Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
Jews Don’t Count
A Times Book of the Year 2021
David Baddiel
The book explores the often overlooked forms of antisemitism in contemporary society, particularly within progressive circles that pride themselves on inclusivity. It argues that Jews are frequently left out of the conversation on racism and identity politics, despite facing significant discrimination and prejudice.
See full summary
Secret Empires
How the American Political Class Hides Corruption and Enriches Family and Friends
Peter Schweizer
The book investigates and alleges instances where American politicians engage in corruption by using their power to benefit their relatives and associates financially. It scrutinizes deals and investments involving foreign governments and companies, suggesting that politicians from both parties exploit their positions while avoiding direct personal enrichment to evade scrutiny.
See full summary
The Dying Citizen
How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America
Victor Davis Hanson
The book argues that the concept of citizenship in the United States is being eroded by forces such as progressive politics, identity group divisions, and the pressures of globalization. It suggests that these trends are undermining traditional civic virtues and the responsibilities of citizens, leading to a weakened national identity and governance.
See full summary
The End of the World is Just the Beginning
Mapping the Collapse of Globalization
Peter Zeihan
The book explores the potential unraveling of the global economic system due to geopolitical instability, demographic shifts, and resource distribution challenges. It examines how these factors could lead to a breakdown in international trade and cooperation, reshaping the world's political and economic landscapes.
See full summary
Poor Economics
A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty
Abhijit V. Banerjee|Esther Duflo
The book critically examines the underlying assumptions and effectiveness of traditional poverty alleviation methods, advocating for a precise, evidence-based approach to understanding and solving the economic behaviors and challenges faced by the poor. It presents a collection of field research and randomized control trials to propose targeted interventions that can lead to significant improvements in health, education, and financial well-being for impoverished populations.
See full summary
Spygate
The Attempted Sabotage of Donald J. Trump
Dan Bongino|D.C. McAllister|Matt Palumbo
The book presents an argument that there was a conspiracy to undermine the candidacy and presidency of Donald Trump, involving various actors including the Obama administration, the FBI, and the Clinton campaign. It delves into the details of what the authors consider to be a scandal involving surveillance, intelligence operations, and leaks aimed at discrediting Trump and his associates.
See full summary
The Case for Trump
Victor Davis Hanson
The book presents a historical analysis and defense of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, victory, and policies, arguing that his approach resonated with voters who felt marginalized by the political establishment. It examines Trump's strategy, style, and impact on American politics, suggesting that his presidency was a necessary corrective to the status quo.
See full summary
Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World
Fareed Zakaria
The book analyzes the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global society, economy, and politics, offering insights into how the world can adapt and evolve in its aftermath. It presents ten lessons that address the challenges and opportunities of a transformed world, including discussions on digital acceleration, the role of government, and the importance of global cooperation.
See full summary
Facts Don’t Care About Your Feelings
Ben Shapiro
The book presents a collection of political and cultural commentaries that argue for conservative principles and critique progressive policies, emphasizing logic and data over emotional appeals. It covers topics such as free speech, identity politics, and leftist tactics, advocating for a return to traditional American values.
See full summary
Breaking History
A White House Memoir
Jared Kushner
The memoir recounts Jared Kushner's experiences and insights as a senior advisor to President Donald Trump, detailing his involvement in various policy decisions and diplomatic efforts, including the Middle East peace process. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at key moments and decisions during the Trump administration from Kushner's perspective.
See full summary