Best Arms Control Books of 2026

This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends: The Cyberweapons Arms Race is a thrilling and deeply researched book that delves into the secretive world of cyberweapons market. The author, Nicole Perlroth, exposes the United States government's role in hoarding zero-day software bugs, which are now in the hands of hostile nations and mercenaries. Perlroth's writing style is spellbinding, and the book reads like a spy thriller. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in cybersecurity, espionage, and global warfare. Overall, This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends is an urgent wake-up call to bring the global cyberarms race under control.

The Origins of Victory by Andrew F. Krepinevich, Jr. is a must-read for anyone interested in military strategy and innovation. The book explores how disruptive military innovation can determine the fate of great powers and how militaries can successfully adapt to meet the challenge. Krepinevich argues that the US military must pursue disruptive innovation to stay competitive and win the race to identify and exploit the “next big thing” in warfare. This book is a thought-provoking analysis of the changing character of war and the importance of innovation in military strategy.

The Greatest Speeches of Donald J. Trump is a compilation of the 45th President's most important speeches and words to the nation. Edited by Craig Shirley, a presidential historian and bestselling author, the book includes historical photographs throughout and an introduction by Shirley himself. From Trump's campaign announcement to his farewell address, this collection offers insight into the former President's leadership style and vision for America. Whether you're a Trump supporter or not, this book is a valuable resource for those interested in American politics and history.

Disarmament in the Time of Perestroika is a comprehensive account of the INF Treaty signed by Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan. The book illustrates the complexities of the disarmament process and the lengths both nations went to for successful implementation. The author draws upon his own experiences and the recollections of inspectors and personnel involved, providing a detailed account of the formation of the On-Site Inspection Agency and the first three years of inspection operations. This book is a must-read for those interested in the history of superpower arms control and the unique role of on-site inspection in compliance verification. Overall, a fascinating and informative read.

Blood Gun Money by Ioan Grillo is a captivating investigation into the illegal arms market and how it fuels the drug trade and mass shootings. Grillo takes readers on a journey from gun manufacturers to ATF gun tracing centers, and even to the streets of Baltimore, to show how legal guns can end up in the hands of criminals. With engaging prose and daring reporting, Grillo creates a vivid picture of the many characters involved in this dangerous trade. The book challenges the gun control debate and calls for legislative action to close the loopholes. Overall, Blood Gun Money is a thought-provoking and eye-opening read that highlights the connection between guns and drugs, and their impact on society.

"Facts Don't Care about Your Feelings" is a thought-provoking collection of columns written by Ben Shapiro. The book covers American politics and culture between 2016 and 2019, focusing on Donald Trump's campaign, election, and presidency. Shapiro offers a sharp and insightful reflection on various issues, including religion, government, the First Amendment, and more. The book is divided into ten chapters and is a must-read for any Ben Shapiro fan or skeptic. Overall, "Facts Don't Care about Your Feelings" is a compelling read that challenges readers on both sides of the political spectrum.

Command by Lawrence Freedman is a comprehensive book that delves into the complexities of military command in the modern era. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the political context in which armed forces operate, highlighting the need for effective strategies and communication between different branches and allies. Through vivid case studies, Freedman explores both victories and defeats, showcasing the diverse challenges faced by military commanders. The book concludes with a thought-provoking meditation on the future of command in an increasingly interconnected world. Overall, this book is an insightful and engaging read, providing a unique perspective on military strategy and history.

Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine is a collaboration between General David Petraeus and historian Andrew Roberts. The book takes a deep dive into over 70 years of conflict, analyzing critical mistakes that have been repeated and the challenge of adapting to new weapon systems, theories, and strategies. The authors examine conflicts such as the Arab-Israeli wars, the Gulf wars, and guerilla conflicts in Africa and South America. They also provide a bracing look at Putin's invasion of Ukraine and assess the nature of future warfare. Conflict is a critical assessment of our recent past and an essential primer of modern warfare.

Hinge Points: An Inside Look at North Korea's Nuclear Program provides readers with an in-depth understanding of North Korea's nuclear program, from its beginnings to the present day. The author, Siegfried Hecker, takes readers on a journey, describing his experiences at the North's nuclear center at Yongbyon and putting the nuclear program in the context of the foreign policy decisions made by both Pyongyang and Washington. Hecker's ability to blend technical knowledge with diplomatic insight makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in foreign relations and arms control. Overall, Hinge Points is a well-written and informative book that sheds light on a topic that remains a mystery to many Americans.