Summaries of books about International Relations:
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.
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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.
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With All Due Respect
Defending America with Grit and Grace
Nikki Haley
The book is a memoir that recounts the author's tenure as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, offering insights into her experiences, the administration's foreign policy, and her perspectives on America's role in the world. It also delves into her personal journey, including her upbringing as the daughter of Indian immigrants and her political career in South Carolina.
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The Hundred-Year Marathon
China's Secret Strategy to Replace America as the Global Superpower
Michael Pillsbury
The book outlines a strategic plan allegedly devised by China to overtake the United States as the world's dominant power by 2049, the centennial of the Communist Revolution. It discusses China's use of espionage, economic manipulation, and the leveraging of its historical sense of entitlement to achieve this goal.
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Son of Hamas
A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices
Mosab Hassan Yousef
The book is a memoir of Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a founding leader of Hamas, who worked undercover for Israel's internal security service Shin Bet. It details his journey from being raised in the ideology of Hamas to becoming a spy for its enemy, and his eventual conversion to Christianity, leading to a life fraught with danger and moral complexity.
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The Road to Unfreedom
Russia, Europe, America
Timothy Snyder
The book explores the rise of authoritarianism in Russia under Vladimir Putin, its influence on Western democracies, and the erosion of truth and rule of law. It delves into the ideological underpinnings of this shift, including the concept of "Eurasia," and examines how disinformation and historical revisionism are used to justify political agendas and undermine democratic institutions.
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Lights Out
A Cyberattack, A Nation Unprepared, Surviving the Aftermath
Ted Koppel
The book investigates the potential consequences of a major cyberattack on the United States' power grid, exposing the nation's lack of preparedness for such a disaster. It delves into the catastrophic impact on infrastructure, societal order, and the government's inadequate contingency plans to address the aftermath of prolonged darkness.
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Blood and Oil
Mohammed bin Salman's Ruthless Quest for Global Power
Bradley Hope, Justin Scheck, Peter Ganim, Hachette Books
The book delves into the rise of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), detailing his aggressive consolidation of power and strategic maneuvering within the kingdom and on the global stage. It examines his ambitious Vision 2030 plan, his role in the controversial murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and his impact on geopolitics, including relationships with the U.S. and other nations.
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Hard Choices
Hillary Rodham Clinton
The memoir recounts the author's tenure as U.S. Secretary of State under President Barack Obama, detailing the challenges and decisions she faced on the global stage, including the Arab Spring, the killing of Osama bin Laden, and relationships with foreign leaders. It provides insights into the formulation of U.S. foreign policy and her vision for America's role in the world.
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Dark Towers
Deutsche Bank, Donald Trump, and an Epic Trail of Destruction
David Enrich
The book delves into the tumultuous history of Deutsche Bank, its risky financial practices, and its complex relationship with Donald Trump, highlighting the bank's role in various financial scandals. It uncovers the internal conflicts, personal dramas, and ethical dilemmas faced by the bank's employees amidst its rise and fall.
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