Democracy, Power, and Political Change
The political division in the United States and the rapid shift in American values is impossible to ignore, even from as far away as New Zealand. Books help ground current events in context, and we have a great selection that explores democracy and American history, from its foundations right through to the present day.
How Democracies Die
By Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky
How Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky explores how democracies have declined across various countries.
The book examines historical and contemporary examples to understand the warning signs and mechanisms that can erode democratic institutions and norms.
Tyranny of the Minority
By Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky
An urgent follow-up to the international bestseller How Democracies Die, by two leading democracy experts. Tyranny of the Minority is a must-read for everyone keen to see more vibrant democracy—and to understand where future threats may come from.
On Tyranny
By Timothy Snyder
On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder offers twenty practical lessons drawn from the history of the 20th century to help individuals recognise and resist the signs of tyranny.
Each lesson encourages critical thinking and personal responsibility to defend democracy and promote liberty in contemporary society.
Fascism and Democracy
By George Orwell
Fascism and Democracy by George Orwell delves into the ideological conflict between fascism and democracy during the turbulent times of the mid-20th century.
Orwell offers a critical examination of the threats posed by authoritarian regimes and reflects on the crucial importance of democratic values.
Poverty, by America
By Matthew Desmond
A searing study of American poverty from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Evicted.
The United States is the richest country on earth, yet has more poverty than any other advanced democracy, with one in seven Americans live below the poverty line.
Revenge: The inside story of Trump's return to power
By Alex Isenstadt
From Politico's National Political Reporter Alex Isenstadt, a fly-on-the-wall account of Donald Trump's history-defying reelection campaign, illustrating how he overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges to return to the White House.
A Revolution of Common Sense
By Scott Jennings
From the Oval Office to Air Force One, and from his unique perch as the most popular conservative commentator at CNN, Jennings provides a revelatory look at the dramatic return of Donald Trump to the White House and his efforts to restore common sense to American government and save Western Civilization in the process.
Hillbilly Elegy: A memoir of a family and culture in crisis
By J. D. Vance
Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance is a deeply intimate and poignant memoir, written by the now Vice President of the United States, that delves into the life and struggles of the white working-class Americans.
Original Sin: President Biden's decline, it's cover-up, and his disastrous choice to run again
By Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson
An explosive account of one of the most hubristic mistakes in American political history—Joe Biden's decision to run for re-election despite mounting evidence of his decline, and his team's increasingly desperate efforts to hide it.
The Trump Tapes: Bob Woodward's twenty interviews with president Donald Trump
By Bob Woodward
In The Trump Tapes, Bob Woodward offers a captivating collection of recorded interviews with Donald Trump, documenting their conversations over several years. The book provides an in-depth look into the former president’s thoughts and responses to pivotal events during his administration, offering readers an insightful glimpse into his decision-making process and personality.
