of a pastor, it tells the story of a religious movement that has subordinated its faith to worldly politics – and lost its way.

Possible (2024) introduces a groundbreaking strategy for confronting the increase in conflicts that threaten aspects of daily life, from personal relationships to global dynamics. It posits that by engaging with conflict constructively, you can unlock the potential for creative problem-solving and strengthen relationships. This approach will equip you with the tools to transform adversarial interactions into cooperative successes, paving the way for progress in every aspect of your life.

The Federalist Papers (1787) present insightful arguments for the ratification of the United States Constitution. Offering fascinating insights into the minds of the Founding Fathers, it explores the fundamental principles of American governance and legal system. It remains on the most influencial texts ever written.

New Cold Wars (2024) chronicles the United States’ confrontations with Russia and China as they vie for global supremacy. It details the turbulent struggle for military, economic, political, and technological dominance, exploring the pivotal questions of our era – from Ukraine’s battlefield to Taiwan’s tech hubs to the White House Situation Room.

A Conflict of Visions (1987) shows why political opponents so often talk past each other by uncovering the invisible, pre-rational maps of human nature that drive our deepest disagreements. You’ll discover why your stance on seemingly unrelated issues like defense spending and criminal justice likely stems from a single underlying instinct about whether humanity is inherently flawed or endlessly perfectible. By grasping these competing visions, you can decode the fundamental logic behind ideological wars that have divided societies for centuries.

Anarchy, State, and Utopia (1974) argues that the only justified government is a very limited one that protects people from force, theft, and fraud, and enforces agreements. It says that what you fairly acquire and freely trade should remain yours, and challenges plans to reshuffle who has what by design because they demand constant control over everyday choices.

Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order (2021) examines the patterns underpinning the rise and fall of past empires – and demonstrates that they can be equally applied to empires today. It explores how our current global dynamics mirror those of past centuries, with the US and China at the forefront, and argues that understanding these dynamics will prepare us for what’s ahead.

When the Clock Broke (2024) delivers a fascinating look into the years leading up to the 1992 Presidential Election, between Bill Clinton, Ross Perot, and the incumbent George H.W. Bush. It reveals how a relatively small movement took root and began to transform the Republican Party into a more populist and authoritarian version of conservatism. It also shows why this approach appeals to the disaffected groups in America.

Liars (2021) explores the alarming spread of falsehoods in the digital age and its impact on society. It examines how social media amplifies the reach of lies, threatening public health and democratic foundations, while proposing potential solutions to combat misinformation without compromising free speech.

At War with Ourselves (2024) takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Trump White House. You’ll discover how chaos and power struggles shaped H. R. McMaster’s one-year tenure as national security advisor, and how he tried to advance the nation’s long-term strategic interests.

Confronting the Presidents (2024) holds a mirror to America’s 45 presidents and confronts them with their records in office. Some come away with a flattering portrait; others are unmasked as the terrible leaders they were. Every president is held to the same standard. The guiding question here is simple: did these men live up to America’s foundational ideals? 

Who Rules the World (2016) is a powerful critique of the institutions that exercise global power. With a scope that takes in the war on terror, climate change, nuclear proliferation, and constitutional law, it shows how political and financial elites consistently act in their own interests and against the global good. 

Trump: The Art of the Deal (1987) looks at Donald Trump’s business strategies and personal experiences in real estate. It outlines his principles of negotiation, risk-taking, and public image-building, emphasizing the importance of persistence and adaptability. Through real-life examples, Trump provides a step-by-step guide to closing deals and achieving success.

Lucky Loser (2024) delves into the wild financial rollercoaster of Donald Trump, exploring how he kept his empire afloat with risky deals and family wealth. The book looks at the man behind the myth, uncovering the fascinating contradictions between Trump’s public image of success and the staggering losses he accounted for behind the scenes. 

Abolish Rent (2024) examines the housing crisis from the perspective of those most affected by exploitative rent practices, offering a sharp critique of the current system. It highlights powerful stories of resistance from poor and working-class tenants, showing how collective action can transform both housing and cities and ultimately envisions a revolutionary tenant movement that fights for housing as a fundamental right.

On Freedom (2024) challenges us to rethink what it means to be truly free in a world increasingly dominated by political and economic tyranny. It weaves together history, philosophy, and urgent contemporary issues, illustrating how our pursuit of freedom is intertwined with the structures that support it. It inspires people to reflect on their role in safeguarding democracy and creating a more equitable future. 

Lincoln vs. Davis (2024) offers a gripping, in-depth look at the personal and political struggles of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis during the American Civil War. Nigel Hamilton explores how these two men – one seeking to preserve the Union, the other fighting for Southern independence – shaped the fate of the nation through their contrasting leadership. With rich historical detail and fresh insights, this book reveals the high-stakes decisions, personal flaws, and moral dilemmas that defined America's most turbulent era.

Melania (2024) provides an intimate glimpse into the fascinating life of Melania Trump, tracing her journey from modest beginnings in Slovenia to her role as First Lady of the United States. Through heartfelt reflections and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, it highlights her experiences with motherhood, the challenges of public life, and the unwavering resilience and grace that have defined one of America’s most captivating figures.

Lee Kuan Yew (2013) draws on five decades of unparalleled experience at the intersection of East and West to illuminate the hidden forces shaping our global future. Through penetrating analysis of China’s rise, America’s resilience, and emerging global challenges, it reveals a strategic framework for understanding how civilizations think and evolve. These insights from Singapore’s legendary founder – sought after by presidents, prime ministers, and CEOs alike – can transform perspectives on power, culture, and leadership in the modern world.

