Best Political Intelligence Books of 2025

The Final Battle: The Next Election Could Be the Last by David Horowitz is a thought-provoking book that exposes the real threat that Democrats pose to freedom. Horowitz reveals the hallmarks of their strategies, including the double standard in justice, citizenship as disposable, and the so-called "cancel culture." He argues that attacks on these quintessentially American customs undermine the possibility of bipartisan solutions to common problems and put the American way of life at risk. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of American democracy.

The Last Honest Man is a gripping and well-researched book by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James Risen that sheds light on Senator Frank Church, a man who stood up against abuses of power in the US government. Despite his political ambitions, Church exposed dark truths about the intelligence community, including assassination plots by the CIA and links between the Kennedy dynasty and the mafia. Drawing upon hundreds of interviews and thousands of pages of recently declassified documents, Risen tells the untold story of truth and integrity standing against unchecked power, making this book a welcome restoration of a largely forgotten politician who navigated issues that continue to reverberate.

Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties is a gripping reassessment of the infamous Manson murders and their impact on American history. Journalist Tom O'Neill spent two decades investigating the case and uncovered shocking evidence of a cover-up behind the "official" story, including potential involvement from intelligence agents. O'Neill's quest for the truth led him on a trail rife with shady cover-ups and suspicious coincidences. This murder and mayhem true account book is a must-read for those interested in the Manson murders and the turbulent sixties.

"G-Man (Pulitzer Prize Winner): J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century" by Beverly Gage is a groundbreaking biography that draws from never-before-seen sources to create a nuanced and definitive portrait of J. Edgar Hoover. The book explores the full sweep of Hoover’s life and career, from his birth in 1895 to a modest Washington civil-service family through his death in 1972. Gage shows how Hoover was more than a one-dimensional tyrant and schemer who strong-armed the rest of the country into submission. This book is an enduring, formidable accomplishment, a monument to the power of biography and now becomes the definitive work on Hoover."

The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War is a thrilling true account of Oleg Gordievsky, a Russian spy who worked for MI6, helping to hasten the end of the Cold War. The book is a gripping three-way gamesmanship between America, Britain, and the Soviet Union, culminating in Gordievsky's nail-biting escape from Moscow in 1985. Ben Macintyre's latest book is a masterpiece of espionage storytelling, bringing readers deep into a world of treachery and betrayal. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in Cold War history or espionage.

The Nazi Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch is a gripping WWII biography that unveils the little-known true story of a Nazi plot to assassinate FDR, Joseph Stalin, and Winston Churchill during their meeting in Tehran. The book is filled with daring rescues, body doubles, and political intrigue that kept readers on the edge of their seats. The authors' mastery of storytelling and attention to detail make this book a page-turner that reads like a thriller. Overall, The Nazi Conspiracy is a fascinating account of a pivotal moment in history that almost led to a world-shattering disaster.

The Devil's Chessboard is a revealing portrait of Allen Dulles, the man who transformed the CIA into the most powerful and secretive colossus in Washington. Author David Talbot draws on newly discovered U.S. government documents, intelligence sources, personal correspondence, and exclusive interviews to reveal Dulles's dark decade as the director of the CIA. Talbot argues that Dulles saw himself as above the elected law, manipulating and subverting American presidents in the pursuit of his personal interests and those of the wealthy elite he counted as his friends and clients. The book is a provocative and gripping story of the rise of the national security state and the battle for America's soul.

100 Deadly Skills: COMBAT EDITION is an illustrated combat manual that presents one hundred skills harvested from the world of special operations, outlaw bikers, lifelong martial artists, and professional fighters. Created by retired Navy SEAL Clint Emerson, this book provides a comprehensive on-the-ground combatives manual for those who want to learn the most effective combat techniques to defeat evil and survive another day. The book covers techniques such as weaponizing your non-violent posture, delivering damaging body strikes, quick drawing and shooting a handgun, and understanding non-lethal and lethal options. The book's unique approach and step-by-step video content make it a valuable addition to any martial arts enthusiast's library.

A Spy Among Friends is a captivating true story by Ben Macintyre about Kim Philby, the most notorious spy during the Cold War, who rose to head Britain's counterintelligence against the Soviet Union while secretly working for the Russians. Macintyre expertly weaves together personal papers, British intelligence files, and keen psychological insight to tell the heart-pounding tale of how Philby almost got away with it all and what happened when he was finally exposed. This book is a fascinating portrait of a Cold War spy and the countrymen who remained willfully blind to his treachery, making it a must-read for anyone interested in espionage true accounts.

100 Deadly Skills: The SEAL Operative's Guide to Eluding Pursuers, Evading Capture, and Surviving Any Dangerous Situation by Clint Emerson is a comprehensive and practical survival guide for civilians. Emerson, a retired Navy SEAL, shares his expertise and experience to help readers prepare for potentially life-threatening situations. The book covers a range of skills, from self-defense tactics to cyber-security measures, all explained in easy-to-understand terms with clear illustrations. Aspiring warriors and professionals alike will find this book an invaluable resource.