The best 33 Global Politics books

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1
Global Politics Books: The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens

The Trial of Henry Kissinger

Christopher Hitchens
4.4 (104 ratings)

What's The Trial of Henry Kissinger about?

In The Trial of Henry Kissinger, Hitchens shows a side of Henry Kissinger few would have imagined possible. He delves into the dark side of American foreign policy and shows first-hand examples of Kissinger’s criminal activities in Vietnam, Bangladesh and East Timor, and of his human rights violations and war crimes.

Who should read The Trial of Henry Kissinger?

  • Anyone interested in the dark side of US foreign policy
  • Anyone interested in human rights
  • Anyone interested in the twentieth-century and Cold War history

2
Global Politics Books: Failed States by Noam Chomsky

Failed States

Noam Chomsky
The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy
4.1 (81 ratings)

What's Failed States about?

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.

Who should read Failed States?

  • Anyone critical of US foreign policy
  • Anyone interested in international politics
  • Anyone interested in history

3
Global Politics Books: The Accidental Superpower by Peter Zeihan

The Accidental Superpower

Peter Zeihan
The Next Generation of American Preeminence and the Coming Global Disorder
3.8 (154 ratings)

What's The Accidental Superpower about?

Today, the United States has a stronghold as the global superpower, but the world is changing at a historically unprecedented rate. These blinks to The Accidental Superpower (2014) outline the reasons the United States came to politically and economically dominate the planet, and what we can expect in the coming decades, both in the United States and the world at large.

Who should read The Accidental Superpower?

  • Students of politics and economics
  • Anyone interested in ancient history
  • Anyone curious about the future

4
Global Politics Books: Two Nations Indivisible by Shannon K. O’Neil

Two Nations Indivisible

Shannon K. O’Neil
Mexico, the United States and the Road Ahead
4.1 (20 ratings)

What's Two Nations Indivisible about?

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.

Who should read Two Nations Indivisible?

  • Policy makers who want to understand more about the US-Mexico relationship
  • Educators and students interested in world politics
  • Americans and Mexicans hoping to understand each other better

5
Global Politics Books: Back Channel to Cuba by William M. LeoGrande & Peter Kornbluh

Back Channel to Cuba

William M. LeoGrande & Peter Kornbluh
The Hidden History of Negotiations Between Washington and Havana
4.7 (27 ratings)

What's Back Channel to Cuba about?

With unprecedented access to declassified documents, Back Channel to Cuba (2014) reveals the long and bumpy road of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. Find out how 50 years of unsuccessful foreign policy have kept Cuba and the United States at odds despite the efforts of secret, back-channel negotiations that have been taking place since the Eisenhower administration.

Who should read Back Channel to Cuba?

  • History buffs interested in one of the longest US conflicts
  • Politicos wanting a behind-the-scenes look at foreign policy
  • Aspiring diplomats in search of the dos and don’ts of diplomacy

6
Global Politics Books: The Next Decade by George Friedman

The Next Decade

George Friedman
Empire and Republic in a Changing World
4.0 (90 ratings)

What's The Next Decade about?

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.

Who should read The Next Decade?

  • Students of history or political science
  • Anyone interested in a vivid forecast of the future of international politics
  • Avid readers and news junkies eager for a fresh perspective on foreign affairs

7
Global Politics Books: The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright

The Looming Tower

Lawrence Wright
Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11
4.1 (43 ratings)

What's The Looming Tower about?

The Looming Tower (2006) is all about al-Qaeda, its formation, and the personalities behind it. These blinks detail the route taken to power by al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and the run-up to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack that devastated the United States.

Who should read The Looming Tower?

  • Anyone interested in the global effects of national policies
  • Political science junkies
  • History enthusiasts

8
Global Politics Books: Sea Power by James Stavridis

Sea Power

James Stavridis
The History and Geopolitics of the World’s Oceans
4.1 (46 ratings)

What's Sea Power about?

Sea Power (2017) provides an enlightening look at the role Earth’s oceans have played over the course of human history. From early voyagers who sailed into the vast unknown, to the tens of thousands of commercial ships now traversing the globe on a daily basis, our oceans have always been a powerful force that we’ve longed to tame and control. While we’ve come a long way, we still find ourselves faced with immense challenges that we’ll only overcome by working together.

Who should read Sea Power?

  • History buffs
  • News junkies worried about the future
  • Readers interested in politics and global affairs

9
Global Politics Books: A World in Disarray by Richard Haass

A World in Disarray

Richard Haass
American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order
4.1 (83 ratings)

What's A World in Disarray about?

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.

Who should read A World in Disarray?

  • Diplomats and politicians interested in foreign policy
  • Students of international relations, history and politics
  • Historians interested in the wars of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries

10
Global Politics Books: Why The West Rules – For Now by Ian Morris

Why The West Rules – For Now

Ian Morris
The Patterns of History, and What They Reveal About the Future
4.4 (73 ratings)

What's Why The West Rules – For Now about?

Why The West Rules – For Now (2010) is a treatise on Western rule. It examines what “the West” is and how its current dominance came about. Starting with the earliest development of humankind, it rules out racist genetic beliefs and theories of cultural superiority. It describes how East and West have been locked neck and neck in a race for advancement up to the present day. And, of course, it goes on to address the question: will the West’s dominance last?

Who should read Why The West Rules – For Now?

  • Anyone wondering why or if the West rules – and what “the West” is
  • Historians and archaeologists
  • Politicians and those interested in politics

11
Global Politics Books: A People Betrayed by Linda Melvern

A People Betrayed

Linda Melvern
The Role of the West in Rwanda's Genocide
4.5 (63 ratings)

What's A People Betrayed about?

A People Betrayed (2000) is a masterful, in-depth look at the international community’s failure to intervene in one of the greatest humanitarian catastrophes since the Holocaust. Through selfish and racist policies, the UN and its Security Council dithered  and denied its way through three months of genocidal slaughter. As a direct result of their inaction, an estimated one million civilians were brutally murdered.

Who should read A People Betrayed?

  • Anyone interested in how policy translates from boardroom to battlefield
  • History buffs interested in the chilling after-effects of colonialism in Africa
  • People who suspect there’s a dark side to the new world order

12
Global Politics Books: Ping-Pong Diplomacy by Nicholas Griffin

Ping-Pong Diplomacy

Nicholas Griffin
The Secret History Behind the Game That Changed the World
4.6 (67 ratings)

What's Ping-Pong Diplomacy about?

Ping-Pong Diplomacy (2014) is the tale of how China and the United States ended two decades of diplomatic silence and antagonism. This breakthrough did not originate in embassies or politicians’ offices. Instead, it began at the ping-pong table. These blinks show how a sport shaped by a communist-leaning aristocrat changed politics forever. 

Who should read Ping-Pong Diplomacy?

  • Those with an eye for unusual history
  • People who are interested in ping-pong and politics
  • Sports fans interested in how their passion can change the world

13
Global Politics Books: Navalny by Jan Matti Dollbaum, Morvan Lallouet and Ben Noble

Navalny

Jan Matti Dollbaum, Morvan Lallouet and Ben Noble
Putin's Nemesis, Russia's Future?
4.4 (187 ratings)

What's Navalny about?

Navalny (2021) is an in-depth look at the life and politics of Russian politician Alexei Navalny. This biography details how Navalny rose to prominence and what plans he has for Russia’s future.

Who should read Navalny?

  • Outsiders seeking to understand life in Russia 
  • Political thinkers keen to grasp the concept of power in a post-USSR world
  • All those invested in the future of world governance

14
Global Politics Books: The Gates of Europe by Serhii Plokhy

The Gates of Europe

Serhii Plokhy
A History of Ukraine
4.3 (273 ratings)

What's The Gates of Europe about?