Why Taiwan Matters (2023) explores how Taiwan became the thriving democracy and semiconductor powerhouse it is today, while explaining its precarious position at the center of US-China tensions. It examines how Taiwan’s 23 million people manage their complex relationship with China that increasingly threatens to forcibly reclaim the island – potentially triggering a global conflict.

The Technological Republic (2024)  examines the evolving relationship between Silicon Valley and the U.S. government, arguing that the tech industry's focus on consumer-driven innovations has weakened national security and global competitiveness. In the spirit of Alan Bloom’s The Closing of the American Mind, this sharp cultural critique argues that the erosion of civic life has left the United States dangerously unprepared to fight tomorrow’s wars.

Clashing Over Commerce (2017) traces the evolution of US trade policy from the founding era to the twenty-first century, focusing on the political and economic forces that shaped it. It explores the recurring debates between protectionism and free trade, showing how these conflicts reflect deeper shifts in national priorities and global engagement.

Here, Right Matters (2021) is an inspirational memoir from the man who served as the key witness in Donald Trump’s first impeachment hearings. It tells the story of an immigrant family who believed deeply in America’s democratic values and the price the author had to pay in staying true to those ideals. 

The Project (2025) is a concise, accessible guide to Project 2025 – the sweeping conservative policy agenda now being implemented by the second Trump administration. It unpacks how the plan aims to reshape the executive branch and American society, from enforcing strict gender norms to dismantling worker protections and civil service safeguards.

Who Is Government? (2025) asks an all-star team of US journalists to consider the questions: Who works for the government? And why is their work important? The answers uncover remarkable stories of the people, from cybersleuths to archivists, whose work keeps the United States running.

Original Sin (2025) is a damning, in-depth exposé of President Biden’s physical and mental deterioration, his inner circle’s attempts to cover it up, and the resulting catastrophe of Biden’s 2024 presidential run. Drawing from hundreds of interviews, it’s packed with shocking, candid commentary from behind the closed doors of politics’ upper echelons. Ultimately, it tells a disturbing tale of hubris, delusion, and deception –⁠ by Biden, the Democratic Party, and a coalition of his closest family and advisors.

Cyber Citizens (2025) explores how our digital lives fundamentally impact democracy. It discusses the importance of becoming smarter digital citizens as surveillance, misinformation, and AI-generated content reshape our information landscape – and reveals practical strategies for staying informed while protecting your privacy.

Don’t Talk About Politics (2025) argues that direct debate rarely changes minds and can even deepen divisions. It draws on philosophy, neuroscience, and social science to show that political beliefs are shaped more by emotions, relationships, and shared experiences than by argument. It offers strategies for fostering understanding and connection beyond the confines of traditional debate culture.

Coming Up Short (2025) shares politician and academic Robert Reich’s insider perspective on working in the Carter and Clinton administrations, and examines whether his generation of politicians and activists succeeded in making America more inclusive and democratic or fell short of those ideals.

Confronting Evil (2025) recounts the deeds of history’s worst men. Evil, it suggests, is multifaceted. From Roman emperors to American slave traders, Nazi officials to Mexican drug cartels, it shows us that while evil often is truly monstrous, it can also be disconcertingly ordinary. And because it can be found everywhere, we have to remain vigilant. 

Framed (2025)  examines extraordinary cases of wrongful conviction, revealing how innocent people can lose decades of their lives to prosecutorial misconduct and flawed evidence. Through meticulous research, these stories demonstrate the devastating failures of the American legal system and spotlight the tireless work of civil rights activists fighting to exonerate the innocent.

Chokepoints (2025) is a riveting, thought-provoking, thorough tale of how the United States has transformed economic warfare in the modern age. It shows how sanctions, asset freezes, and export controls have reshaped geopolitics, from crippling Iran’s oil profits to gutting China’s technological ambitions. Finally, it proves that in a world supposedly governed by market forces, it’s state power that ultimately reigns supreme.

Run, Zohran, Run! (2025) documents the rise of America's first democratic socialist mayor and the generational revolt that powered his victory through record youth turnout and grassroots organizing. The campaign's success in channeling economic anxiety into political action offers a blueprint for progressive movements by speaking directly to the material conditions of struggling Americans. 

Fight Oligarchy (2025) examines how a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals has gained unprecedented control over American economic, political, and media institutions. It argues that this concentration of power threatens democratic governance, and documents the rise of authoritarian tendencies under Donald Trump’s billionaire-backed administration. Drawing on historical examples of successful resistance movements and detailing grassroots organizing efforts through 2025, it presents a vision for reclaiming democracy through policy reform and mass mobilization.

Authoritarianism (2024) is your guide to non-democratic regimes, whether military, single-party, or personalist political systems. It draws on global examples from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. You’ll discover how such regimes emerge through coups or democratic breakdown, how they stay in power, and under what conditions they give way to democracy.

So You Want to Own Greenland? (2025) explores how one vast, icy island keeps drawing the attention of explorers, empires, and superpowers. From vanished Viking settlements to underground Cold War military bases, Greenland’s story is full of twists and turns. It unpacks how history, geopolitics, and climate are colliding to make Greenland an unexpected headline grabber while the nation continues to try and shape its own future.

The Triangle of Power (2026) asks an important question: who actually decides how the world is run now that the old rules no longer hold. Drawing on wars, trade shocks, and shifting alliances, Alexander Stubb maps a world pulled between the Global West, the Global East, and a rising Global South with more leverage than ever before. It explains what’s breaking, what still works, and what kind of order might realistically come next.

The Madness of Believing (2026) explores the chaotic, high-stakes world of Infowars, where truth is optional and outrage is currency. Through one insider’s unraveling, you’ll see how easily belief can be shaped – and how far it can spiral. If you’ve ever wondered how ordinary people get swept into extraordinary delusions, this story gets uncomfortably close.