Columbia UniversityColumbia Global Affairs Reading List
From the faculty at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs — inspiring reads on global affairs and policy that require "no homework assignments, just inspiration." These carefully chosen books promise to broaden your worldview, one page at a time.
1. Political Divides
Tracing democracy's fragility, populism, and institutions under strain.
Partisan Nation
From Alexander W. Hertel-Fernandez, Associate Professor of International and Public Affairs
It Can't Happen Here
From Robert Shapiro, Professor of International and Public Affairs
The Fifties
From Peter A. Clement, Adjunct Professor of International and Public Affairs
2. Media and Digital Power
Technology, communication, and online spaces as battlegrounds of influence.
Safe Havens for Hate
Picked by Erica Dreyfus Lonergan, Assistant Professor of International and Public Affairs
The Influencer Industry
From Tamar Mitts, Assistant Professor of International and Public Affairs
Careless People
From Anya Schiffrin, director of the Technology, Media, and Communications specialization
Paved Paradise
Recommended by Aidan Feldman, Lecturer of International and Public Affairs
3. Economic Myths
How business, labor, and markets shape narratives of power and inequality.
The Big Myth
Recommended by Tanya Khotin, SIPA Adjunct Professor
An Emancipation of the Mind
Recommended by Lisa Anderson, SIPA Dean Emerita
On the Clock
From Eric Verhoogen, Professor of International and Public Affairs
4. Leadership and Change
Stories of leaders and bold ideas driving transformation.
