Best Caribbean & Latin American Politics Books of 2025

The Traitor is an eye-opening and ambitious work of Anabel Hernández that sheds light on the inner workings of the Sinaloa Cartel and the man behind it all, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. Based on the secret diary of Mayo's son, Vicentillo, who collaborated with the US government, the author exposes the violence, drug trafficking, and corruption that permeate the criminal organization. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in organized crime true accounts and the war on drugs. Hernández's writing is engaging and informative, and the book is a testament to her investigative skills.

Cuba: An American History by Ada Ferrer is an epic, Pulitzer Prize-winning book that covers Cuba's complex relationship with the United States from Columbus's arrival to the present day. Ferrer provides a detailed account of Cuba's evolution, including colonization, slavery, independence, and revolution, while also exploring the country's recurring presence in US affairs. This book offers insight into the history of both nations and encourages readers to imagine a new relationship with Cuba. The book is well-written, informative, and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Cuba and its ties to the United States.

The Motorcycle Diaries is an inspiring book that captures the youthful spirit of Che Guevara's journey through Latin America on a vintage motorcycle. This New York Times bestseller is a must-read for anyone interested in Latin American history and the life of Che Guevara. The book includes new material and previously unpublished photos, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf. The exuberance and joy of one person's youthful belief in the possibilities of humankind are captured in this book, making it a unique and insightful read.

“Leonel y el lado oscuro del expediente Quirino en las cortes de Estados Unidos” is a book that sheds light on the dark side of the Quirino case in federal courts in the United States. Written by R.A. Ramirez-Baez, a direct relative of important figures in Dominican Republic’s political history, the book delves into the corruption and ties to drug trafficking that have plagued the country’s political landscape. The book focuses on the involvement of former president Leonel Fernandez in the Quirino case, the most famous convicted Dominican drug trafficker of the 21st century. This book is a necessary read for anyone seeking to understand the political climate of the Dominican Republic.

Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, by Ruth Ben-Ghiat, is a timely and compelling analysis of the authoritarian playbook used by demagogues from Mussolini to Putin. The author lays out the blueprint these leaders have followed over the past century and provides a roadmap for recognizing, resisting, and preventing their rule in the future. Through vivid examples of authoritarian regimes, Ben-Ghiat argues that the strongman's prioritization of self-interest over the public good leads to destructive chaos. She also highlights acts of solidarity and dignity that have undone strongmen, emphasizing the importance of valuing one another to stop them. This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about democracy and its future.

For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez is an empowering read that offers wisdom and a liberating path forward for women of color. Rodríguez provides powerful ways to address the challenges faced by women of color and empowers them to decolonize their worldview. The book guides women of color toward a sense of pride and sisterhood and offers essential tools to energize a movement. Highly recommended for anyone who has ever felt stepped on or pushed aside, this book is a celebration of brownness and a manual for tapping into brown girl power.

Bad Mexicans by Kelly Lytle Hernández is a groundbreaking narrative that reframes the understanding of US history. The book tells the story of the magonistas, a group of migrant rebels who initiated the 1910 Mexican Revolution from the United States, led by a radical named Ricardo Flores Magón. The magonistas organized thousands of Mexican workers and American dissidents to oust Mexico's dictator, Porfirio Díaz, and fought against the swarm of US authorities. The book takes readers to the frontlines of the magonista uprising and the counterinsurgency campaign that failed to stop them. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the borderlands and the Mexican Revolution.

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.

The book "War Against All Puerto Ricans: Revolution and Terror in America's Colony" by Nelson A. Denis is a powerful and meticulously researched account of the 1950 revolution in Puerto Rico and the long history of U.S. intervention on the island. The author tells the story through the controversial life of Pedro Albizu Campos, the president of the Nationalist Party who was imprisoned for 25 years and died under mysterious circumstances. Denis provides an unflinching account of the violence, political intrigue, and covert activities that accompanied this tumultuous period in Puerto Rican history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of U.S. colonialism and the struggle for self-determination in Puerto Rico.

Orientalism by Edward W. Said is a groundbreaking critique of the West's historical, cultural, and political perceptions of the East. The book traces the origins of "orientalism" to the centuries-long period during which Europe dominated the Middle and Near East and defined "the orient" simply as "other than" the occident. Said argues that this entrenched view continues to dominate western ideas and prevents true understanding. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between the East and the West.