The Seven Best Books by Political Thought Leaders

The global political landscape has changed a lot in the last few decades and centuries. The seven books highlighted in this blog inform readers about the latest developments in the political thought arena by modern-day leaders. Politics impacts our lives, so we must learn from the experts, and these books will educate and inform us. You will see the world a lot more differently after reading these.

Francis Fukuyama’s “The End of History and the Last Man”

Political scientist Francis Fukuyama, in his book “The End of History and the Last Man,” believes that the end of the Cold War marked the finale of ideological evolution. Liberal democracy has become the most recognized governance form. He wrote this book in 1992, which was not too long after the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, making the United States of America the single global political superpower. American liberal democracy became a rallying cry since then, and this book will delve deep into Fukuyama’s theories of how both changes impacted the world.

Hannah Arendt’s “The Origins of Totalitarianism”

Hannah Arendt wrote “The Origins of Totalitarianism” in 1951. She is a renowned political theorist and philosopher and explores 20^th-century totalitarianism by examining its philosophical and historical foundations, as well as its effects on both society and the individual. This book is an eye-opener for anyone looking to understand how authoritarianism has grown globally and is struggling with it. Despite the book being several decades old, her theories hold strong relevance today.

Naomi Klein’s “The Shock Doctrine’s “The Rise of Disaster Capitalism”

Journalist and activist Naomi Klein wrote “The Shock Doctrine’s “The Rise of Disaster Capitalism” in 2007. She feels that governments and economists take the assistance of economic shocks and crises to freely establish laws favoring powerful and wealthy individuals that further their political agenda while ignoring the plight of the weak and vulnerable. Anyone who is a strong supporter of social justice and economic equality must read this book to understand the dangers of neoliberalism and its social impact.

Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx’s “Communist Manifesto”

This is the very book that changed the world and ultimately brought about the rise of the Soviet Union. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels wrote the Communist Manifesto in 1848, and it became the world’s foremost political works and is highly regarded today. It is the best way to understand the original ideas of socialism, which prioritized shared ownership of the means of production and the elimination of private property. The ideas of social welfare still hold relevance today even though socialism and communism are not that prevalent in today’s world. Whether you agree or disagree with the ideology, you must read this book.

Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness”

Legal expert and civil rights activist Michelle Alexander wrote “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” in 2010 about the American criminal justice system. She explores how it is no longer a way to execute justice but to exercise racial control, bringing rise to the modern definition of slavery and Jim Crow segregation. You must read this if you support ending racism and equal rights for everyone. It is a very brutal critique of the American social justice system and a definitive call to action.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s “The Social Contract is Number Six”

French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote “The Social Contract is Number Six” in 1762. It is one of the most critical sources of modern political thought. Rousseau emphasizes that society is founded on social compact within individuals where the idea is to give up some of their rights for the sake of security and safety. It is an interesting trade-off and has been highly influential in the modern political landscape.

Alex Haley and Malcolm X’s book “The Autobiography of Malcolm X”

Renowned American civil rights activist Malcolm X wrote his autobiography in 1965, and it is a remarkable journey of his life from a street hustler to one of the most dynamic and powerful advocates of justice and racial equality. It is a must-read for everyone wanting to know the rise of the civil rights movement, as he was pretty much the center of it. One can truly understand his vision of individual civil rights and how it still impacts the world today by reading this incredible book.

All seven books highlighted here are written by excellent political thinkers who offer valuable insights into the modern world and its issues. You can agree or disagree, but at least read and be enlightened by their writings. These books will open your mind to new ideas and better understand the modern global political landscape and how it has evolved in the last few centuries. Read them all!

LEARN MORE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

You may also contact Michael at Leadership Speakers Bureau to schedule him for speaking or leadership engagements.