The Eight Best Books by Influential Political Thought Leaders

Aspiring leaders find it beneficial to be completely informed and educated about recent political happenings and ideas in today’s ever-changing world. This is why it is best to read books authored by today’s most highly regarded political thought leaders. The best part is how each book provides excellent examinations of diverse political beliefs, action plans, and tactics. The following eight books are worth reading because you will know the secrets of political behemoths and become better knowledgeable leaders.

1. Barack Obama’s The Audacity of Hope: Reflections on Restoring the American Dream

Who would know better about modern-day political leadership than Barack Obama? He was one of America’s most popular presidents, and his book is a delight to read. He speaks of the values that have made him the man he is today and how those impacted his political career. He also speaks about how he sees the United States. It is one of the best books to read by perhaps one of the greatest living political leaders of our time.

2. Barry Goldwater’s The Conscience of a Conservative

Barry Goldwater is a former American senator, and this book is one of the best literary pieces on contemporary American conservatism written by a political leader. The book provides an extensive and comprehensive introduction to American conservatism and its modern-day evolution. Goldwater’s ideas had a massive impact on American conservative policy and thought.

3. James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton’s The Federalist Papers

The Federalist Papers are a compendium of 85 essays and serve as the most important pieces of literature on American history. The articles are authored by founding fathers Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay and provide an excellent insight into the American Constitution and an exciting insight into the political thought process that led to its creation.

4. Saul Alinsky’s Guidelines for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals

Saul Alinsky offers valuable guidance in this resourceful book for activists and community organizers who are looking to make impactful social change. The book has influenced the likes of some excellent political luminaries like former U.S. President Barack Obama and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. With such people among the readers, you should do no better than being a part of this list.

5. Friedrich A. Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom

Austrian economist and philosopher Friedrich A. Hayek has written an excellent essay on the cons of centrally planned economies and how individual freedom is valued in a free-market society. Those interested in free-market conservatism and libertarian philosophies can learn a lot by reading this book.

6. Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism

Naomi Klein is an activist and journalist who has examined the way neoliberal policies have been forced on countries struggling and suffering disastrous results. It is an incredible treatise with eye-opening insights. You can learn to understand the competition brought about by global capitalism and its impacts on democracy and social justice.

7. Chapter 7 of Niccol Machiavelli’s The Prince

Suppose you want to know how leadership works and statecraft practice; you owe yourself to read this excellent treatise on strategy and political power. Even though it was written back in the 16^th century, Machiavelli’s insights hold very much relevance today, and budding leaders from all political backgrounds can learn from it.

8. Hannah Arendt’s The Origins of Totalitarianism

Political thinker Hannah Arendt assesses the creation of totalitarian regimes in the previous century and explains why those faced a lot of growth. There is a very comprehensive explanation of how totalitarianism works, and also warns readers about its destructive political power.

These eight books are written by some of the best political leaders and political thought leaders of our times. You could learn so much about how global politics work and how different countries formed their own political ideologies, the perils of totalitarianism, and the rise of capitalism. No matter your political thought, you can always learn something new and enhance your knowledge about the complex global political landscape.

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