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Politics Books

Examine the complexities of democracy, policy, and international relations here in our Politics section at Thryft. Whether you’re interested in political theory, governance, or recent political events, we’ve got the titles to quench your curiosity. Engage with works by political scientists, renowned authors, and essential essays that shape today’s political discourse.

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What Happened
Hillary Rodham Clinton | Simon & Schuster

What Happened

$15.90

Goodreads rating: 3.92

$15.90

If you've ever been intrigued by the dynamics and drama of American politics, Hillary Rodham Clinton's "What Happened" could offer you an intimate backstage pass. It's especially captivating if you're curious about the personal side of public figures and the intricacies of being a woman on the front lines of a historically contentious election. Her narrative doesn't just dissect the events; it's a broader discussion on democracy, resilience, and navigating criticism that could resonate with anyone who's faced their own professional or personal battles.
Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose
Joe Biden | Pan Macmillan

Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

66% off est. retail
"Promise Me, Dad" is a profoundly human story that intertwines the personal tribulations of Joe Biden with his public responsibilities. It's an intimate look at the resilience needed to balance family and country during times of personal grief. If you're drawn to stories of emotional strength and leadership under pressure, Biden's memoir offers a powerful narrative that connects on both a personal and political level.
Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power
Steve Coll | The Penguin Press

Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power

$13.90 $10.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.99

$13.90 $10.90 22% off

76% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the inner workings of a business giant, "Private Empire" will be a compelling read. Steve Coll takes you on a deep dive, exposing how ExxonMobil's tendrils stretch far into the political and economic fabric of the nation. Perfect for those fascinated by corporate power dynamics and their impact on society.
Checkmate in Berlin: The First Battle of the Cold War
Giles Milton | John Murray

Checkmate in Berlin: The First Battle of the Cold War

$12.90 $9.90 23% off

Goodreads rating: 4.43

$12.90 $9.90 23% off

If history fascinates you, particularly the gritty, spy-novel-like drama of the Cold War's beginnings, "Checkmate in Berlin" is a compelling read. Giles Milton paints an almost cinematic picture of the clash between opposing forces in a divided Berlin, giving life to the personalities and high-stakes political games that set the stage for decades of East-West tension. This is not just a recount; it's a gripping narrative that personalizes one of the 20th century's pivotal moments.
First Platoon: A Story of Modern War in the Age of Identity Dominance
Just Arrived
Annie Jacobsen | Dutton

First Platoon: A Story of Modern War in the Age of Identity Dominance

$16.90

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$16.90

A powerful story of war in our time, of love of country, the experience of tragedy, and a platoon at the center of it all. This is a story that starts off close and goes very big. The initial part of the story might sound familiar as it is about a platoon of mostly nineteen-year-old boys sent to Afghanistan, and an experience that ends abruptly in catastrophe. Their part of the story is inexorably linked to those soldiers and never comprehensively reported before: the U.S. Department of Defense’s quest to build the world’s most powerful biometrics database, with the ability to identify, monitor, catalog, and police people all over the world. First Platoon is an American saga that illuminates a transformation of society made possible by this new technology. Part war story, part legal drama, it is about identity in the age of identification. About humanity—physical bravery, trauma, PTSD, a yearning to do right and good—in the age of biometrics, which reduce people to iris scans, fingerprint scans, voice patterning, detection by odor, gait, and more. And about the power of point of view in a burgeoning surveillance state. Based on hundreds of formerly classified documents, FOIA requests, and exclusive interviews, First Platoon is an investigative exposé by a master chronicler of government secrets. First Platoon reveals a post–9/11 Pentagon whose identification machines have grown more capable than the humans who must make sense of them. A Pentagon so powerful it can cover up its own internal mistakes in pursuit of endless wars. And a people at its mercy, in its last moments before a fundamental change so complete it might be impossible to take back.
George Yeo on Bonsai, Banyan, and the Tao
Huay Leng Lee, Asad-ul Iqbal Latif  | World Scientific Publishing Company

George Yeo on Bonsai, Banyan, and the Tao

$17.90

Goodreads rating: 3.89

$17.90

69% off est. retail
If you're into politics and philosophy with a dash of personal growth, "George Yeo on Bonsai, Banyan and the Tao" could be a valuable addition to your shelf. Through his compiled speeches and writings, you get to explore the intricate thoughts of a man who's not easily defined by traditional labels. You'll find yourself examining the delicate balances in governance, identity, and self-understanding, guided by the rich experiences of Yeo's diverse career.
What Happened
Hillary Rodham Clinton | Simon & Schuster

