Summaries of books about Politics & Social Sciences:
Earth for All
A Survival Guide for Humanity
Sandrine Dixson-Decleve|Owen Gaffney|Jayati Ghosh|Jorgen Randers|Johan Rockstrom|Per Espen Stoknes
The book presents a comprehensive analysis of the global sustainability crisis, offering a transformative plan to ensure equitable resource distribution and environmental stability. It outlines five key shifts necessary for societal change, addressing economic, political, and social systems to avert climate catastrophe and achieve a sustainable future for all.
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Hype
How Scammers, Grifters, and Con Artists Are Taking Over the Internet—and Why We're Following
Gabrielle Bluestone
The book delves into the world of internet scams, exploring the tactics and psychological tricks used by modern con artists to exploit the digital age's vulnerabilities. It examines real-life stories and case studies to illustrate how these scammers manipulate social media and technology to build false narratives and lure people into their deceptive schemes.
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The Darwin Economy
Liberty, Competition, and the Common Good
Robert H. Frank
The book argues that Charles Darwin's understanding of competition describes economic reality more accurately than Adam Smith's, suggesting that individual interests often conflict with the common good. It proposes that public policies should be designed to align individual incentives with collective interests, advocating for measures like progressive consumption taxes to address the inefficiencies of unfettered markets.
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Why Men Win at Work
…and How We Can Make Inequality History
Gill Whitty-Collins
The book examines the systemic biases and cultural norms that contribute to gender inequality in the workplace, offering insights into why men typically outperform women in career advancement. It also provides strategies and actionable steps for individuals and organizations to create a more equitable work environment, aiming to close the gender gap and promote diversity and inclusion.
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Winner Take All
China's Race for Resources and What It Means for the World
Dambisa Moyo
The book examines China's strategic approach to securing vital natural resources around the globe to fuel its economic growth. It discusses the implications of this resource acquisition strategy for international relations, global economics, and the potential geopolitical conflicts that may arise from resource scarcity.
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The Age of Jihad
Islamic State and the Great War for the Middle East
Patrick Cockburn
The book provides an in-depth analysis of the rise of Islamic State and the broader conflict across the Middle East, drawing on firsthand accounts and reportage to explore the regional turmoil and its global implications. It examines the complex web of wars, insurgencies, and sectarian strife, offering insights into the causes and consequences of the violence that has reshaped the region.
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Licence to be Bad
How Economics Corrupted Us
Jonathan Aldred
The book critically examines the influence of modern economic theory on society, arguing that it has promoted self-interest and unethical behavior as rational choices. It delves into the history of economic thought, highlighting how certain ideas have shaped policies and moral attitudes, often to the detriment of collective well-being and ethical standards.
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Change the Story, Change the Future
A Living Economy for a Living Earth
David C. Korten
The book presents a critique of the current economic system, which prioritizes financial wealth over ecological and human well-being, and proposes a new narrative that emphasizes living economies that support ecological balance and community resilience. It offers a vision for a future where the economy serves life, not the other way around, through a shift in values and the adoption of cooperative and sustainable practices.
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Plagues and the Paradox of Progress
Why the World Is Getting Healthier in Worrisome Ways
Thomas J. Bollyky
The book explores the global health landscape, highlighting the decline in infectious diseases and the rise of chronic conditions as countries develop economically. It delves into the paradoxical situation where improvements in health lead to aging populations and new health challenges, such as non-communicable diseases and healthcare inequality.
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The Kaepernick Effect
Taking a Knee, Changing the World
Dave Zirin
The book examines the impact of NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice and police brutality. It explores the subsequent wave of activism it inspired among athletes at all levels, from professional to high school, and the broader conversation about race and patriotism it ignited across the United States.
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