The Gates of Europe (2015) offers a compelling overview of the history of Ukraine, a nation which lies between the East and the West. Due to this unique geographic position, Ukraine has been fought over and subjugated by a long line of imperial forces throughout history. Indeed, the history of Ukraine is one of the most important facets in the history of Europe.

Who should read The Gates of Europe?

  • History buffs
  • People curious about Russian-Ukrainian relations
  • Anyone interested in democracy

15
Global Politics Books: How to Prevent the Next Pandemic by Bill Gates

How to Prevent the Next Pandemic

Bill Gates
3.8 (245 ratings)

What's How to Prevent the Next Pandemic about?

How to Prevent the Next Pandemic (2022) is a blueprint for the international pandemic prevention plan the world sorely needs. Learning from the mistakes of the Covid 19 pandemic, Gates lays down a series of steps governments need to take if we’re to protect ourselves and ensure another global health catastrophe of this scale never happens again.

Who should read How to Prevent the Next Pandemic?

  • Casual science readers with an interest in epidemiology
  • Business leaders and philanthropists looking for good places to invest
  • Anyone who doesn’t want to live through another Covid 19

16
Global Politics Books: Shutdown by Adam Tooze

Shutdown

Adam Tooze
How Covid Shook the World's Economy
3.4 (93 ratings)

What's Shutdown about?

Shutdown (2021) explores the unprecedented shock COVID-19 dealt the world economy. The story begins with the revelation of the disease in January 2020 by Chinese President Xi Jinping and ends precisely a year later with the inauguration of US President Joe Biden, and through this history, Shutdown shows how markets and governments reeled from the blow, how they regained their footing, and what we might learn for the next worldwide crisis. 

Who should read Shutdown?

  • News junkies and history buffs alike
  • Those who know that economic policy matters
  • Anyone seeking perspective on our tumultuous times

17
Global Politics Books: The American War in Afghanistan by Carter Malkasian

The American War in Afghanistan

Carter Malkasian
A History
3.9 (125 ratings)

What's The American War in Afghanistan about?

The American War in Afghanistan (2021) is an in-depth look at one of the defining conflicts of the twenty-first century. This exhaustively-researched analysis dives into the details of this protracted and complex military occupation.

Who should read The American War in Afghanistan?

  • Engaged citizens keen to keep up with current events
  • Civilians seeking insight into military matters 
  • Anyone eager to understand a complex conflict

18
Global Politics Books: Reagan by H. W. Brands

Reagan

H. W. Brands
The Life
4.3 (179 ratings)

What's Reagan about?

Reagan (2015) is the definitive account of the life of a towering figure in American history. Starting with his childhood in Illinois, the narrative follows the course of Ronald Reagan’s life, from his charmed days in Hollywood to his time as governor of California and, finally, from the White House to the world stage of the Cold War.

Who should read Reagan?

  • All those who think they know what Reagan was all about
  • History buffs
  • People looking to understand modern American conservatism

19
Global Politics Books: Free Speech by Jacob Mchangama

Free Speech

Jacob Mchangama
A History from Socrates to Social Media
4.5 (128 ratings)

What's Free Speech about?

Free Speech (2022) traces the history of this world-defining idea. It provides a soapbox for some of free speech’s greatest proponents and highlights key events that pushed the idea forward from ancient times to the present. Offering an evenhanded treatment of the costs and benefits of free speech throughout history, it’s a powerful retort to all those forces that threaten to erode free speech today.

Who should read Free Speech?

  • Passionate defenders of free speech who could use more argumentative ammunition 
  • Students preparing for campus debates on whether free speech should be limited
  • Anyone on the left or right seeking insight into modern-day debates on free speech

20
Global Politics Books: Earth for All by Sandrine Dixson-Decleve, Owen Gaffney, Jayati Ghosh, Jorgen Randers, Johan Rockstrom and Per Espen Stoknes

Earth for All

Sandrine Dixson-Decleve, Owen Gaffney, Jayati Ghosh, Jorgen Randers, Johan Rockstrom and Per Espen Stoknes
A Survival Guide for Humanity
4.4 (41 ratings)

What's Earth for All about?

