Studying Politics? Here’s 10 Political Classics You Need to Read
If you’re going to study politics this year, you’ll know that the political landscape is constantly shifting. You only need to blink to miss the latest news. But behind the ever-changing news lies a wealth of timeless texts that have changed the world and might just change your life. Before you start university, here’s a list of essential political texts to prepare for your course…
The Republic by Plato
As philosophical as it is political, Plato’s The Republic is one of the foundations of western civilisation and fundamental preparatory reading. Written as a dialogue, the text debates forms of government, the definition of justice, and even our perceptions of reality. Plato’s engaging dialogues force readers to argue with a variety of voices and ideas, making it perfect training for the up and coming undergraduate. If you’ve read this, you can definitely make it through your first seminar.
Aristotle’s Politics by Aristotle, ed. Jonathan Barnes
The title of this text says it all: it’s about politics, and more specifically, Aristotle’s collected thoughts on the subject. Divided into easy to digest thematic chapters, this edition of the Ancient Greek classic introduces you to Aristotle’s thoughts on politics, economics, and Athenian society. Whether you read it as a companion to Plato or as an individual text, Politics is a fascinating and thorough introduction to the subject.
The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
Often considered as one of the first works of modern political philosophy, The Prince is essential reading for any future PMs. Machiavelli’s writing explains to power-hungry readers, including a selection of western kings and rulers, how to properly govern a nation — and keep it. Relevant to this day for insights into the Machiavellian mind, the text shook the early modern world and continues to inform our perceptions of politicians.
Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
Written in the apocalyptic atmosphere of the English Civil War, this historical text explores the desire for absolute power during times of chaos. Taking its name from the Biblical sea-monster Leviathan, the text argues for a supremely powerful ruler to govern both the nation and the worst of human nature. If you’re the type of person who falls to pieces during the unstructured summer break, read this to kickstart your year ahead.
The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
“Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains.” This is a text that irreversibly changed a nation, with Rousseau’s political writings underpinning the radical ideals of the French Revolution. Calling for liberty, equality, and fraternity, the text radically dismisses ideas of monarchical divine power. Though it may not be popular with the royals, The Social Contract is a must read for any student interested in the creation of a freer world.
Second Treatise of Government by John Locke
Second Treatise of Government is essential for understanding modern American and the beginnings of capitalism. So provocative that it was originally published anonymously, Locke looks at the formation of governments and our freedom to overthrow them. As a text that ignited the minds behind the American Revolution, this book is key to our understanding of modern democratic government.
The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
Who would have thought that such a small book could change the world so much? Articulating a political ideology that is hotly debated to this day, Marx and Engels’ manifesto rallied the workers of the world to unite against the forces of global capitalism. An essential text for any humanities student, this work has irreversibly influenced the way scholars interpret the past, the present, and the future — and it’s only 64 pages.
On Liberty by John Stuart Mill
On Liberty was so popular upon its release in the 19th century that undergraduates could apparently recite it off by heart. Although it may not be as popular today, the text remains a seminal work of British liberalism and is still a symbol of the English Liberal Democrat Party. Exploring the value of the individual and the power of the freedom of speech, John Stuart Mill questions how far the state should govern our lives.
Anarchism and Other Essays by Emma Goldman
If you think of the punk movement when you think of anarchism, perhaps it’s time for a formal introduction. This brilliant collection of essays covers key theories of anarchism and feminism, with Emma Goldman’s passionate and controversial writings ranging from topics as wide as patriotism to prisons. Radical both in life and text, Goldman’s essays are an essential introduction for any student concerned with social justice.
Power by Steven Lukes
Political theorist and professor Steven Lukes has produced a modern classic with the book Power. By deconstructing the use of power into three major areas, Lukes explains how power is used to shape the political conversation and policy making. This text is an accessible introduction to understand how power is exerted in society, and will no doubt empower you once you start your studies.
