Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
The Dictator's Handbook
Why Bad Behavior is Almost Always Good Politics
Bruce Bueno de Mesquita|Alastair Smith
The book presents a political theory that leaders, regardless of being dictators or democrats, prioritize their own power and interests by maintaining a loyal coalition of supporters through a system of rewards and punishments. It argues that the size of this coalition and the number of people a leader needs to please determines the level of corruption and the quality of governance.
See full summary
The Naked Communist
Exposing Communism and Restoring Freedom
W. Cleon Skousen
The book outlines the history and goals of communism, detailing its strategies and the perceived threat it poses to freedom and democracy. It also provides a critique of socialist and communist ideologies, advocating for a return to principles that the author believes will safeguard individual liberties and national stability.
See full summary
BRAVE
Rose McGowan
The book is a memoir that details the author's experiences in Hollywood, including her account of sexual assault by a powerful industry figure, and her journey towards activism against systemic misogyny. It also explores her life before fame, including her childhood in a cult and her struggles in the entertainment industry.
See full summary
Skinwalkers at the Pentagon
An Insiders' Account of the Secret Government UFO Program
Colm A. Kelleher
The book delves into the U.S. government's clandestine investigations into UFOs and related phenomena, including the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP). It provides insider details on the encounters, research, and implications of these investigations, with a focus on the mysterious and potentially otherworldly capabilities observed.
See full summary
Thank You for Your Servitude
Donald Trump's Washington and the Price of Submission
Mark Leibovich
The book provides an insider's look at how Republican politicians and operatives capitulated to Donald Trump's leadership style and agenda during his presidency. It explores the compromises made by these individuals, the impact on American politics, and the consequences of their loyalty and submission to Trump's demands.
See full summary
The Wretched of the Earth
Frantz Fanon
The book is a seminal work on the psychological and political effects of colonization, analyzing the dehumanizing impact of imperialism on both colonized and colonizer. It advocates for the violent overthrow of colonial rule and delves into the challenges of post-independence nation-building, emphasizing the need for a new consciousness to reclaim humanity.
See full summary
On Combat
The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and Peace
Dave Grossman|Loren W. Christensen
The book explores the psychological and physiological effects of violent conflict on soldiers and law enforcement officers, delving into the dynamics of deadly force encounters and the impact on human performance. It provides insights into the stress of combat, coping mechanisms, and the long-term consequences of operational stress on individuals.
See full summary
The War on Cops
How the New Attack on Law and Order Makes Everyone Less Safe
Heather Mac Donald
The book argues that anti-police sentiment and aggressive oversight have led to higher crime rates due to a decrease in proactive policing. It presents data and anecdotes to support the claim that this "war on cops" endangers communities and hampers law enforcement's ability to protect the public.
See full summary
Unfreedom of the Press
Mark R. Levin
The book critiques the modern American media, arguing that it has strayed from its founding principles and become a tool for partisan bias and ideological agendas. It examines historical contexts, presents case studies of media behavior, and calls for a return to more objective and accountable journalism.
See full summary
Critical Race Theory
An Introduction
Richard Delgado|Jean Stefancic
The book provides an accessible overview of Critical Race Theory (CRT), discussing its origins, central tenets, and applications in law and society. It examines the role of race and racism in the legal system, critiques liberal approaches to racial justice, and explores the experiences of various racial groups through storytelling and narrative analysis.
See full summary