Earth for All (2022) is more than a book – it’s a survival guide. After centuries of industrialization, population growth, and rising inequality, our planet is now at a tipping point. We are already learning to live with pandemics, war, wildfires, and more. This guide offers timely, practical solutions for the urgent problems facing humankind.

Who should read Earth for All?

  • People concerned about climate change
  • Activists seeking a better future
  • Residents of planet Earth – in other words, all of us!

21
Global Politics Books: Nomad Century by Gaia Vince

Nomad Century

Gaia Vince
How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World
4.0 (79 ratings)

What's Nomad Century about?

Nomad Century (2022) proposes a radical solution to the looming climate apocalypse, one that’s as practical as it is controversial. To tackle the effects of climate change, we need to migrate and be more tolerant of those who’ve been forced to move.

Who should read Nomad Century?

  • Supranational bodies trying to tackle the climate crisis
  • Governments dealing with climate migration
  • Scientists, communities, and NGOs

22
Global Politics Books: The Cold War by Robert J. McMahon

The Cold War

Robert J. McMahon
A Very Short Introduction
4.6 (216 ratings)

What's The Cold War about?

The Cold War (2003) provides an overview of the conflict that defined the second half of the twentieth century. Beginning in the immediate aftermath of World War Two, it traces the Cold War’s development through the rest of the century, laying out its underlying causes and overall contours.

Who should read The Cold War?

  • History buffs
  • Students of military strategy and foreign relations 
  • Those who want to understand one of the twentieth century’s defining conflicts

23
Global Politics Books: Killing the Killers by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Killing the Killers

Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
The Secret War Against Terrorists
3.9 (259 ratings)

What's Killing the Killers about?

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.

Who should read Killing the Killers?

  • Fans of the Killing series
  • History buffs interested in the war on terror
  • Lovers of dramatic story-telling

24
Global Politics Books: Pegasus by Laurent Richard and Sandrine Rigaud

Pegasus

Laurent Richard and Sandrine Rigaud
How a Spy in Our Pocket Threatens the End of Privacy, Dignity, and Democracy
4.3 (280 ratings)

What's Pegasus about?

Pegasus (2023) follows the thrilling, worldwide investigation into one of the most powerful and insidious pieces of cyber surveillance software known to date. Beginning with a massive data leak to a small, independent news outlet, it tells the story of how Pegasus came to be, the hundreds of innocent individuals who have had their privacy taken away by it, and the global team of reporters and editors who risked everything to bring the story to light.

Who should read Pegasus?

  • Followers of the Pegasus Project and other cyber security international bombshells like the Panama Papers, or Wikileaks.
  • Fans of investigative journalism who want to know the stories behind the reports that shake the world.
  • Anyone who owns a phone and wants to know just how fragile their privacy really is.

25
Global Politics Books: Never Give an Inch by Mike Pompeo

Never Give an Inch

Mike Pompeo
Fighting for the America I Love
3.8 (47 ratings)

What's Never Give an Inch about?

Never Give an Inch (2022) gives insight into US foreign policy during the Trump administration. Pompeo, the former Secretary of State, outlines his personal beliefs, candidly discusses his views on international politics, and reflects on challenges and successes from his time in the State Department.

Who should read Never Give an Inch?

  • Republicans
  • People who want to know more about the Trump administration
  • Anyone who’s interested in US and international politics

26
Global Politics Books: In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park

In Order to Live

Yeonmi Park
A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom
4.7 (35 ratings)

What's In Order to Live about?

In Order to Live (2015) follows the survival story of Yeonmi Park, a North Korean woman who escaped from her home country. In this inspiring memoir, Yeonmi goes through her horrific journey from North Korea to China and finally to South Korea.

Who should read In Order to Live?

