Summaries of books about International Relations:
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 President's Book of Secrets
The Untold Story of Intelligence Briefings to America's Presidents
David Priess
The book provides a historical account of the daily intelligence briefings given to U.S. Presidents from Kennedy to Obama, revealing how the nation's leaders receive and respond to the most sensitive information. It includes anecdotes and insights from interviews with former presidents, vice presidents, CIA directors, and other national security experts, illustrating the impact of these briefings on presidential decisions.
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Junkyard Planet
Travels in the Billion-Dollar Trash Trade
Adam Minter
The book explores the global business of recycling, from the United States to China, revealing how the industry transforms seemingly worthless scraps into valuable commodities. It provides an insider's perspective on the economic and environmental impact of the trade, highlighting the lives of those who work within this vast and complex system.
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Brexit
What the Hell Happens Now?: A simple guide to the difficulty of leaving the EU
Ian Dunt
The book provides a detailed analysis of the complexities and potential consequences of the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, exploring the challenges of disentangling UK law from EU regulations and the potential impacts on trade, immigration, and the country's legal system. It offers insights into the negotiation process and the various political, economic, and social hurdles that need to be overcome during the Brexit transition.
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Let There Be Water
Israel's Solution for a Water-Starved World
Seth M. Siegel
The book explores how Israel, a country with limited freshwater resources, developed innovative water management techniques and technologies to become a leader in water conservation and agriculture. It discusses the policies, research, and infrastructure that have allowed Israel to not only meet its own water needs but also to share its expertise with other water-scarce countries around the world.
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The Future Is Asian
Commerce, Conflict, and Culture in the 21st Century
Parag Khanna
The book presents an analysis of Asia's rising influence on the global economy, politics, and culture, arguing that the region will play a dominant role in shaping the 21st century. It explores the diverse aspects of Asian development, from infrastructure and investment to regional integration and cultural trends, challenging Western-centric narratives of global affairs.
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The Looting Machine
Warlords, Oligarchs, Corporations, Smugglers, and the Theft of Africa's Wealth
Tom Burgis
The book investigates the systematic exploitation of Africa's natural resources by a network of corrupt practices involving multinational companies, local elites, and foreign governments. It exposes the complex global supply chains and financial systems that facilitate the continent's wealth extraction, perpetuating poverty and conflict.
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The Real North Korea
Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia
Andrei Lankov
The book provides an in-depth analysis of North Korea's history, politics, and society, exploring how the country has evolved since its establishment under Kim Il-sung. It examines the regime's ideological foundations, economic struggles, and the daily lives of its citizens, while also discussing the potential for reform and the challenges facing the nation's future.
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The Next Decade
Where We've Been . . . and Where We're Going
George Friedman
The book explores the geopolitical trends and events that are likely to shape the world in the 2010s, focusing on the United States' role as an unintended empire and its strategies to manage its power. It discusses the challenges the US will face, including its relationships with various countries and regions, and the internal and external pressures that will influence its foreign policy decisions.
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