Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
The End of the Myth
From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America
Greg Grandin
The book traces the expansionist ideology of the United States from its frontier origins to its current manifestation in the politics surrounding the US-Mexico border wall. It examines how the concept of the frontier has shaped American identity, policies, and imperialistic endeavors, culminating in a national crisis as the physical and metaphorical borders close in.
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That Used to Be Us
How America Fell Behind in the World It Invented and How We Can Come Back
Thomas L. Friedman|Michael Mandelbaum
The book analyzes the challenges facing the United States, including globalization, the revolution in information technology, chronic deficits, and excessive energy consumption. It offers a framework for overcoming these obstacles by advocating for improved education, a commitment to national service, and a commitment to research and development.
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The Tyranny of Metrics
Jerry Z. Muller
The book critiques the modern obsession with quantifying human performance through metrics, arguing that this approach can lead to counterproductive outcomes, gaming of the system, and a neglect of important but less measurable aspects of organizational and individual success. It delves into case studies across various sectors, including education, medicine, business, and government, to illustrate the pitfalls of overreliance on metrics and the importance of professional judgment.
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This Will Be My Undoing
Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America
Morgan Jerkins
The book is a collection of essays that delve into the author's experiences navigating through contemporary American society as a black woman. It explores themes of feminism, racism, and cultural identity, offering personal insights and critiques on the complexities of intersectionality.
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China's Second Continent
How a Million Migrants Are Building a New Empire in Africa
Howard W. French
The book explores the migration of over a million Chinese citizens to Africa, where they are establishing businesses, integrating into local communities, and significantly impacting the continent's economic and social landscapes. It delves into the personal stories of these migrants and the broader geopolitical implications of China's growing presence and influence in Africa.
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Working
People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do
Studs Terkel
The book is a compilation of oral histories from a diverse range of American workers, who share intimate and candid reflections on their jobs and their feelings towards their work. It explores the meaning of work in people's lives and the impact it has on their identity, dignity, and sense of self.
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Saving Normal
An Insider's Revolt against Out-of-Control Psychiatric Diagnosis, DSM-5, Big Pharma, and the Medicalization of Ordinary Life
Allen Frances
The book critiques the expansion of psychiatric diagnoses and the overuse of medications, arguing that normal variations in behavior are too often classified as mental disorders. It discusses the influence of the DSM-5, the pharmaceutical industry, and the potential harm of overdiagnosis and overtreatment in mental health.
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Active Measures
The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare
Thomas Rid
The book delves into the history of disinformation campaigns and covert operations conducted by governments, particularly during the Cold War, to influence public opinion and political outcomes. It provides a detailed analysis of various tactics used by intelligence agencies, including the KGB and CIA, to spread propaganda and manipulate information across the globe.
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Chaos Under Heaven
Trump, Xi, and the Battle for the Twenty-First Century
Josh Rogin
The book delves into the complex relationship between the United States and China during the Trump administration, highlighting the political tensions, trade wars, and strategic confrontations. It provides an insider's view on how the two superpowers' interactions and policies shaped global politics and the struggle for dominance in the twenty-first century.
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The Ungrateful Refugee
What Immigrants Never Tell You
Dina Nayeri
The book blends memoir and reportage to explore the refugee experience, drawing on the author's own journey from revolutionary Iran to the United States and the stories of other displaced individuals. It challenges preconceptions about immigration and asylum, delving into the sacrifices refugees make and the resilience they demonstrate in the face of adversity.
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