Best Politics of Privacy & Surveillance Books of 2025

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 Age of AI: And Our Human Future is a thought-provoking exploration of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming human society and what this means for us all. The book, authored by three leading thinkers, delves into how AI is changing our relationships with knowledge, politics, and the societies we live in, and offers an essential roadmap to our present and future. The authors' insights into the impact of AI on various fields, including medicine, education, and entertainment, make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the future of technology and its impact on humanity.

The Truth About COVID-19 by Dr. Joseph Mercola and Ronnie Cummins is a compelling read that delves into the corruption surrounding the pandemic. The book provides a thorough analysis of over 500 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, official government statistics, and public health research findings from around the world. The authors expose the need for a global awakening and urge readers to demand the truth and take control of their health. The book is updated with a new preface by Dr. Mercola and is a must-read for those seeking a healthy, equitable, democratic, and regenerative future.

Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs is a captivating narrative nonfiction that explores the consequences of living in the digital age. Kerry Howley's humorous writing style makes the book a page-turner as she tells the story of Reality Winner, an intelligence specialist who finds herself in trouble after leaking sensitive information. Howley's unique approach to storytelling draws in various characters, including Lady Gaga and Edward Snowden, making the book a thrilling soap opera set in the deep state. Overall, the book is an eye-opener that highlights the implications of the indelible age we live in.

Spyfail by James Bamford is an eye-opening account of how foreign countries conduct large-scale espionage within the United States and how U.S. intelligence has failed to prevent it. Bamford uncovers the infiltration of presidential campaigns, cyberattacks, psychological warfare, and other nefarious actions by countries like North Korea, Russia, Israel, and China. He reveals how politics, special interests, and corruption play a role in allowing these foreign intrusions to continue, leaving America and its secrets vulnerable. With access to previously secret and withheld documents and interviews with confidential sources, Spyfail is a must-read for anyone interested in espionage true accounts books.

Permanent Record is a captivating memoir that tells the story of Edward Snowden, the man behind the revelations of the US government's mass surveillance system. The book provides a detailed account of Snowden's life, from his childhood to his work with the CIA and NSA, and finally his decision to expose the truth about the government's spying activities. The narrative is written with eloquence, passion, and honesty that keeps the readers engaged throughout the book. Overall, Permanent Record is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of technology on our lives and the importance of privacy in the digital age.

The War on Cash by David McRee is a wake-up call to everyone about the tactics being used by governments to restrict the public's use of cash and to abuse the laws for its own purposes. The author outlines the tactics being used by governments and their banking and financial services allies to restrict the public's use of cash and explains how the use and possession of cash is essential to a free and prosperous society. This book provides readers with the information and tools to fight back against government control and collectivism, capitalism, and individual liberty.

The CIA World Factbook 2022-2023 is the ultimate guide to official country data and statistics. It provides complete and up-to-date information on countries' politics, populations, economics, and environment for 2022 and looks ahead to 2023. This comprehensive guide is packed with data on each country's military expenditures and capabilities, geography, transportation, trade, communication infrastructure, and much more. The book also includes appendices with useful abbreviations, international environmental agreements, international organizations and groups, terror organizations, and more. Overall, this must-have resource is perfect for students, travelers, journalists, and anyone who wants to know more about the world they live in.

Pegasus: How a Spy in Your Pocket Threatens the End of Privacy, Dignity, and Democracy sheds light on the most sophisticated and invasive surveillance weapon created by the NSO Group, which is used by governments worldwide. The book reveals how Pegasus, a cyber-surveillance system, has been used to spy on hundreds of innocent people, including heads of state, diplomats, human rights defenders, political opponents, and journalists. It's capable of infecting a private cell phone without alerting the owner and can track a person's daily movement in real-time. Pegasus is a must-read for anyone concerned about privacy and surveillance in society.

The CIA World Factbook 2023-2024 is a comprehensive guide packed with data on countries' politics, populations, economics, and environment for 2023 and looks ahead to 2024. It includes information on geopolitical maps, population statistics, military expenditures and capabilities, geography, prominent political figures, and much more. Originally intended for use by government officials and policymakers, this book is a must-have resource for students, travelers, journalists, and anyone with a desire to know more about their world. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to understand the world in a more comprehensive way, and its unique insights make it a valuable addition to any library.