Best Human Rights Law Books of 2025

Cobalt Red is a groundbreaking exposé of the immense toll taken on the people and environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by cobalt mining. Investigator Siddharth Kara has traveled deep into cobalt territory to document the testimonies of the people living and dying for cobalt. The book reveals the brutal mining practices, traces the supply chain of child-mined cobalt, and gathers shocking testimonies of people who endure immense suffering. Kara argues that we must all care about what is happening in the Congo because we are all implicated. This is a crucial book for anyone interested in environmental economics and human rights.

The Psychology of Totalitarianism by Mattias Desmet is a thought-provoking book that deconstructs the societal conditions that allow collective psychosis to take hold, leading to the emergence of totalitarian regimes. The author identifies the phenomenon of "mass formation" and clearly illustrates how close we are to surrendering to such regimes. The book provides detailed analyses, examples, and results from years of research, laying out the steps that lead toward mass formation. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the societal and psychological factors that contribute to totalitarianism.

The Gulag Archipelago Volume 1: An Experiment in Literary Investigation is a chilling report of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's arrest and interrogation, which exposed the vast bureaucracy of secret police that haunted Soviet society. The book has been hailed as the greatest single indictment of a political regime ever leveled in modern times and has had a profound impact on political and moral consciousness. The writing style is gripping and the content is powerful, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history and literature.

The book "People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present" by Dara Horn is a thought-provoking exploration of how Jewish history is used to comfort the living. The author reflects on various subjects related to Jewish culture, including the international fascination with Anne Frank, the Auschwitz exhibition, and the marketing of Jewish history in Harbin, China. Horn challenges readers to confront the reasons behind the fascination with Jewish deaths and the lack of respect for Jewish lives unfolding in the present. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Judaism and the complexities of Jewish life in the modern world.

TRANCE Formation of America is a powerful book that tells the true story of a mind control slave. The book was initially censored by the US Congressional Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Oversight after the 1947 National Security Act was invoked. Today, it is widely referenced in major universities and law libraries worldwide. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in human rights law and the dangers of mind control. It serves as a reminder that knowledge is our first line of defense against manipulation and control. Overall, TRANCE is a unique and important book that sheds light on a dark and often overlooked aspect of our society.

The "Guantánamo Diary: Restored Edition" is an exceptional memoir that tells the story of Mohamedou Slahi's life before and after he was imprisoned at the detainee camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Slahi has been detained without a charge since 2002, and his diary portrays the miscarriage of justice he has experienced. The diary is a deeply personal memoir that recounts his daily life as a detainee and is terrifying, darkly humorous, and surprisingly gracious. This book is an essential document of historical importance, and it sheds light on the injustices of the U.S. government. Overall, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in human rights and justice.

Emotional Intelligence: For a Better Life, success at work, and happier relationships is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their social skills, emotional agility, and overall well-being. The book explains how emotional intelligence can help in making a positive impact both at work and in personal life. It covers topics like understanding core emotions, reading people, influencing others, and building meaningful relationships based on mutual respect, empathy, and trust. The author's approach is practical and easy to follow, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to become the best version of themselves. Overall, this book is a great investment for anyone who wants to master their emotions and lead a more fulfilling life.

King Leopold's Ghost is an enthralling account of King Leopold II's genocidal plundering of the Congo River region, which ultimately slashed its population by ten million. The book is a haunting portrait of a megalomaniac and the brave individuals who fought against him. The author, Adam Hochschild, skillfully brings the largely untold story alive with fascinating characters and intense drama. This book is a must-read for those interested in the history of colonial Africa and the first great human rights movement of the twentieth century.

The Intersectional Environmentalist by Leah Thomas is a timely and essential read for anyone looking to create meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable change. Thomas examines the intersection between environmentalism, racism, and privilege, and argues that the fight for the planet lies in tandem with the fight for civil rights. The book is simultaneously a call to action, a guide to instigating change for all, and a pledge to work towards the empowerment of all people and the betterment of the planet. The Intersectional Environmentalist is an eye-opening and thought-provoking book that will define a generation.

The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence: The Constitution of the United States of America is a must-have book for every American, historian, and member of the legal profession. It contains the full text of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, which are the backbone of United States government. Acclaimed Constitutional scholar Paul Skousen frames the text with a brief preface, important facts, and a guide to parts that became invalid due to later amendments. This handy guide can easily fit into your pocket, briefcase, or iPad case, and can become your best friend. This book is a great tool for understanding the most basic principles of good government.