Best Political History Books of 2025

A Theory of Justice by John Rawls is a classic work of modern philosophy. Rawls' theory is an alternative to utilitarianism, which dominated political thought since the nineteenth century. Rawls substitutes the ideal of the social contract as a more satisfactory account of the basic rights and liberties of citizens as free and equal persons. The book is a powerful contribution to political theory and an urgent task to develop a sterner and more fastidious sense of justice. Overall, A Theory of Justice is widely regarded as this century's most important work of political philosophy.

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.

How the South Won the Civil War by Heather Cox Richardson is a thought-provoking book that challenges the conventional narrative of the Civil War and its aftermath. Richardson argues that the victory of democracy in the North was short-lived as the oligarchic system that existed in the South migrated westward and established itself in the extractive industries of the West. The book offers a compelling analysis of the American paradox and the struggle for equal opportunity, debunking the myth that the Civil War ended slavery and racial hierarchies. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the ongoing fight for the soul of America.

The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order by Gary Gerstle is a comprehensive account of how neoliberalism became the dominant political ideology in America and the world for nearly half a century. Gerstle explores the emergence of neoliberalism in the US and Great Britain in the late 1970s and its fusion of ideas of deregulation, personal freedoms, open borders, and globalization. He also charts the previously unrecognized extent to which the collapse of the Soviet Union facilitated its triumph and how it eventually fell, culminating in the rise of Trump and a reinvigorated Bernie Sanders-led American left in the 2010s. This book is an indispensable and sweeping re-interpretation of the last fifty years and an eye-opener for anyone interested in the history and theory of politics.

Gradual: The Case for Incremental Change in a Radical Age, by Greg Berman and Aubrey Fox, is a call to action for a more common-sense approach to change in a time that demands radical shifts in thinking and policymaking. The authors argue that incremental reform is the best path forward, as any effort to advance radical change will inevitably engender significant backlash. The book provides portraits of "heroic incrementalists" who have produced meaningful reforms in a variety of areas, from the expansion of Social Security to more recent efforts to reduce crime and incarceration. Overall, Gradual is a bracing call for a "radical realism" that prioritizes honesty, humility, nuance, and respect in an effort to transcend political polarization and reduce the conflict produced by social media.

Israel's Declaration of Independence: The History and Political Theory of the Nation's Founding Moment sheds light on the drafting of Israel's Declaration of Independence in 1948. The book presents the drafts of the declaration in English for the first time, providing a unique perspective on the challenges faced by Israel's leaders as they navigated issues of politics, diplomacy, and values. The authors' fast-paced narration of the meetings of Israel's leadership in April and May 1948 enriches and reframes the understanding of Israel's founding and its ideas, tracing its legacy. This book is a must-read for those interested in Israel's history and politics.

The book "Democracy – The God That Failed: The Economics and Politics of Monarchy, Democracy and Natural Order" by Hans-Hermann Hoppe provides a revisionist perspective on the transformation of the West from monarchy to democracy. The author argues that both monarchy and democracy have deficiencies and a natural order based on private property is superior. Hoppe's analysis of social democracy's deficiencies leads him to predict secession as the likely future of the US and Europe, resulting in a multitude of region and city-states. This book is a thought-provoking read for scholars and students of economics and politics.

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 Republic by Plato, in the revised edition of Grube's classic translation, is a great combination of fidelity to Plato's text and natural readability. Professor Reeve's new introduction, index, and bibliography further this success, offering new insights into Plato's thought. Reeve's revision of Grube's Republic is closest to the sun, capturing the brilliance of Plato's thoughts. This book is highly recommended for scholars and students of Greek and Roman philosophy.

The Concept of the Political: Expanded Edition by Carl Schmitt is a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in political theory or philosophy. Schmitt's argument that liberalism's basis in individual rights cannot justify sacrificing oneself for the state remains relevant today. The book includes analysis by Leo Strauss and a foreword by Tracy B. Strong, providing contemporary context, and an additional translation of Schmitt's 1929 lecture. The scholarship in this expanded edition is unquestionable, and George Schwab's translation is exceptional. Overall, this is an essential update on a modern classic that belongs on the bookshelf of anyone interested in political philosophy.