Best Asian Politics Books of 2026

When China Attacks: A Warning to America is a thought-provoking book that portrays China as an existential threat to America. Col. Grant Newsham, a veteran intelligence officer, provides a well-founded and frightening account of China's growing military skills, intellectual property theft, and influence among American elites. The book highlights the covert war that China has been waging on America and its allies, which could soon erupt into an open conflict with devastating consequences. This book is a must-read for policymakers, military strategists, and anyone interested in international diplomacy and security.

The Hundred-Year Marathon by Michael Pillsbury is a revealing book on China's secret strategy to replace America as the world's leading superpower. Pillsbury, a leading China expert, offers an inside look at how the Chinese view America and its leaders and how the US government has unwittingly helped China achieve its goals. The book is based on interviews with Chinese defectors and newly declassified national security documents. Pillsbury calls for a new, more competitive strategy toward China, as it really is, and not as we might wish it to be. The book is a wake-up call to the greatest national security challenge of the twenty-first century.

Discrimination and Disparities by Thomas Sowell examines the origins of economic disparities and challenges the idea that different economic outcomes can be explained by any one factor, be it discrimination, exploitation, or genetics. The book analyzes the human consequences of prevailing social visions of these disparities and the policies based on that vision. The author presents a well-researched and thought-provoking argument that is both accessible and relevant. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex issues surrounding economic disparities.

The Girl with Seven Names: Escape from North Korea is a New York Times bestseller and an extraordinary insight into life under one of the world's most ruthless and secretive dictatorships. Hyeonseo Lee's story of escaping North Korea and guiding her family to freedom is a harrowing and stirring true account of remarkable bravery. Lee's book is a sad and beautiful story of a girl who could not even keep her name, yet overcame all with the identity of what it is to be human. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in human rights and the plight of North Koreans.

The Avoidable War: The Dangers of a Catastrophic Conflict between the US and Xi Jinping's China is a penetrating and sensible book that provides a realistic portrayal of China's motivations, while warning of the growing possibility of war. Kevin Rudd, a former Australian prime minister, offers well-thought-out proposals for preventing a catastrophic outcome and global carnage. The book is one of the best primers on US-China relations and stands out for its insights into the mindsets of the leadership that will determine if a war will be fought. Overall, it is a valuable read for anyone interested in Chinese history books and geopolitics.

How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future is an inspiring memoir of Maria Ressa, a renowned journalist from the Philippines who challenged corruption and malfeasance in her country. Ressa's innovative online news organization, Rappler, became a target of the new Philippine government, making her an enemy of the country's most powerful man, President Duterte. In this book, she also exposes how social media companies have aided the creep towards authoritarianism around the world by allowing their platforms to spread a virus of lies. This book is a must-read for those interested in the fight for democracy and against fascism.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu is a timeless classic that has been consulted by tacticians for over 2,500 years. The book outlines the elements of combat, strategy, and competition, and has become a go-to guide for business leaders, lawyers, and sports enthusiasts. The hardcover gift edition with dust jacket is designed for both portability and longevity, making it a great addition to any home or office library. Sun Tzu's strategic proposals have endured the test of time and continue to leave a lasting impact on politics and public life. Overall, The Art of War is a must-read for anyone interested in business leadership and strategy.

The Indictment: Prosecuting the Chinese Communist Party & Friends for Crimes against America, China, and the World is a comprehensive effort to develop and champion a Reaganesque strategy for our time. It identifies nine criminal charges that can and must be brought and prosecuted against the Chinese Communist Party and its American enablers. The book also enumerates twenty specific actions that are required to punish the perpetrators of war crimes against America and humanity. This book is a must-read for those interested in bringing justice to the Chinese Communist Party and its crimes.

The 1619 Project: A New American Origin Story is a groundbreaking work of journalism, which offers a profound insight into the American past and present. The book expands on The New York Times Magazine's award-winning "1619 Project" issue, which reframed our understanding of American history by placing slavery and its continuing legacy at the center of our national narrative. It explores the legacy of slavery in present-day America, revealing the long-glossed-over truths around our nation's founding and construction. This is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the systems of race and caste within which we operate today.

The Jakarta Method by Vincent Bevins is a powerful and comprehensive history book that sheds light on the U.S. government's involvement in the mass murder of innocent civilians in Indonesia, Latin America, and other countries. The author uses recently declassified documents, archival research, and eyewitness testimony to reveal the shocking legacy that spans the globe. The book is well-written, and the author's narrative journalism style makes it a riveting read. The Jakarta Method is an excellent addition to Southeast Asia history books, and it is highly recommended for those interested in understanding the human costs of the Cold War.