  • Human rights activists
  • Those curious about North Korea
  • Anyone looking for an uplifting story

27
Global Politics Books: Saving Aziz by Chad Robichaux with David L. Thomas

Saving Aziz

Chad Robichaux with David L. Thomas
How the Mission to Help One Became a Calling to Rescue Thousands from the Taliban
4.1 (111 ratings)

What's Saving Aziz about?

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. 

Who should read Saving Aziz?

  • Anyone interested in Afghanistan history
  • Military history buffs
  • People in need of an inspiring story of the goodness in humanity

28
Global Politics Books: The End of the World Is Just the Beginning by Peter Zeihan

The End of the World Is Just the Beginning

Peter Zeihan
Mapping the Collapse of Globalization
4.4 (195 ratings)

What's The End of the World Is Just the Beginning about?

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. 

Who should read The End of the World Is Just the Beginning?

  • History buffs 
  • Politicos with an interest in foreign policy
  • Anyone trying to figure out global events

29
Global Politics Books: Profit Over People by Noam Chomsky

Profit Over People

Noam Chomsky
Neoliberalism and Global Order
4.3 (367 ratings)

What's Profit Over People about?

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.

Who should read Profit Over People?

  • Students of economics or international relations 
  • Policymakers and businesspeople
  • Curious minds interested in the way our world works

30
Global Politics Books: The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg

The Climate Book

Greta Thunberg
The Facts and the Solutions
3.8 (73 ratings)

What's The Climate Book about?

The Climate Book (2023) unites dozens of voices in a compelling and eye-opening exploration of the complex relationships between climate change, politics, and media. Offering insights into the interconnectedness of various global issues and the urgent need for systemic change, it contains practical, actionable steps towards a sustainable and equitable future.

Who should read The Climate Book?

  • Everyone concerned about our planet Earth
  • Climate activists looking to bolster their tactics arsenal 
  • Politicians and journalists who want to be part of the solution, not the problem 

31
Global Politics Books: Thirteen Days by Robert F. Kennedy

Thirteen Days

Robert F. Kennedy
A Memoir Of The Cuban Missile Crisis
3.6 (35 ratings)

What's Thirteen Days about?

Thirteen Days (1969) offers an inside look into the Cuban Missile Crisis, revealing the intense deliberations and decision-making processes of the U.S. government at the time. It chronicles the 13-day standoff between the U.S. and the Soviet Union that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Through its pages, readers gain insight into the high-stakes diplomacy and behind-the-scenes actions that took place during this critical period.

Who should read Thirteen Days?

  • History buffs eager to delve deeper into the Cuban Missile Crisis
  • Political enthusiasts curious about U.S. decision-making during crises
  • Those intrigued by pivotal moments in twentieth-century history

32
Global Politics Books: Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty

Capital in the Twenty-First Century

Thomas Piketty
3.4 (101 ratings)

What's Capital in the Twenty-First Century about?

Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2013) offers a deep dive into the historical trends and dynamics of income and wealth inequality. Drawing from centuries of data, it examines how capital concentration perpetuates inequality and proposes bold solutions to address this growing divide.

Who should read Capital in the Twenty-First Century?

  • Economists studying wealth dynamics
  • Those who would like to contextualize modern economic issues with historical data
  • Advocates for social justice and economic equality

33
Global Politics Books: You Will Own Nothing by Carol Roth

You Will Own Nothing

Carol Roth
Your War with a New Financial World Order and How to Fight Back
3.2 (266 ratings)

What's You Will Own Nothing about?

You Will Own Nothing (2023) challenges you to confront a possible future where global elites dictate what you do and don’t have. Dive into an investigation of the forces striving to reshape our very notions of ownership, and discover strategies to ensure your autonomy and assets aren't just safe but thriving. Brace yourself: it's time to redefine your future.

Who should read You Will Own Nothing?

  • Financial enthusiasts exploring global economic shifts.
  • Technological futurists keen on societal implications.
  • Advocates for personal rights and wealth autonomy.

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