Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
Foolproof
Why Safety Can Be Dangerous and How Danger Makes Us Safe
Greg Ip
The book explores the paradox of safety measures in various domains, arguing that increased safety can lead to riskier behavior and unforeseen hazards. It examines historical and contemporary examples across finance, aviation, and other industries to illustrate how the pursuit of safety can sometimes lead to greater danger.
See full summary
The Ideas Industry
How Pessimists, Partisans, and Plutocrats are Transforming the Marketplace of Ideas
Daniel W. Drezner
The book examines the shift in the landscape of public intellectualism, where thought leaders and private sector influencers are increasingly overshadowing traditional academics in shaping public discourse. It explores the impact of economic factors, political polarization, and the rise of social media on the way ideas are generated, disseminated, and received in contemporary society.
See full summary
She/He/They/Me
An Interactive Guide to the Gender Binary
Robyn Ryle
The book provides an exploration of gender identity and the gender binary through an interactive, choose-your-own-path format, allowing readers to engage with various experiences and perspectives on gender. It covers topics such as the history of gender, cultural variations, and personal identity, aiming to educate and provide insight into the complexities of gender beyond traditional male/female classifications.
See full summary
Raw Deal
How the "Uber Economy" and Runaway Capitalism Are Screwing American Workers
Steven Hill
The book critically examines the rise of the gig economy, exemplified by companies like Uber and Airbnb, highlighting the precarious nature of jobs and the erosion of worker protections and benefits. It discusses the impact of this economic shift on labor rights, income inequality, and the social safety net, arguing for policy changes to ensure fair treatment and security for workers.
See full summary
Perilous Interventions
The Security Council and the Politics of Chaos
Hardeep Singh Puri
The book critically examines the decision-making processes and outcomes of the United Nations Security Council's interventions in various global conflicts, highlighting the often disastrous consequences of these actions. It provides an insider's perspective on how geopolitical interests and power politics can lead to perilous outcomes, including instability and humanitarian crises.
See full summary
Soccernomics
Why European Men and American Women Win and Billionaire Owners Are Destined to Lose
Simon Kuper|Stefan Szymanski
The book applies economic and statistical analysis to debunk myths and explore patterns within the world of soccer, examining factors that lead to success in international competitions and the inefficiencies of club spending. It also investigates the reasons behind the dominance of European men's teams and American women's teams, while critiquing the business models of wealthy club owners.
See full summary
Six Faces of Globalization
Who Wins, Who Loses, and Why It Matters
Anthea Roberts|Nicolas Lamp
The book analyzes globalization through six distinct narratives—three championing it from different perspectives and three critiquing it for various reasons. It delves into the complexities and multifaceted impacts of globalization, exploring the winners and losers in different scenarios and the underlying reasons for these outcomes.
See full summary
It's Time to Talk
How to Have Constructive Conversations About Race, Class, Sexuality, Ability & Gender in a Polarized World
Anatasia S. Kim|Alicia del Prado
The book provides guidance on engaging in meaningful and respectful conversations about sensitive topics such as race, class, sexuality, ability, and gender. It offers practical strategies for listening, understanding different perspectives, and fostering empathy in discussions within a highly polarized society.
See full summary
The Rift
A New Africa Breaks Free
Alex Perry
The book explores the transformation of Africa, shedding light on the continent's dynamic change and the challenges it faces, from war and dictatorship to economic growth and social innovation. It provides a nuanced narrative that challenges the stereotypical view of Africa as a monolithic entity, highlighting the stories of individual Africans and their communities.
See full summary
Megaprojects and Risk
An Anatomy of Ambition
Bent Flyvbjerg|Nils Bruzelius|Werner Rothengatter
The book analyzes the patterns of cost overruns, schedule delays, and benefit shortfalls that frequently plague large-scale infrastructure projects. It provides case studies and statistical evidence to argue that project promoters often underestimate risks and costs, leading to significant economic consequences and policy implications.
See full summary