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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God Bless America
Piers Morgan | Ebury Press

God Bless America

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Goodreads rating: 3.51

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If you enjoy a mix of humor, celebrity culture, and the unfiltered observations of a British TV personality, "God Bless America" might be your cup of tea. Piers Morgan's irreverent narrative could promise you not only laughs but also a revealing look at high-profile figures through his audacious lens.
The Spanish Ambassador's Suitcase : Stories from the Diplomatic Bag - Thryft

The Spanish Ambassador's Suitcase : Stories from the Diplomatic Bag

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Recommendation: If you're in the mood for a laugh-out-loud book that takes you behind the scenes of diplomatic mishaps and cultural misunderstandings, then The Spanish Ambassador's Suitcase is the perfect read for you. This collection of hilarious stories will transport you to exotic locations, from the scorching Saharan desert to the streets of Moscow. With witty writing and unexpected twists, this book offers a unique and entertaining perspective on how the British view the world, and how the world views them. So, get ready for a side-splitting journey filled with laughter and insights into the world of diplomacy.
A Mad World, My Masters: Tales from a Traveller's Life
Just Arrived

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If your wanderlust merges with a keen interest in global events, John Simpson's work will feel like a trove of enlightenment. His experience as a BBC journalist has blessed him with incredible stories that bridge the gap between historical events and personal narrative. Dive into this book to travel the world through the eyes of a man who has seen the inner workings of our 'mad world'.
Two Billion Eyes: The Story of China Central Television

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If you're curious about the intricate dynamics shaping modern China's identity, "Two Billion Eyes" is a must-read. Ying Zhu takes you behind the scenes of CCTV, revealing how television has become a unique platform for discourse in a country with limited freedom of expression. This book is an eye-opener on the power of media in Chinese society and politics. It's especially relevant if you're interested in media studies, Asian politics, or understanding how state-run enterprises can influence public opinion and culture.
The Hell of It All
Charlie Brooker | Faber And Faber

The Hell of It All

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Goodreads rating: 4.01

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If you're the type to chuckle at the absurdities of contemporary life with a side of biting wit, "The Hell of It All" might be your next favorite read. Charlie Brooker's acerbic commentary will resonate if you appreciate humor that's as dark as it is intelligent, skewering everything from pop culture to political absurdities. It's like having a hilarious conversation with that one friend who sees the world with a bit of healthy skepticism.
If you're someone with an interest in the often opaque world of commodity trading, "The World for Sale" will be an eye-opener. It reveals the complex and high-stakes environment where traders navigate politics, economics, and intricate market forces to shape our world's resource flow. The book could provide you with a new perspective on how power and money influence the availability of everything from oil to food.
You Are the Message
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Roger Ailes | Currency

You Are the Message

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Goodreads rating: 3.9

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If you often find yourself presenting ideas or simply want to enhance your personal communication skills, "You Are the Message" could be the compass you've been looking for. It dives into the heart of effective communication, guided by the expertise of a man who has advised presidents. It's not just theory; it's practical wisdom that could transform the way you connect with others.
All the Trouble in the World: The Lighter Side of Overpopulation, Famine, Ecological Disaster, Ethnic Hatred, Plague, and Poverty
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If you enjoy a laugh with a side of insight, "All the Trouble in the World" is a must-read. P. J. O'Rourke infuses humor into serious topics, nudging you to question the status quo. His globe-trotting adventures offer a fresh perspective on age-old issues while poking fun at the complexities of international politics and social problems. A delightful blend of wit and wisdom that’s engagingly provocative.
The Wars Against Saddam: Taking the Hard Road to Baghdad
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John Cody Fidler-Simpson | Pan

The Wars Against Saddam: Taking the Hard Road to Baghdad

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Goodreads rating: 4.04

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For someone deeply interested in modern history and the intricacies of Middle Eastern politics, John Simpson's "The Wars Against Saddam" offers a thorough, on-the-ground perspective. Reading this book is like having a personal guide through the tumultuous landscape of Saddam Hussein’s regime – it's comprehensive, insightful, and addresses the topic with an experienced journalist's eye for both detail and the bigger picture.
Time: 85 Years of Great Writing
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Christopher Porterfield | Time

Time: 85 Years of Great Writing

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Goodreads rating: 4.34

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If you have a thirst for understanding pivotal moments in recent history through the eyes of seasoned reporters, "Time: 85 Years Of Great Writing" could be your cup of tea. These curated articles aren't just news; they're snapshots of the world's psyche during times of upheaval and triumph, written by some of the most skilled journalists of the past century. It promises to be an immersive dive into the events that have shaped our modern era, with storytelling that brings those events to life once more.
Standard Operating Procedure - Thryft
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Philip Gourevitch, Errol Morris  | Penguin Press

Standard Operating Procedure

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Goodreads rating: 3.92

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"Standard Operating Procedure" offers you a chance to dive deep beneath the headlines you remember, straight into the human elements of the Abu Ghraib scandal. Not only will it challenge your perceptions of right and wrong in extraordinary circumstances, but it also offers a nuanced perspective that transcends black-and-white judgments. It's a compelling read if you're ready to confront uncomfortable truths and explore the complex tapestry of war, responsibility, and morality.
Literature and Propaganda - Thryft
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A. Peter Foulkes | Routledge Kegan & Paul

Literature and Propaganda

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Goodreads rating: 3.0

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In exploring the methods and manifestations of propaganda, A.P. Foulkes draws upon a wide range of examples from children's literature, contemporary fiction, Soviet cultural politics and newspaper reviews.
The Tyranny of Silence - Thryft
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Flemming Rose | Cato Institute

The Tyranny of Silence

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Goodreads rating: 4.26

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If you're intrigued by the intricate crossroads of free expression and cultural sensitivity, "The Tyranny of Silence" is a thought-provoking exploration that demands your attention. Rose's personal experiences provide a unique lens on the global debate, enriching your understanding of democracy’s delicate dance with diversity. It's especially timely in a world where the boundaries of speech are constantly tested and redefined.
The News : A User's Manual - Thryft
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Alain de Botton | Penguin Books

The News : A User's Manual

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Goodreads rating: 3.59

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This book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand and navigate the overwhelming world of news. Alain de Botton's witty and global perspective offers a refreshing take on the manic and peculiar positions that 'the news' occupies in our lives. With its mix of current affairs and philosophical reflections, The News will change the way you view celebrity stories and political scandals, equipping you with the precautions necessary to approach news with a critical eye. It's a guide that will empower you to separate the meaningful from the noise and find clarity in a chaotic media landscape.
WikiLeaks : Inside Julian Assange's War on Secrecy - Thryft
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Luke Harding, David Leigh  | Guardian Books

WikiLeaks : Inside Julian Assange's War on Secrecy

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Goodreads rating: 3.5

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This book is a gripping account of the controversial figure, Julian Assange, and his trailblazing platform, WikiLeaks. Filled with suspense, it explores the unprecedented leak of classified documents, delving into the debate surrounding Assange's motives and actions. As the authors, David Leigh and Luke Harding, draw you into their own involvement in the publishing drama, you'll be captivated by the inside story of a man who challenged the powerful and sparked global debate on information freedom and transparency. A must-read for those intrigued by the enigmatic world of hacktivism and the ripple effects of whistleblowing.
The French Betrayal Of America - Thryft
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Kenneth R. Timmerman | Crown Forum

The French Betrayal Of America

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Goodreads rating: 3.65

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Can we trust France? Apparently not. After more than 200 years of shared history and interests, the U.S.-France marriage looks as if it's ending in an acrimonious divorce. Here is the shocking insider account.In the wake of French behavior at the United Nations, where Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin systematically undermined the efforts of Secretary of State Colin Powell to convince the Security Council to authorize force against Iraq, Americans have at best come to suspect our ally of double dealing, and at worst come to view them as the enemy. Almost daily over the past year, new stories have emerged of how the government of French President Jacques Chirac has sought to undermine the U.S. war on terror, publicly sniping at America and inciting other countries to do the same. What's wrong with France? What's behind their recent perfidy? According to bestselling author Kenneth R. Timmerman, the American public doesn't know half the story. After they read The French Betrayal of America , American anger at France will turn to outrage.Timmerman, who worked as a journalist in France for eighteen years and knows the players on both sides, lifts the veil of Jacques Chirac's scandalous love affair with Saddam Hussein, beginning in 1975, when he took him on a tour of top-secret French nuclear facilities. The French attitude toward the dictator, which seemed to baffle American politicians, was in fact entirely predictable. Put bluntly, it was all about money, oil, and guns. Chirac needed Saddam's oil and Saddam's money, and Saddam needed French weapons and French nuclear technology.Despite this, the relationship between France and America was not only amicable but at times very mutually beneficial. That was until the most recent war on Iraq, where France turned the tables, engaging in dirty diplomacy and helping to sway other European countries to their side. French war coverage was not merely It was viciously inaccurate, skewed, and openly anti-American. Timmerman also presents incredible new evidence of France's duplicity, including the fact that the French stood to gain $100 billion from secret oil contracts they had concluded with Saddam Hussein.The French Betrayal of America raises questions of whether the nuclear cooperation agreements still in force with the French today should be canceled in light of France's behavior. Our security interests no longer converge, and our economic systems increasingly appear to be at loggerheads. The war in Iraq harshly exposed French treachery and their desire to do business with the worst of international tyrants, putting their economy, their international standing, and their relationship with a 200-year-old friend in severe jeopardy.Shocking new revelations in The French Betrayal of AmericaThe French president lied to Bush and to the public about the war in Iraq.President Jacques Chirac had personally told President George W. Bush well ahead of time that France would be at America's side.France urged Saddam to commit genocide.Saddam launched his genocidal campaign against the Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq to make their region "safe" for French oil engineers.France helped build Saddam's long-range missiles and nukes.Based on exclusive access to new documents, provided by Iraq to the United Nations -- that French defense companies were key partners in helping Saddam Hussein perfect the long-range missiles that killed U.S. soldiers in Saudi Arabia in 1991 and rained terror onto Israel.Chirac has blocked cooperation on a high-profile terrorism case.France's top counter-terrorism judge was ordered to stop cooperating with the United States in the prosecution of Zacarias Moussaoui despite mounds of documents that would have helped the United States to convict Moussaoui of conspiracy to commit mass murder.France illegally sold U.S. military secrets to Saddam Hussein.A prominent French defense company shipped U.S.-designed laser designator pods to Iraq in the 1980s that compromised the most high-tech weapons in the U.S. arsenal.President Mitterrand, a Socialist, became Ronald Reagan's best ally in Europe.The French Betrayal of America reveals the extent of French strategic and intelligence cooperation with the United States at the peak of the Cold War, in areas that will surprise readers on both sides of the Atlantic. The French ran a key agent inside the KGB, whose "cosmic" reach -- right up to the general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union -- hastened the collapse of the Soviet Union.President Chirac almost went to jail for corruption.Chirac was on the verge of getting indicted on corruption charges in 1999 until he cooked up an immunity deal with the head of the French Supreme Court, former Socialist foreign minister Roland Dumas. While the French corruption scandals are well known in France, they have rarely been reported in the United States and will alternately shock and amuse American readers.The Bush administration is now offering France the secrets of our national missile defense.The French Betrayal of America reveals the hitherto top secret missile defense cooperation between the United States and France that has taken off at precisely the same time the Chirac government was undermining the United States on Iraq. Meanwhile, United States and French nuclear weapons designers continue to meet to exchange secrets of maintaining our respective nuclear arsenals.
Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice in the Dock
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This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dark underbelly of Singapore's legal system. Through in-depth interviews and meticulously researched accounts, Alan Shadrake exposes the cruelty and imprudence of the death penalty. The author's empathy with the victims and their families adds a poignant touch to this eye-opening critique. Human rights activists, in particular, will find this book to be an invaluable resource in their fight for justice.
The One Percent Doctrine : Deep Inside America's Pursuit of Its Enemies Since 9/11 - Thryft
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The One Percent Doctrine provides readers a unique look into the United States' response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. With exclusive insights from senior officials, this book sheds light on decisions that shaped American foreign policy during this time. The book answers some hotly debated questions, such as who was running foreign policy during that period and whether or not there were terrorist cells inside the United States armed with weapons of mass destruction. A must-read for anyone interested in American history and politics.
Fear: Trump in the White House
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Bob Woodward | Simon & Schuster

Fear: Trump in the White House

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Goodreads rating: 3.87

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Fear is a gripping account of the chaos and dysfunction within the Trump White House. Based on hundreds of hours of interviews and behind-the-scenes reporting, Woodward provides unprecedented detail on the inner workings of the administration, including explosive debates and decision-making on domestic and foreign policy issues. Fear is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the Trump presidency and the challenges facing American democracy.
Bunker : What It Takes to Survive the Apocalypse - Thryft
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Bunker could be a good read for individuals interested in exploring the global movement of "prepping" for social and environmental collapse. The author, Bradley Garrett, takes the readers on a journey to explore different types of bunkers and prepping strategies for doomsday events such as pandemics, climate change, and nuclear war. It is a gripping and deeply disturbing story that reflects the current state of our age of disquiet and dread. The book sheds light on the extreme expression of our greatest fears and the measures people are taking to survive in such situations.
Operation Iraqi Freedom : The Insider Story - Thryft
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NBC Enterprises, Tom Brokaw  | Andrews Mcmeel Publishing