What Happened

$20.90 $16.90 19% off

Goodreads rating: 3.92

$20.90 $16.90 19% off

If you're intrigued by American politics, "What Happened" is not just another election post-mortem. It's a candid account from the perspective of the first female major-party presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton herself. Reading it feels like having a personal conversation with Clinton about the factors, both public and private, that played into the 2016 election. This book offers a unique opportunity to experience her journey, thoughts, and reflections, and is especially resonant for anyone interested in women's role in politics.
A New Idea of India: Individual Rights in a Civilisational
Rajeev Mantri, Harsh Gupta 'Madhusudan', Sanjeev Sanyal  | Westland

A New Idea of India: Individual Rights in a Civilisational

$10.90 $8.90 18% off

Goodreads rating: 4.18

$10.90 $8.90 18% off

For those interested in contemporary Indian discourse, this book presents a nuanced conversation about individual rights entwined with India's civilizational ethos. It's a thought-provoking read if you're looking to delve into the complexities of India's evolving identity and the underlying tensions between tradition and modernity.
Collusion: How Russia Helped Trump Win the White House
Just Arrived
Luke Harding | Guardian Faber Publishing

Collusion: How Russia Helped Trump Win the White House

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$10.90

64% off est. retail
#1 New York Times Bestseller. "It's a superb piece of work, wonderfully done and essential reading for anyone who cares for his country. Amazing research and brilliantly collated." John Le Carré. "Collusion is so essential and ... I wish everyone who is skeptical that Russia has leverage over Trump would read it ... Invaluable." The New York Times. Moscow, July 1987. Real-estate tycoon Donald Trump visits Soviet Russia for the first time at the invitation of the government. London, December 2016. Luke Harding meets former MI6 officer Christopher Steele to discuss the president-elect's connections with Russia. Harding follows two leads; money and sex. Washington, January 2017. Steele's explosive dossier alleges that the Kremlin has been 'cultivating, supporting, and assisting' Trump for years and that they have compromising information about him. Trump responds on Twitter, 'FAKE NEWS.' In Collusion, award-winning journalist Luke Harding reveals the true nature of Trump's decades-long relationship with Russia and presents the gripping inside story of the dossier. It features exclusive new material and draws on sources from the intelligence community. Harding tells an astonishing story of offshore money, sketchy real-estate deals, a Miss Universe Pageant, mobsters, money laundering, hacking and Kremlin espionage. He shines a light on powerful Russian players like Aras Agalarov, Natalia Veselnitskaya and Sergey Kislyak, whose motivations and instructions may have come from Vladimir Putin himself. The special prosecutor, Robert Mueller, has already indicted several of the American protagonists, including Trump's campaign manager, Paul Manafort. More charges are likely as the crisis engulfs Trump's administration. This book gets to the heart of the biggest political scandal of the modern era. Russia is reshaping the world order to its advantage: this is something that should trouble us all.
Enemies Within: Inside the NYPD's Secret Spying Unit and Bin Laden's Final Plot Against America
Matt Apuzzo, Adam Goldman  | Atria Books

Enemies Within: Inside the NYPD's Secret Spying Unit and Bin Laden's Final Plot Against America

$19.90 $14.90 25% off

Goodreads rating: 3.89

$19.90 $14.90 25% off

If the interplay of espionage and real-world events draws you in, "Enemies Within" could be a compelling read for you. Apuzzo and Goldman, with their expert journalistic chops, shed light on post-9/11 internal security tactics. It's the kind of book that not only informs but also immerses you in the high-stakes tension of thwarting terrorism.
The Companion to Development Studies
Vandana Desai, Robert Potter  | Oxford University Press

The Companion to Development Studies

$14.90

Goodreads rating: 3.92

$14.90

Whether you're a seasoned scholar or a newcomer to the field, "The Companion to Development Studies" is an invaluable treasury of knowledge. Its breadth covers the gamut of development debates, while each chapter serves as a springboard for further exploration. The updated edition's fresh perspectives on urgent topics like global terrorism and corruption ensure it's a contemporary and critical resource for understanding the complexities of development in today's world.
Defying the Dragon: Hong Kong and the World's Largest Dictatorship
Stephen Vines | Hurst

