Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things
Mapping the Relationship between Online Trolling and Mainstream Culture
Whitney Phillips
The book explores the origins and evolution of online trolling, examining its connections to broader societal attitudes and mainstream media. It delves into the ways in which trolls exploit and reflect cultural dysfunctions, often magnifying the worst aspects of social discourse.
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Beautiful Country Burn Again
Democracy, Rebellion, and Revolution
Ben Fountain
The book presents a critical examination of the United States' political and social landscape during the 2016 election cycle, reflecting on historical cycles of crisis and change. It blends reportage, analysis, and narrative to explore themes of inequality, discontent, and the potential for transformative upheaval in American democracy.
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End of an Era
How China's Authoritarian Revival is Undermining Its Rise
Carl Minzner
The book examines the shift in China's governance from reformist openness to a more authoritarian model under the Chinese Communist Party. It discusses the implications of this change for Chinese society, economy, and its role on the global stage, suggesting that the tightening control may hinder China's continued development and stability.
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The Black Agenda
Bold Solutions for a Broken System
Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
The book is a collection of essays from prominent Black scholars, activists, and leaders that address systemic issues affecting the Black community, offering innovative solutions across various fields such as economics, education, and healthcare. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the structural challenges and proposes actionable strategies for creating equitable change in American society.
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Common Wealth
Economics for a Crowded Planet
Jeffrey D. Sachs
The book presents an analysis of the global economic system, emphasizing the need for sustainable development to address challenges such as poverty, climate change, and resource depletion. It advocates for a cooperative approach among nations to ensure economic growth while preserving the environment for future generations.
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The Progress Paradox
How Life Gets Better While People Feel Worse
Gregg Easterbrook
The book examines the discrepancy between the increasing quality of life in the Western world and the lack of corresponding happiness among its citizens, arguing that despite material and technological advancements, people are not feeling more satisfied. It explores various reasons for this paradox, including materialism, media influence, and a lack of fulfilling goals, while suggesting ways to improve personal and societal well-being.
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The End of Prosperity
How Higher Taxes Will Doom the Economy--If We Let It Happen
Arthur B. Laffer|Stephen Moore|Peter Tanous
The book argues that increasing taxes will have detrimental effects on the United States economy, leading to decreased growth, investment, and job creation. It advocates for low-tax policies as a means to sustain economic prosperity and criticizes government spending and regulatory interventions that the authors believe hinder economic performance.
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Capital
Karl Marx
The book delves into the capitalist mode of production, exploring the nature of commodities, the labor theory of value, and the exploitation of the proletariat. It critically examines the accumulation of capital, the dynamics of the capitalist economy, and the inevitable class struggles resulting from these economic conditions.
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In Defense of Globalization
With a New Afterword
Jagdish Bhagwati
The book presents a comprehensive argument in favor of globalization, asserting that it generally benefits societies by promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and fostering democracy. It addresses common criticisms of globalization, such as labor and environmental concerns, and proposes policies to mitigate its negative effects while enhancing its positive impacts.
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The Ostrich Paradox
Why We Underprepare for Disasters
Robert Meyer|Howard Kunreuther
The book explores the cognitive biases and decision-making processes that lead individuals and organizations to neglect preparations for predictable disasters. It presents six key reasons for this lack of preparedness and offers strategies for overcoming these psychological barriers to better anticipate and mitigate the impacts of catastrophic events.
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