Operation Iraqi Freedom : The Insider Story

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Goodreads rating: 4.0

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Recommended for those interested in military history. This book offers perspectives from NBC journalists and producers who covered the War in Iraq, accompanied by photographs and a DVD. The unique feature of this book is its insider accounts, providing readers with an in-depth look at the Iraq war. It would be a good read for individuals who are interested in military history and want an insightful account of the Iraq war.
Newszak and News Media - Thryft
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Bob Franklin | Hodder Education Publishers

Newszak and News Media

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Goodreads rating: 4.67

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"Newszak and News Media" is a great read for individuals interested in understanding how news media has shifted its editorial standards over recent years. It provides an insightful analysis of the changes in the journalism profession, including the growth in freelance work, the plight of editors, and the absence of women and black journalists' voices, as well as the impact of new technologies on news gathering and reporting. The book's in-depth case studies of press coverage of the Princess of Wales and declining news media reporting of Parliamentary and political affairs make for great reading.
The Lexus and the Olive Tree - Thryft
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Thomas L. Friedman | Anchor

The Lexus and the Olive Tree

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Goodreads rating: 3.6

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The Lexus and the Olive Tree is a thought-provoking book that walks its readers through a complex topic, making it easy to understand. Thomas L. Friedman, in his signature style, blends his experiences, stories and insights to give an account of how globalization shapes the world we live in. The book challenges readers to find the balance between working towards common goals and preserving culture, tradition, and heritage, as the international system replaces Cold War divisions. It is a must-read for anyone looking to be enlightened on economics, world affairs, and the impacts of globalization.
Africa : Altered States Ordinary Miracles - Thryft
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For anyone interested in understanding the true Africa, Richard Dowden's 'Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles' is a must-read. Dowden's extensive experience as an African journalist has enabled him to view the continent as its own entity in its own right with its own problems, hopes and dreams. The book expertly blends historical analysis with first-hand experiences of African life, giving readers a rich and nuanced view of the continent. Dowden's writing style paints vivid pictures of scenes in Africa, making this book a remarkable account of the continent's challenges, yet also an awe-inspiring one, with the positive stories of resilience and hope shown as well.
News and Power - Thryft
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Rodney Tiffen | Pluto Pr

News and Power

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Goodreads rating: 3.0

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"News and Power" is a great read for individuals interested in exploring the relationship between journalism and politics. Rodney Tiffen provides a thoughtful analysis of how journalism impacts political decision making and shapes public opinion. With in-depth research and numerous examples, Tiffen showcases the power of news media in shaping social policies and dynamics. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the influence of media on society.
Wish Lanterns : Young Lives in New China - Thryft
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Alec Ash | Picador

Wish Lanterns : Young Lives in New China

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Goodreads rating: 4.22

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61% off est. retail
This is the generation that will change China. The youth, over 320 million of them in their teens and twenties, more than the population of the USA. Born after Mao, with no memory of Tiananmen, they are destined to transform both their nation and the world.These millennials, offspring of the one-child policy, face fierce competition to succeed. Pressure starts young, and their road isn't easy. Their stories are also like those of young people all over the world: moving out of home, starting a career, falling in love.Wish Lanterns follows the lives of six young Chinese. Dahai is a military child and netizen; 'Fred' is a daughter of the Party. Lucifer is an aspiring superstar; Snail a country migrant addicted to online games. Xiaoxiao is a hipster from the freezing north; Mia a rebel from Xinjiang in the far west.Alec Ash, a writer in Beijing of the same generation, has given us a vivid, gripping account of young China as it comes of age. Through individual stories, Wish Lanterns shows with empathy and insight the challenges and dreams that will define China's future global impact.
Translation in Global News - Thryft
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Esperança Bielsa | Routledge

Translation in Global News

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Goodreads rating: 4.09

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This book provides a unique perspective on how translations shape global news in today's media landscape. The author, Esperanca Bielsa, presents an in-depth analysis of how the cultural and religious 'Other' is framed in different media through close readings of different English versions of key Arabic texts circulated in Western media. This book would be a great read for media professionals looking to gain insights into the role of translation in global news reporting.

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.