Defying the Dragon: Hong Kong and the World's Largest Dictatorship

$20.90 $15.90 24% off

Goodreads rating: 4.31

$20.90 $15.90 24% off

44% off est. retail
If you're drawn to contemporary geopolitical dynamics and the spirit of resistance, "Defying the Dragon" is a compelling read. Stephen Vines presents a critical look at the Hong Kong protests, shedding light on the courage and challenges faced by citizens standing against the Chinese government. This book isn't just informative; it's an inspiring story of resilience that's sure to resonate with anyone interested in human rights and international politics.
Conversations with Myself
Nelson Mandela | New York, Farrar, Straus And Giroux, [

Conversations with Myself

$13.90 $8.90 36% off

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$13.90 $8.90 36% off

If Mandela's resilience and wisdom have ever intrigued you, "Conversations with Myself" is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. It's a chance to walk through history alongside him, exploring his most personal thoughts and experiences. The raw authenticity of his writings offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a leader who shaped the world, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the human aspects of a revolutionary life.
Preventable: The Inside Story of How Leadership Failures, Politics, and Selfishness Doomed the U.S. Coronavirus Response
Andy Slavitt | St. Martin's Press

Preventable: The Inside Story of How Leadership Failures, Politics, and Selfishness Doomed the U.S. Coronavirus Response

$12.90 $8.90 31% off

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$12.90 $8.90 31% off

"Preventable" gives a gripping, insider's perspective on a national tragedy that many of us have lived through. If you’re looking to understand not only the specific missteps of the recent pandemic response but also the underlying flaws in America's health and political systems that allowed for such a catastrophe, Andy Slavitt’s account is a crucial read. It resonates with a call for accountability and the urgency to learn from these painful lessons.
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
Malala Yousafzai | Little, Brown And Company

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

$9.90 $4.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$9.90 $4.90 51% off

"I Am Malala" is more than just an autobiography; it's an inspirational beacon of hope. If you're drawn to real-life stories where individuals rise against oppression and fight for what they believe in, Malala's story will resonate deeply. Her courage in the face of such adversity, advocating for girls' education in a place and time where doing so was nearly unthinkable, is sure to inspire and educate any reader about the power of speaking out.
The Disappearing Act: The Impossible Case of MH370
Florence de Changy | Mudlark

The Disappearing Act: The Impossible Case of MH370

$16.90 $16.41 3% off

Goodreads rating: 3.93

$16.90 $16.41 3% off

If you're intrigued by mysteries that seem straight out of a thriller, "The Disappearing Act" is definitely for you. Florence de Changy digs deep into the perplexing case of MH370 with a journalist's precision, offering an articulate and compelling narrative. This book isn't just a recount of events; it's a thought-provoking examination that challenges official accounts and leaves readers questioning.
A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power
Jimmy Carter | Simon & Schuster

A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.05

$13.90

This is a passionate, clear-eyed read for anyone who wants to understand how deeply sexism is woven into culture, politics, and religion. Carter writes with the urgency of someone who has witnessed these injustices firsthand, which gives the book a direct, human weight. Readers who appreciate socially conscious nonfiction will likely find it both sobering and motivating, especially because it pushes beyond outrage into a real call for change.
What Happened
Hillary Rodham Clinton | Simon & Schuster

What Happened

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

Goodreads rating: 3.92

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

88% off est. retail
As someone interested in politics and history, you might find "What Happened" a captivating read. It offers a rare, personal perspective from Hillary Rodham Clinton herself, providing a blend of raw reflections and sharp analysis on her 2016 presidential campaign. If you're curious about the internal and external dynamics of a groundbreaking election, this memoir doubles as both an intimate narrative and a lesson in political resilience.
Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World
Anand Giridharadas | Vintage

Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.13

$8.90

If you're someone who's been skeptical about the grand gestures of the ultra-wealthy and their so-called philanthropy, "Winners Take All" could resonate with you. Anand Giridharadas doesn't just question the sincerity of these endeavors but digs into how they often serve to maintain the inequality they purport to solve. It's a trenchant, thought-provoking read that might alter how you see the relationship between wealth, power, and social change.
Why It's Still Kicking Off Everywhere: The New Global Revolutions
Paul Mason | Verso Books

Why It's Still Kicking Off Everywhere: The New Global Revolutions

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$12.90

48% off est. retail
If current events and social movements stir your interest, Paul Mason's update to "Why It's Still Kicking Off Everywhere" will resonate with you. Mason's blend of on-the-ground reportage and analytical prowess offers a vivid snapshot of various movements, from Occupy to the Arab Spring. It's a compelling read for those keen on understanding the intersection of technology, economics, and political activism in shaping today's world.
Reporter: A Memoir
Just Arrived
Seymour M. Hersh | Penguin

Reporter: A Memoir

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.13

$10.90

61% off est. retail
"Reporter is just wonderful. Truly a great life, and what shines out of the book, amid the low cunning and tireless legwork, is Hersh's warmth and humanity. Essential reading for every journalist and aspiring journalist the world over." — John le Carré In the early 1950s, teenage Seymour Hersh was finishing high school and university — while running the family's struggling dry cleaning store in a South Side Chicago ghetto. Today, he is one of America's premier investigative journalists, whose fearless reporting has earned him fame, front-page bylines in virtually every newspaper in the world, a staggering collection of awards, and no small amount of controversy. Reporter is the story of how he did it. It is a story of slog, ingenuity and defiance, following Hersh from his first job as a crime reporter for the Chicago City News Bureau, through his Pulitzer Prize-winning freelance investigative exposes, to the heights of his reporting for The New York Times and The New Yorker. It is a tale of night-time encounters with great Civil Rights leaders, unauthorised meetings with Pentagon officials, raucous dinners with Canadian soldiers in Hanoi, tense phone calls with Secretaries of State, desperate to save face; of exposing myriad military and political wrongdoing, from My Lai to Watergate to Abu Ghraib, and the cynical cover-ups that followed in Washington and New York. Here too are unforgettable encounters with some of the most formidable figures from recent decades, from Saul Bellow to Martin Luther King Jr., from Henry Kissinger to Bashar al-Assad. Ultimately, in unfurling Seymour Hersh's life and career, Reporter tells a story of twentieth-century America, in all its excitement and darkness.
The New Paradigm for Financial Markets: The Credit Crisis of 2008 and What It Means
George Soros | Publicaffairs

The New Paradigm for Financial Markets: The Credit Crisis of 2008 and What It Means

$4.90

Goodreads rating: 3.42

$4.90

84% off est. retail
If you're looking to make sense of the 2008 financial crisis, George Soros’s perspective is invaluable. His unparalleled experience in the financial markets offers not just a recount of events, but a deep understanding of the boom and bust cycles that characterize our economic systems. This book will arm you with practical insights and a bit of philosophy to navigate future financial landscapes or simply to understand the underpinnings of such economic upheavals.
The Subprime Solution: How Today's Global Financial Crisis Happened, and What to Do About It
Robert J. Shiller | Princeton University Press

The Subprime Solution: How Today's Global Financial Crisis Happened, and What to Do About It

$14.90

Goodreads rating: 3.64

$14.90

If you’re grappling to understand the complex subprime mortgage mess and its ripple effects on the economy, Shiller's "The Subprime Solution" might be the flashlight you need in this murky tunnel. He doesn't just dissect the problem; he offers up practical solutions, which could resonate with anyone interested in financial systems, housing markets, or the broader economy. Plus, his reputation for clear explanations could make this an enlightening read, regardless of your economic savviness.
The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies
Andrew McAfee, Erik Brynjolfsson  | W. W. Norton & Company

The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$8.90

66% off est. retail
If you're keen on understanding how technology is reshaping the world and what it means for your career or business, "The Second Machine Age" is a must-read. Brynjolfsson and McAfee take you beyond the headlines, delving into how AI and automation are not just changing the landscape but also offering strategies for adapting to the new digital economy. They couple their deep research with an optimistic viewpoint, making this book a thoughtful guide for anyone looking to thrive amidst rapid technological change.
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela | Hatchette Book Group

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.36

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

If you've ever admired the resilience of the human spirit, "Long Walk to Freedom" is a must-read. It's not just about the political history; it’s a deeply personal narrative that gives you insight into the man behind the icon—Nelson Mandela. It shows the sacrifices one makes for freedom, and Mandela's unwavering dedication to equality will leave you both educated and inspired.
Chretien: The Will To Win Volume 1
Lawrence Martin | Lester Publishing

Chretien: The Will To Win Volume 1

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$13.90

If you enjoy political biographies that read with momentum, this offers a close look at Jean Chrétien’s drive, resilience, and instinct for survival. It feels especially suited to readers curious about power behind the scenes, where personality matters as much as policy. Even as an ex-library copy, the story itself still promises a vivid portrait of a leader determined to outlast the odds.
The Last Spike: The Great Railway, 1881-1885
Pierre Berton | Anchor Canada

The Last Spike: The Great Railway, 1881-1885

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$11.90

If you enjoy big true stories driven by outsized personalities, this feels vivid, urgent, and surprisingly dramatic. Pierre Berton turns a massive engineering project into a human saga full of risk, ambition, political tension, and sheer momentum. It’s especially rewarding if you like history that reads like an epic adventure while showing how a country was stitched together.
Past Imperfect, Future UNcertain: The United Nations at Fifty
Ramesh Chandra Thakur | Palgrave Macmillan

Past Imperfect, Future UNcertain: The United Nations at Fifty

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$10.90

If you’re drawn to world affairs beyond the headlines, this feels like a thoughtful stocktake of the UN at a moment of huge promise and painful failure. What makes it stand out is how it brings together diplomats, generals, and scholars, so the debate feels grounded rather than abstract. It’s the kind of book readers often appreciate for being sober, candid, and still quietly hopeful about what international cooperation can realistically achieve.
Special Tasks: The Memoirs of an Unwanted Witness - A Soviet Spymaster
Anatoli Sudoplatov, Pavel Sudoplatov, Robert Conquest  | Little, Brown & Co.

Special Tasks: The Memoirs of an Unwanted Witness - A Soviet Spymaster

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.99

$9.90

If you’re drawn to history at its darkest and most intimate, this is a gripping firsthand account from a man deep inside the Soviet intelligence machine. Readers often remember how unsettling it feels to see major 20th-century events described by someone who helped shape them. It’s especially compelling for anyone curious about espionage, power, and the moral fog surrounding state violence.
Power Games: A Political History of the Olympics
Jules Boykoff, Dave Zirin  | Verso

Power Games: A Political History of the Olympics

$12.90 $10.90 16% off

Goodreads rating: 3.7

$12.90 $10.90 16% off

82% off est. retail
If you've only seen the glimmer of Olympic medals and international camaraderie, Jules Boykoff's "Power Games" will introduce you to the complex, often unsavory politics simmering beneath. It's a deep dive into the historical intricacies that shaped the Olympics beyond the track and field, offering an enlightening perspective for those interested in the intersection of sports and politics. A thought-provoking read for anyone looking to uncover the multifaceted nature of this global event.
Harvard Rules: Lawrence Summers and the Battle for the World's Most Powerful University — Sex, Ambition, and Elite Power at America's Institution
Richard Bradley | Harper Perennial

Harvard Rules: Lawrence Summers and the Battle for the World's Most Powerful University — Sex, Ambition, and Elite Power at America's Institution

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.37

$13.90

If you’re drawn to real-life institutional drama, this is a sharp, gossipy, surprisingly gripping look at Harvard at a moment of identity crisis. It reads like a backstage account of power clashing with idealism, with Lawrence Summers at the center of the storm. You come away feeling like elite universities are not just places of learning, but arenas where ambition, politics, and personality shape the future.
Curfewed Night
Basharat Peer | Harper Press

Curfewed Night

$20.90 $15.90 24% off

Goodreads rating: 4.07

$20.90 $15.90 24% off

If you're drawn to understand the personal impact of geopolitical conflicts, "Curfewed Night" might resonate with you deeply. Basharat Peer's first-hand account of growing up in Kashmir offers a poignant, intimate view into the lives shaped by the ongoing conflict. The book's strength lies in transforming the news headlines into human experiences, making the events in Kashmir achingly real.
The Political Economy of International Relations
Robert Gilpin | Princeton University Press

The Political Economy of International Relations

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.76

$11.90

This is a strong pick if you want to understand how trade, finance, and global institutions are never really separate from political power. Gilpin writes with unusual clarity for such a big subject, so it feels foundational without being dry. Readers often come away feeling like the modern world economy suddenly makes more sense, especially when thinking about American influence and the fragility of international cooperation.
Inventing Freedom: How the English-Speaking Peoples Made the Modern World
Daniel Hannan | Broadside Books

Inventing Freedom: How the English-Speaking Peoples Made the Modern World

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.09

$13.90

50% off est. retail
This will likely appeal if you enjoy big-idea history with a strong political argument and don’t mind a clearly opinionated voice. Hannan makes the story of freedom feel contingent rather than inevitable, which gives the book urgency and bite. Readers who like provocative takes on democracy, law, and national identity may find it energising, even when they disagree.
The Decline of the West
H. Stuart Hughes, Charles Francis Atkinson, Oswald Spengler  | Oxford University Press, Usa

The Decline of the West

$14.90

Goodreads rating: 4.06

$14.90

40% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the grand narratives of history and the patterns that seem to repeat over eras, Spengler's "The Decline of the West" will captivate you. It's a dense, thought-provoking read that may alter how you view the rise and fall of civilizations, including our own. Its sweeping analysis could offer a new lens through which to interpret current global events.
The Passion of Bradley Manning: The Story Behind the WikiLeaks Whistleblower
Chase Madar | Verso

The Passion of Bradley Manning: The Story Behind the WikiLeaks Whistleblower

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.1

$11.90

If you're intrigued by the thin line between treason and heroism, "The Passion of Bradley Manning" could enlighten you. It's a deep dive into the motivations and implications of Manning's actions, questioning not just one man's decisions but the broader ethics of government secrecy. It provokes thought on where the public's right to know stands against national security, making it an essential read in an era where such debates are more relevant than ever.
The Undercover Economist
Just Arrived
Tim Harford | Abacus

The Undercover Economist

$9.90 $9.64 3% off

Goodreads rating: 3.81

$9.90 $9.64 3% off

61% off est. retail
Recommendation: - This book is a must-read for anyone curious about how the economy works. Tim Harford provides a fresh perspective on familiar situations, showcasing the hidden forces that shape our daily lives. From the secret economics of coffee to the truth behind immigration, "The Undercover Economist" will leave you with a newfound understanding of the world around you.
China In Ten Words: Essays
Allan H. Barr, Yu Hua  | Vintage

China In Ten Words: Essays

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.05

$11.90

If you’re curious about the complexities of life in modern China, "China in Ten Words" might be the guide you never knew you needed. Yu Hua offers a rare lens, one colored by both affection and critique, that brings to light the contrasts and transformations within Chinese society. His personal anecdotes serve as a relatable touchstone for anyone looking to understand China beyond the headlines.
The Fourth Revolution: The Global Race to Reinvent the State
Adrian Wooldridge, John Micklethwait  | Penguin Books

The Fourth Revolution: The Global Race to Reinvent the State

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$11.90

58% off est. retail
If you like big-picture nonfiction that connects history, politics, and global competition, this feels urgent rather than abstract. It argues that government itself is being reinvented, and that the real contest of this century is not just economic but political. Readers who enjoy provocative, debate-starting books will appreciate how it makes state reform feel immediate and high-stakes.
Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq
Just Arrived
Thomas E. Ricks | The Penguin Press

Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.09

$13.90

If you want sharp, unsparing nonfiction, this feels like the book people press into your hands after saying you need to understand what really happened. Ricks turns military misjudgment and political blindness into a gripping narrative, showing how small failures hardened into disaster. It is especially compelling for readers who like history that does not just recount events, but exposes the human arrogance and institutional confusion behind them.
The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies
Andrew McAfee, Erik Brynjolfsson  | W. W. Norton & Company

The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies

$22.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$22.90

43% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by innovation and the future of work, "The Second Machine Age" can fuel your curiosity by examining the intersection of technology and economics. The authors, leading scholars in the field, bring a wealth of research to the table, offering perspectives that might redefine your understanding of progress. It's a book that doesn't just lay out the changes our world is facing but also arms you with strategies to navigate and succeed in this new era. It's as much about the promise of technology as it is about the profound shifts in our social and professional landscapes.
The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the World
Kehinde Andrews | Allen Lane

The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the World

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 4.28

$12.90

If you're ready to confront uncomfortable truths about the world's power structures, "The New Age of Empire" is a must-read. Kehinde Andrews doesn't just scratch the surface; he digs deep into the origins of racism and colonialism that underpin our society. The book doesn't offer simple solutions but it does bring a critical perspective that may change how you see the West's legacy and current role in global inequality. The stark analysis will resonate deeply if you're interested in historical truths and systemic change.
Saving Europe: How National Politics Nearly Destroyed the Euro
Carlo Bastasin | Brookings Institution Press

