4 Books You Should Read before 2019
People have been asking me questions about what books would I recommend them to read — especially those related to International Relations. Here are some books that I have read and might be useful for you if you want to know a little bit more about our world.
- A World in Disarray by Richard Haass.
Having a Republican background, Richard Haass presents a very strong view on American foreign policy. Haass wrote this book nearing the end of Obama’s presidency. I can confidently say that most of his recommendations are considered carefully by Trump’s administration. One interesting thing about this book is that Haass successfully explains the basics to International Relations in the first one-third if not half of the book. Very interesting book to read if you want to understand more Republican’s approach to foreign policy, especially the rationale behind Trump’s approach to International Relations.
2. The Next Decade by George Friedman.
I bought this book last Christmas (2017) in the United States. A very insightful book covering many regions in the world, and as the title suggests, presenting what to expect in the next 10 years. Friedman pointed out many interesting points while at the same time missing some predictions. A good way to approach the international order and the possible shift of power in the decade to come.
3. Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall.
Pointing out several interesting sides of geopolitics in our international relations, Tim Marshall is a good crafter of arguments based on what people miss in everyday life. A food for thought given the fact that geopolitics is gaining importance in today’s conduct of foreign policy. A remarkable argument was presented about how India and China developed and interacted in the past thousands years — and how geography impacted the two.
4. Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson.
Boldly presenting ideas about how leaders should run their respective country, Acemoglu and Robinson give a very vivid example of failed attempts to build nations. However, one striking argument built by the two authors is that China’s strength will not reach its (intended) maximum capacity due to its governance and political system. The authors throw a bold claim that democracy and accountability are key to development. Nonetheless, the two authors have presented bright and insightful ideas that add to our perspective in seeing the world.
