Economics & Money
In a Bad State
David Schleicher
Explore the complex challenges faced by the federal government when states and cities confront fiscal crises. This book delves into the historical responses to such crises, from Alexander Hamilton's era to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the 'trilemma' of balancing moral hazard, macroeconomic stability, and infrastructure investment. Author David Schleicher offers a practical guide for policymakers and citizens to understand the difficult choices involved and proposes principles for building more resilient federal and local fiscal systems.
Partisan Nation
Paul Pierson
This book offers a profound analysis of the transformation of American politics, arguing that the traditional 'Madisonian' constitutional framework, once a bulwark against intense partisan divisions, now exacerbates them. Authors Paul Pierson and Eric Schickler trace the historical evolution of polarization, from early republics to the contemporary era, highlighting how racial realignment, federal government expansion, and the nationalization of mediating institutions (state parties, interest groups, and media) have created a self-reinforcing cycle of partisan conflict. They reveal how this new constitutional order leads to governmental dysfunction, weakened accountability, and poses significant threats to the stability of American democracy, particularly through the actions of a nationalized and increasingly authoritarian-leaning Republican Party.
Safe Havens for Hate
Tamar Mitts
In 'Safe Havens for Hate,' Tamar Mitts exposes how extremist organizations exploit the uneven landscape of social media content moderation to maintain and amplify their harmful messages. Through a theory of digital resilience, Mitts reveals how these groups adapt by migrating to less-regulated platforms, strategically altering their messaging, and mobilizing supporters across diverse online spaces. This critical analysis delves into the complex interplay between governments, tech companies, and extremist actors, offering vital insights into the future of online harms and the challenges of effective digital regulation.
Are Prisons Obsolete?
Angela Y. Davis
Angela Y. Davis challenges the conventional understanding of the prison system, arguing for its abolition by meticulously tracing its historical development, its deep entanglement with racism, sexism, and capitalism, and its evolution into the 'prison industrial complex.' Drawing parallels with past abolition movements, she exposes how prisons perpetuate social inequalities and proposes radical alternatives for a more just and humane society.
The Wretched of the Earth
Frantz Fanon
A seminal work of political theory and postcolonial studies, 'The Wretched of the Earth' offers a searing analysis of the psychological and social impact of colonialism and the dynamics of decolonization. Frantz Fanon explores the role of violence in liberation struggles, the challenges of national consciousness, and the pitfalls faced by newly independent nations. With a powerful preface by Jean-Paul Sartre and a foreword by Homi K. Bhabha, this book remains a crucial text for understanding global power structures, identity, and the quest for human liberation.
Sacred Economics
Charles Eisenstein
Charles Eisenstein's 'Sacred Economics' offers a radical re-evaluation of our money system, arguing that its inherent design fosters scarcity, competition, and ecological destruction. Challenging the prevailing myths of endless growth and self-interest, Eisenstein proposes a transformative vision of a 'sacred economy' rooted in gift culture, ecological principles, and a profound shift in human identity. This book explores how a new understanding of money, value, and interconnectedness can lead to a world of abundance, community, and genuine sustainability.
Retirement Guardrails
Ian Ayres
This groundbreaking work by Ian Ayres and Quinn Curtis challenges conventional retirement plan design, arguing that fiduciaries can move beyond simply screening funds to actively promoting better outcomes. Drawing on participant-level data and empirical tests, the authors reveal how streamlining menus, eliminating common pitfalls, and implementing 'guardrails' can significantly reduce allocation mistakes and enhance retirement success. Essential reading for anyone involved in managing or advising on retirement plans, this book offers practical, data-driven strategies for proactive fiduciaries to design menus that guide participants toward optimal financial choices.
The Big Myth
Naomi Oreskes
Uncover the untold story of how American business meticulously crafted and propagated the 'myth of the free market,' systematically teaching generations to distrust government and embrace market fundamentalism. This meticulously researched book exposes the historical roots and devastating consequences of this ideology, from its impact on labor laws and environmental protection to its role in contemporary crises like climate change and inequality. It challenges readers to rethink the relationship between markets, government, and society, revealing how a powerful narrative shaped America's economic and political landscape.