Saving Europe: How National Politics Nearly Destroyed the Euro

$39.90

Goodreads rating: 4.07

$39.90

Imagine you're fascinated by the complexities of European economics and how political intricacies almost capsized an entire currency system. "Saving Europe" isn't just a history lesson; it's a deep dive into the razor's edge walk of the Euro, offering insights into the balancing act between national interests and collective financial stability. If you appreciate understanding the backstories to major economic events, this book reads almost like a thrilling political drama, revealing the tightrope walked by policymakers.
Lonely Planet Jordan
Paul Clammer, Jenny Walker  | Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet Jordan

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$12.90

54% off est. retail
If you've got a trip to Jordan on your horizon, this guide should absolutely join your packing list. It's like having a local expert in your back pocket, offering insider tips to help you dodge the tourist traps and discover the country's hidden gems, from the Red Sea's stunning coral to the majestic Petra. Plus, with practical advice on everything from navigating local transit to finding the best eateries for any budget, you're all set for an enriching, hassle-free experience.
People, Power, and Profits: Progressive Capitalism for an Age of Discontent
Joseph E. Stiglitz | W. W. Norton Company

People, Power, and Profits: Progressive Capitalism for an Age of Discontent

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$11.90

If you're feeling lost in today's tumultuous economic landscape, Stiglitz's 'People, Power, and Profits' is like a compass to guide you through. His insightful analysis doesn't just diagnose the ailments of modern capitalism; it prescribes a hopeful course towards a more fair and inclusive economy. This book might be the intellectual stimulus you need to understand and perhaps even join the movements shaping the future of our economy.
Global Disorder
Robert Harvey | Robinson Publishing

Global Disorder

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.13

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

If you're intrigued by global politics and how past events shape our present world, "Global Disorder" by Robert Harvey could add a new perspective to your understanding. Harvey's book goes beyond the initial optimism of a post-Cold War world to examine the complexities and challenges that came with it. His critical analysis on ethnic nationalism, the uncontrolled globalization of capitalism, and the need for security reform makes this a timely read, even years after its publication.
Churchill and Orwell: The Fight for Freedom
Thomas E. Ricks | Penguin Pr

Churchill and Orwell: The Fight for Freedom

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.06

$13.90

69% off est. retail
This is a smart, energizing read if you like history that feels urgently alive. Ricks makes Churchill and Orwell feel less like distant icons and more like two stubborn, clear-eyed men who saw through political lies before most people did. You come away feeling why their courage still matters, especially in a world where truth and freedom never stay safe for long.
Ideology and International Relations in the Modern World
Alan Cassels | Routledge

Ideology and International Relations in the Modern World

$10.90 $9.64 12% off

Goodreads rating: 4.5

$10.90 $9.64 12% off

If you enjoy delving into the intellectual forces that have sculpted our modern world, Alan Cassels' book is quite the gem. It throws light on how various ideologies, beyond just totalitarian ones, have influenced international relations. It's a fresh lens through history that could challenge your perspective on global politics.
The WikiLeaks Files: The World According to US Empire
Dan Beeton, Alexander Main, Wikileaks  | Verso (london/ny)

The WikiLeaks Files: The World According to US Empire

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.84

$12.90

If you've ever been curious about the behind-the-scenes of US foreign policy, "The WikiLeaks Files" could be the eye-opener you need. It's not just a compilation; it's a critical analysis of how America's power plays out on the global stage, laid bare by experts who digest the significance of the revelations. For anyone keen to understand the gritty realities that shape our world, this book offers a rare, uncensored glimpse.
States, Nations, and the Great Powers: The Sources of Regional War and Peace
Benjamin F. Miller | Cambridge University Press

States, Nations, and the Great Powers: The Sources of Regional War and Peace

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 2.0

$13.90

This is a strong pick if you like big, serious questions about why some regions keep sliding into conflict while others stabilize. Miller gives you a clear framework that feels more illuminating than abstract, then tests it across the Middle East, Balkans, South America, and Western Europe. Readers who enjoy international relations books often appreciate how it turns sweeping history into a pattern you can actually follow.

Navigate the World of Politics

Our Politics section at Thryft features titles on global and regional politics, commentaries, and detailed analyses of current affairs. Whether you’re looking into political theory or getting up to date with recent global events, our collection is here to enlighten and provoke thought.