Politics Bargain Book Box

Politics Bargain Book Box

This incisive collection of sixteen books tackles the most pressing political challenges of the twenty-first century, spanning global geopolitics, digital rights, and the internal machinery of government. It features major works on the rise of China by authors like James Curran and Bethany Allen, alongside insider accounts of the Trump White House and the war in Ukraine. From the fight for internet freedom to the struggle against corruption and the intricacies of Australian political history, this box offers a masterclass in current affairs and civic engagement. These books are remainders and may show minor shelf wear.

1. Freedom to Think: The Long Struggle to Liberate Our Minds by Susie Alegre Susie Alegre explores the fundamental human right to freedom of thought and how it is imperiled by modern technology and surveillance capitalism. She argues that algorithms and targeted advertising manipulate our inner lives, threatening the core of free will and moral autonomy. The book traces the legal and philosophical history of this right to offer a path forward for protection. It is a vital call to safeguard our mental privacy in an age of digital intrusion.

2. In the Long Run: The Future as a Political Idea by Jonathan White Jonathan White investigates how the concept of the future shapes democratic politics and the challenges of long-term planning in a short-term world. He examines the tension between immediate electoral cycles and the need to address generational crises like climate change and economic inequality. The book offers a historical perspective on how societies have envisioned their tomorrows to justify actions today. It is a scholarly look at the temporal dysfunction at the heart of modern democracy.

3. The Handover: How We Gave Control of Our Lives to Corporations, States and AIs by David Runciman David Runciman posits that we have already created artificial intelligences in the form of states and corporations, long before the invention of computers. He draws parallels between these historic "Leviathans" and the emerging threat of digital AI, warning of a total loss of human control. The book explores the history of these institutional machines and their relentless drive for self-preservation. It is a thought-provoking analysis of how we unwittingly outsourced our collective agency.

4. Democracy Hacked: Political Turmoil and Information Warfare in the Digital Age by Martin Moore Martin Moore details the insidious ways that digital platforms and information warfare have destabilized democratic institutions across the globe. He investigates the rise of fake news, data manipulation, and foreign interference in elections, highlighting the lack of accountability for tech giants. The book exposes the vulnerability of open societies to weaponized information and the distortion of public discourse. It serves as a stark warning about the fragility of truth in the unregulated internet era.

5. Dear Prime Minister: Letters to Robert Menzies 1949-1966 by Martyn Lyons This collection gathers letters written by ordinary Australians to Robert Menzies during his record-breaking tenure as Prime Minister. It offers a unique bottom-up perspective on the social and political concerns of the post-war era, ranging from the fear of communism to the cost of living. The correspondence reveals the direct, often personal relationship between the leader and the electorate. It is a fascinating intimate history of Australia during a time of significant cultural change.

6. Australia's China Odyssey: From Euphoria to Fear by James Curran James Curran provides a comprehensive history of the turbulent relationship between Australia and China, from the optimistic diplomatic openings of the 1970s to recent tensions. He analyzes the shifting diplomatic strategies and the conflict between economic interests and national security concerns. The book critiques the political rhetoric that has driven the country from engagement to estrangement. It is an essential guide to understanding Australia's most critical and complex foreign partnership.

7. The Red Web: The Kremlin's Wars on the Internet by Andrei Soldatov Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan trace the history of the Russian internet and the Kremlin's relentless efforts to bring it under state control. They document the rise of digital surveillance, the persecution of tech entrepreneurs, and the sophisticated tools used to silence online dissent. The book reveals how the internet, once a tool for freedom, became a weapon of authoritarianism. It is a gripping account of the digital frontline in the struggle for Russian democracy.

8. THE JANUARY 6 REPORT by The January 6 Select Committee This official report presents the definitive findings of the Select Committee investigating the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. It compiles testimony, documents, and visual evidence detailing the coordinated efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The text provides a historical record of the events leading up to the insurrection and the individuals involved. It is a crucial document for understanding the fragility of American democratic transitions.

9. Beijing Rules: China's Quest for Global Influence by Bethany Allen Bethany Allen exposes how China uses its immense economic power as a weapon to coerce nations and companies into following its political agenda. She details the mechanisms of "economic statecraft," from boycotts to market access restrictions, used to silence global criticism and enforce censorship. The book argues that Western democracies have been slow to recognize and counter this authoritarian reach. It is a revelatory look at the new frontier of geopolitical warfare.

10. Head North: A Rallying Cry for a More Equal Britain by Andy Burnham Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram argue for a radical restructuring of British politics to end the deep-seated north-south divide. They propose a new era of decentralization that empowers regions to manage their own economies, transport, and skills training. The authors combine personal memoir with a political manifesto for a more equal and functional United Kingdom. It is a passionate rallying cry for shifting power away from the Westminster bubble.

11. Power to the People: Use your voice, change the world by Danny Sriskandarajah Danny Sriskandarajah draws on his experience as the CEO of Oxfam to argue for a revitalized form of global citizenship and civic engagement. He explores how ordinary people can reclaim their voice and influence broken systems through community organizing and digital activism. The book offers practical examples of grassroots movements that have successfully challenged the status quo. It is an optimistic guide to participating in democracy beyond just casting a vote.

12. How Good is Scott Morrison? by Peter van Onselen Peter van Onselen and Wayne Errington conduct a critical assessment of Scott Morrison’s tenure as Prime Minister of Australia. They analyze his marketing-driven approach to politics, his management of crises like the Black Summer bushfires and the pandemic, and his ideological flexibility. The book questions the substance behind the slogans and the long-term legacy of his leadership style. It is a sharp political biography that dissects the branding of a modern leader.

13. Chaos Under Heaven: Trump, Xi, and the Battle for the Twenty-First Century by Josh Rogin Josh Rogin chronicles the chaotic internal struggles of the Trump administration as it confronted the rising power of China. He reveals the conflicting advice, trade war escalations, and the mishandling of the COVID-19 outbreak amidst intense diplomatic infighting. The book provides deep insider access to the personalities shaping the world’s most dangerous rivalry. It is a fast-paced narrative of power struggles within the White House and Beijing.

14. At War with Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House by H. R. McMaster H.R. McMaster offers a candid memoir of his thirteen months serving as National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump. He describes the dysfunction of the Oval Office and the challenge of implementing coherent foreign policy amidst competing agendas and personality clashes. The book is a defense of institutional norms and a critique of the personalization of politics. It provides a soldier-scholar’s perspective on a uniquely turbulent presidency.

15. The Showman: The Inside Story That Made a War Leader of Volodymyr Zelensky by Simon Shuster Simon Shuster paints an intimate portrait of Volodymyr Zelensky, tracing his transformation from a comedic actor to a wartime president. Based on years of reporting from within the presidential compound, it captures the human toll of the Russian invasion and the steel required to lead. The book explores Zelensky's leadership style, his mastery of communication, and his resilience under fire. It is a defining biography of the unlikely hero of the Ukraine war.

16. Cuckooland: Where the Rich Own the Truth by Tom Burgis Tom Burgis investigates the corrupting influence of the super-rich on Western legal and political systems, revealing a world where truth is for sale. He follows the money trail of kleptocrats who use high-priced lawyers to silence journalists and rewrite history to suit their interests. The narrative exposes a reality where justice is a commodity available only to the highest bidder. It is a chilling exposé of how oligarchs are eroding the foundations of democracy.