Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
Becoming Kim Jong Un
A Former CIA Officer's Insights into North Korea's Enigmatic Young Dictator
Jung H. Pak
The book provides an in-depth analysis of Kim Jong Un's rise to power and the formative events that shaped his leadership style and policies. It offers insights into his strategic thinking, personality, and the challenges he faces in governing North Korea, drawing from the author's expertise as a former CIA officer.
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Audience of One
Donald Trump, Television, and the Fracturing of America
James Poniewozik
The book analyzes how television has shaped the political landscape of the United States, particularly focusing on how Donald Trump's rise to the presidency was influenced by his career in reality TV and his understanding of the medium's power. It explores the intersection of politics, media, and entertainment, and how Trump's persona was crafted and resonated with a fragmented American audience.
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Edge of Chaos
Why Democracy Is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth-and How to Fix It
Dambisa Moyo
The book argues that liberal democracies are struggling to produce economic growth due to short-term policy making and a lack of strategic vision. It proposes solutions such as extending political terms, linking voting rights to knowledge, and incentivizing long-term investments to address these systemic issues and revitalize economic progress.
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Brexit Without The Bullshit
The Facts on Food, Jobs, Schools, and the NHS
Gavin Esler
The book provides a critical analysis of the potential impacts of Brexit on various aspects of British life, including food supply, employment, education, and healthcare. It aims to cut through political rhetoric to offer readers a clear understanding of the practical consequences that leaving the EU may have on the UK.
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Inconspicuous Consumption
The Environmental Impact You Don't Know You Have
Tatiana Schlossberg
The book explores the hidden environmental costs of everyday items and actions, from fashion to food to fuel, revealing how unconscious consumer habits contribute to climate change and resource depletion. It provides insights into the supply chains and manufacturing processes that impact the planet, urging readers to consider more sustainable practices.
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Words Like Loaded Pistols
Rhetoric from Aristotle to Obama
Sam Leith
The book explores the history and art of rhetoric, tracing its development from the classical teachings of Aristotle to its use in modern politics, exemplified by figures such as Barack Obama. It examines the power of persuasive language and its impact on public discourse, providing insights into the techniques that make speech influential.
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The Devil Never Sleeps
Learning to Live in an Age of Disasters
Juliette Kayyem
The book provides an analysis of how modern societies can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from various disasters, emphasizing the inevitability of crises in our interconnected world. It offers practical advice and strategies for individuals, businesses, and governments to build resilience and adapt to the constant potential of emergencies, from natural disasters to pandemics and terrorist attacks.
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Trigger Points
Inside the Mission to Stop Mass Shootings in America
Mark Follman
The book delves into the efforts of a specialized group of threat assessment experts who work to prevent mass shootings through identifying and intervening with individuals who exhibit warning signs of potential violence. It provides an in-depth look at the strategies used to avert tragedies, drawing on case studies and the author's extensive research into the patterns and behaviors that precede such attacks.
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The End of Europe
Dictators, Demagogues, and the Coming Dark Age
James Kirchick
The book examines the various political and social challenges facing contemporary Europe, such as the rise of authoritarian leaders, the resurgence of nationalism, and the strains on democratic institutions. It explores the potential decline of European stability and unity, considering the impact of issues like the refugee crisis, Russian aggression, and the Eurozone's economic troubles.
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Supercapitalism
The Transformation of Business, Democracy and Everyday Life
Robert B. Reich
The book examines the evolution of capitalism into a more powerful global economic system that has outpaced the capacity of democratic institutions to regulate it, leading to increased economic efficiency but also greater inequality and weakened civic engagement. It explores the tensions between the roles of citizens and consumers, and how the pursuit of profit has overshadowed public interest and democratic values in society.
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