Best International Relations Books of 2025

The book "Danger Zone: The Coming Conflict with China" by Hal Brands and Michael Beckley is a thought-provoking analysis of the rivalry between the US and China. The authors challenge the conventional wisdom that the competition between the two nations will last for a century and instead suggest that it will reach its moment of maximum danger in the 2020s. The book provides a historical perspective and argues that China's rising power will make it more aggressive during this decade. The authors suggest that America needs a near-term strategy for navigating this danger zone. Overall, this book is an excellent read for anyone interested in international diplomacy and the future of US-China relations.

Strategy: A History by Sir Lawrence Freedman is a comprehensive and engaging account of the evolution of strategic thinking throughout history. From the strategies of primate groups to the insights of modern social scientists, Freedman covers a vast range of strategic theories and practices. He emphasizes the core issue of whether it is possible to shape and manipulate our environment or simply become a victim of circumstances beyond our control. The book's fluid and flexible approach to strategy, governed by the starting point rather than the end point, makes it a valuable resource for military strategists, business leaders, and anyone interested in the history of strategic thinking.

The Long Game by Rush Doshi is a highly recommended book that provides a comprehensive history of China's grand strategy to displace American order. Doshi draws from Chinese primary sources to uncover Beijing's long game to displace America from its hegemonic position in both the East Asia regional and global orders through three sequential "strategies of displacement." He offers a comprehensive yet asymmetric plan for an effective US response to undermine China's ambitions and strengthen American order without competing dollar-for-dollar, ship-for-ship, or loan-for-loan. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding China's global ambitions and its strategy to achieve them.

The Tragedy of Great Power Politics is a must-read for anyone interested in international relations. John Mearsheimer argues that China's rise to power will not be peaceful and that the US will go to great lengths to prevent it from dominating Asia. The book offers a clear and systematic analysis of power, backed by an impressive historical review. Mearsheimer's critical approach towards rival perspectives and his forensic flair make this book an admirable mixture of conceptual clarity and detailed historical observation. Overall, this book is a signal triumph and a significant contribution to our understanding of the behavior of great powers.

The One State Reality is a thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional two-state solution for Israel/Palestine conflict. The book argues that a one state reality already exists and reshapes how we view the conflict. The book encourages different readings of history and shifts conversation about solutions from two states to alternatives that borrow from other political contexts. The One State Reality is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the current impasse in the conflict and the likelihood of progress toward peace in the future.

The Body in Pain is a groundbreaking study that explores physical suffering and its relation to various cultural forces such as literature, politics, philosophy, religion, and medicine. Elaine Scarry offers a unique perspective on the analysis of pain's inexpressibility, the political ramifications of intentionally inflicted pain in the cases of torture and warfare, and artistic and cultural creation that works against pain. The book is based on a wide range of sources, including literature, art, medical case histories, and military and strategic writings. The Body in Pain is a must-read for those interested in language, philosophy, and literature, and promises to spark widespread debate.

The World According to China by Elizabeth Economy is a compelling book that sheds light on China's strategy to transform the international system and reshape the geostrategic landscape in dramatic new ways. With China's bold calls to lead the reform of the global governance system, the book reveals Xi Jinping's vision of Chinese centrality on the global stage, which includes sovereignty claims, Belt and Road Initiative, and leadership in international institutions. The book is well-researched, balanced, and serves as a wake-up call to the world. It offers intelligent prescriptions and a thorough understanding of China's push for a new Sino-centric world order.

Essence of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis is a must-read for political science enthusiasts. The second edition of this classic text is a fresh reinterpretation of the theories and events surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis, incorporating all new information from the Kennedy tapes and recently declassified Soviet files. The book provides a vivid look at decision-making under pressure and attempts to answer the enduring question: how should citizens understand the actions of their government? Overall, the book is a comprehensive, thoughtful, and original review of relevant literature, making it a page-turner that is hard to put down.

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.

The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade is a fascinating and well-researched book that debunks the myths surrounding the Mexican drug trade. Author Benjamin T. Smith provides a comprehensive history of the industry, revealing how it went from a peaceful industry to a violent one dominated by cartels and kingpins. The book is full of vivid characters and surprising conclusions about drug use and enforcement. Smith's research is backed by leaked DEA, Mexican law enforcement, and cartel documents, as well as dozens of interviews. Overall, The Dope is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the violence in the drug war and how it shapes Mexico in the American imagination today.