Economics & Money
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.
It Can't Happen Here
Sinclair Lewis
Set in 1936, this chillingly prescient novel explores the potential rise of fascism in America through the eyes of Doremus Jessup, a Vermont newspaper editor. As a charismatic demagogue, Senator Buzz Windrip, gains power by exploiting public fear and discontent, Jessup finds himself confronting the terrifying reality that even in a nation of 'freemen,' tyranny can take root. The excerpts capture a pivotal dinner discussion where nationalist and proto-fascist sentiments are openly espoused, challenging the complacent belief that 'it can't happen here.'
Democracy in Our America
Paul W. Kahn
In the wake of recent political upheavals, this book offers a profound analysis of the state of American democracy, questioning its capacity for self-governance. Drawing on both national political theory and the microcosm of local community life in Killingworth, Connecticut, the author explores the erosion of constitutional norms, the rise of populism, and the decline of civic engagement. It delves into the philosophical underpinnings of American political thought while confronting the stark realities of contemporary polarization, offering a critical examination of whether the nation can recover its foundational principles.
Destined for War
Graham Allison
Is the U.S. and China headed for war? This book explores the historical pattern of when a rising power threatens to displace a ruling power, and the potential for conflict between the two nations. It examines the causes and consequences of such conflicts, and proposes strategies for avoiding war.
Politics
Aristotle
Explore Aristotle's timeless insights into the nature of the state, governance, and the pursuit of the highest good. This foundational work delves into the elements of a state, the roles of citizens, and the various forms of rule, offering a profound understanding of political society.
The Road to Serfdom with The Intellectuals and Socialism
Friedrich A. Hayek
A condensed version of Friedrich Hayek's classic critique of collectivism, arguing that central planning inevitably leads to a loss of freedom and the rise of totalitarianism. This edition also includes Hayek's essay 'The Intellectuals and Socialism,' exploring the role of intellectuals in promoting socialist ideas.
Animal Farm
George Orwell
A compelling satire set on a farm where animals revolt against their human owner, only to establish a new, more oppressive tyranny amongst themselves. A chilling allegory of power, corruption, and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals.