Best Political Ideologies Books of 2025

Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman is a classic book providing a definitive statement on economic philosophy. It explains how capitalism can serve as a device for achieving economic freedom and a necessary condition for political freedom, while avoiding the threat it poses to individual freedom. This book has sold nearly a million copies and continues to inform economic thinking and policymaking around the world. The new edition includes prefaces written by Friedman and a foreword by Binyamin Appelbaum. It is a must-read for anyone interested in economic history and the principles of economic freedom.

The Death of Expertise by Tom Nichols explores how the rise of technology and increased access to information has led to a rejection of experts and established knowledge. Nichols argues that this rejection has resulted in an ill-informed and angry citizenry that threatens the stability of democracy. The paperback edition includes a new foreword that addresses the exacerbation of these trends in the aftermath of Donald Trump's election. This book is an important warning about the dangers of populist and technocratic tendencies in our society.

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.

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.

Against the World by Tara Zahra is an insightful and thought-provoking historical account of the rise of nationalism and anti-globalism in the early twentieth century. Zahra explores how the aftermath of the First World War, the Spanish flu, economic instability, and a quest for food security led to the emergence of democracies and dictatorships alike. The book is rich in detail, drawing on unparalleled archival research in five languages. It offers a timely and relevant perspective on today's battles over international trade, immigration, public health, and global inequality. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of contemporary political movements.

The Marx-Engels Reader is a comprehensive anthology that presents the fundamental works of Marx and Engels, making it an ideal resource for anyone seeking an introduction to Marxist thought and ideology. The book features the essential writings of the two authors, including Marx's Capital and Engels' Socialism: Utopian and Scientific. Edited by Robert C. Tucker, a renowned expert in the field, this revised and enlarged edition is a valuable addition to any collection of books on communism and socialism. Overall, The Marx-Engels Reader is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in understanding the foundations of Marxist theory and its impact on modern society.

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.

No Shortcuts: Organizing for Power in the New Gilded Age is a thought-provoking book that examines the crisis of the progressive movement in the United States. The author, Jane McAlevey, argues that progressives lack the organized power to enact significant change and hold elected leaders accountable. McAlevey uses her experience as a scholar and longtime organizer to analyze cases from labor unions and social movements and pinpoint the factors that helped them succeed or fail. She concludes that progressive movements need strong unions built from bottom-up organizing strategies that place the power for change in the hands of workers and ordinary people at the community level. This book is a must-read for anyone involved in organizing for social change.

The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy by Christopher Lasch is a thought-provoking book that argues the decline of democracy in the United States is due to the failure of its elites. Lasch criticizes the professional and managerial elites for their lack of social and civic values, which has resulted in a widening gap between economic classes. He calls for a return to community, morality, and history education. The book is nonpartisan and draws from lessons in American history. Overall, this book is a riveting social commentary that offers a unique perspective on the challenges facing American democracy.