4 Must-Read International Relations Books

Freya Whiteside
Sep 6, 2018 · 3 min read

We looked at what the Brookings Institution Press has to offer for students of international relations and politics.

Perlego is growing! We’re proud to now offer titles from the Brookings Institution press, which specialises in publishing expert research in the fields of foreign policy, economics, development, governance and metropolitan policy.

To celebrate, we’ve curated a list perfect for students of politics and international relations searching for the latest cutting edge opinion in their field.

Beyond NATO

Is NATO enough to keep the peace between East and West? Senior fellow of foreign policy Michael O’Hanlon argues that something more is needed in his analysis of stability in Europe. As tensions between Western nations and Russia rise, it is vital to reduce hostilities and protect the countries at risk of being caught in the cross-fire. This book lays the hypothetical groundwork for a new security architecture for European relations, calling for true neutrality and self-determination for Eastern European states — but can a world beyond NATO expect Russia to cooperate?

China’s Global Engagement

Big changes are happening in China. The country’s ability and desire to influence global events is growing, with internal attitudes to foreign policy transitioning too. This book collects the opinions of China specialists around the world in a volume of essays that explore such topics as China’s media industry and consumption, the race to develop sustainable energy technology, and the country’s place in the global economy and cultural discourse. Read for a thorough assessment of China’s growing role as a major force in world politics.

The Future of ISIS

How can the West combat ISIS? This volume of essays, edited by two distinguished scholars at Indiana University, analyses the ideology, the rise, and the power of ISIS and the implications on local regions and the US. By thoroughly evaluating American intervention in Middle Eastern conflicts, the text aims to identify the lessons of history and influence future foreign policy strategy. This compelling collection is a requisite for understanding one of the most urgent issues of international relations today.

Mr. Putin, Operative in the Kremlin

Behind the carefully created press image of Putin, laden with macho iconography of bare-chested sportsmanship and country endeavours, is a leader who has held power in Russia for nearly two decades: a former KGB agent turned president. This revised text puts together the many identities of Vladimir Putin and seeks to make sense of the political system he holds together. A psychological and social study of Russia and the man who rules it, the new edition of Mr. Putin, Operative in the Kremlin explores the factors that have moulded modern Russian politics.

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Freya Whiteside

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Perlego editor - finding the best books for students to make university hassle free

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