The Greatest Russian, Canadian, Unknown "Nonfiction, Political" Books Since 1980

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Nonfiction

Political

The "Political" category of books encompasses works that explore the theory, practice, and history of government and politics. These books may cover topics such as political ideologies, political systems, political institutions, political movements, and political leaders. They may also examine the relationship between politics and other areas of society, such as economics, culture, and international relations. Political books can be both informative and thought-provoking, offering readers insights into the complexities of the political world and the challenges of governing in a democratic society.

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  1. 1. No Logo by Naomi Klein

    This book explores the negative effects of corporate branding and globalization. It critiques the marketing strategies of large corporations, arguing that they exploit workers and manipulate consumers. The author also discusses how these corporations have a significant influence on culture and public space. The book suggests that consumer activism and grassroots movements can serve as effective counter-forces to corporate power.

    The 3167th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism by Naomi Klein

    This book explores the concept of "disaster capitalism", the idea that global capitalism thrives on disaster and chaos. The author argues that free market policies are often pushed through while countries are reeling from wars, natural disasters, or economic crises. She provides a historical analysis of these events, from Chile in the 1970s, to Russia in the 1990s, to the war in Iraq, demonstrating how governments and corporations exploit these periods of shock to implement economic reforms that would otherwise be rejected.

    The 5000th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Citizen And Subject by Mahmood Mamdani

    "Citizen and Subject" explores the complex relationship between citizenship and identity in postcolonial Africa. The author critically examines the concept of citizenship as a tool for exclusion and domination, particularly in the context of colonial and postcolonial states. Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies from Uganda and South Africa, Mamdani delves into the historical processes that have shaped the formation of citizenship and subjecthood, shedding light on the enduring legacies of colonialism and the challenges faced by marginalized groups in attaining full citizenship rights.

    The 5914th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Political Thought Of Karl Popper by Jeremy Shearmur

    This book offers a detailed examination of Karl Popper's political philosophy, exploring his views on liberalism, democracy, and the open society. It delves into Popper's critique of totalitarianism and historicism, his defense of the open society against its enemies, and his thoughts on the role of critical rationalism in fostering an environment of tolerance and intellectual openness. The author analyzes Popper's influence on contemporary political thought and assesses the practical implications of his ideas for current political debates, providing a comprehensive overview of Popper's contributions to the understanding of modern democratic theory.

    The 6447th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Warrior's Honor: Ethnic War and the Modern Conscience by Michael Ignatieff

    The book explores the moral and ethical challenges faced by modern societies when confronted with ethnic conflicts and wars. It delves into the complexities of humanitarian intervention, the role of the media in shaping public perception, and the struggle to reconcile the principles of human rights with the brutal realities of ethnic violence. Through a series of case studies and philosophical reflections, the author examines the tension between the universal claims of morality and the particular loyalties of kinship and nationality, questioning the capacity of moral conscience to mediate in conflicts where deep-seated cultural and ethnic animosities are at play.

    The 6657th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Diary Of A Gulag Prison Guard 1935 6 by Ivan Chistyakov

    "The Diary Of A Gulag Prison Guard 1935-6" is a chilling and harrowing memoir that provides a firsthand account of the atrocities and cruelty witnessed by Ivan Chistyakov during his time as a guard in a Soviet Gulag prison. Through his detailed entries, Chistyakov reveals the dehumanizing conditions, brutal punishments, and constant fear that both prisoners and guards endured within the oppressive Soviet regime. This haunting narrative serves as a stark reminder of the dark realities of the Gulag system and the lasting impact it had on the lives of countless individuals.

    The 8380th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. In Confidence by Anatoly Dobrynin

    "In Confidence" is a memoir by a former Soviet ambassador that provides an insider's view of Cold War diplomacy from the perspective of the Soviet Union. The book offers detailed accounts of the ambassador's interactions with several U.S. administrations, revealing the complexities of U.S.-Soviet relations and the personal and political challenges of navigating this high-stakes diplomatic landscape. Through his unique vantage point, the author sheds light on major historical events and decisions, offering insights into the strategic thinking and interpersonal dynamics that shaped the Cold War era.

    The 8468th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Other Russias by Victoria Lomasko

    "Other Russias" is a powerful and thought-provoking graphic novel that offers an intimate and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of marginalized individuals and communities in contemporary Russia. Through her stunning illustrations and poignant interviews, Victoria Lomasko sheds light on the struggles, hopes, and resilience of diverse groups such as LGBTQ+ activists, migrant workers, political dissidents, and the forgotten voices of rural communities. This eye-opening book challenges stereotypes and provides a humanizing portrayal of those who are often overlooked or silenced in Russian society.

    The 8495th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Political Order And Inequality by Carles Boix

    This book delves into the intricate relationship between political dynamics and social inequalities, offering a comprehensive analysis of how political institutions shape economic disparities and vice versa. The author argues that the formation of political order and the distribution of resources within a society are deeply interconnected processes, influenced by historical events, economic pressures, and power struggles. Through a detailed examination of various political systems and historical contexts, the book presents a theoretical framework for understanding the mechanisms through which political stability and inequality are mutually reinforced, suggesting that the path to a more equitable society lies in the careful restructuring of political institutions to address the root causes of inequality.

    The 9076th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Dark Matters by Simone Browne

    "Dark Matters" is a critical examination of how race and surveillance have intersected throughout history, particularly within the context of blackness. The book delves into the ways in which surveillance practices, both historical and contemporary, are rooted in racial discrimination and how these practices have served to enforce boundaries of social control. By exploring a range of topics, from the branding of slaves in the 18th century to modern-day policing and biometric technologies, the book challenges readers to consider the pervasive nature of surveillance and its disproportionate impact on black communities. Through this lens, the author reveals the deep-seated connections between visibility, race, and the monitoring of bodies in public and private spaces, urging a reevaluation of the role of surveillance in perpetuating systemic racial inequalities.

    The 9237th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia by Masha Gessen

    This book provides a deeply researched examination of the resurgence of totalitarianism in Russia, focusing on the lives of four individuals born at what promised to be the dawn of democracy. The book explores how, after the fall of the Soviet Union, instead of moving towards a democratic society, Russia has seen a rise in a new form of totalitarianism under its current leadership. It delves into the psychological shift in the Russian populace, the government's use of homophobia as a method of control, and how the internet and social media have been weaponized for political purposes.

    The 9613th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff

    The book explores the emergence of surveillance capitalism, a new form of capitalism that thrives on personal data. The author details how tech companies, such as Google and Facebook, collect and use personal data to predict and modify human behavior as a means to produce revenue and market control. The book delves into the consequences of this phenomenon on economy, society, and democracy, warning about the dangers of unchecked data collection and manipulation.

    The 9989th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download