Terrorism, Israel, and Dreams of Peace (with Haviv Rettig Gur)

Published in 1902, 'Altneuland' is a utopian novel that expands on Theodor Herzl's vision for Jewish national emancipation, as outlined in his earlier work 'Der Judenstaat'. The novel follows the journey of Friedrich Löwenberg, a young Viennese intellectual, who travels to Palestine and later returns to find it transformed into a thriving, modern society. Herzl's vision includes a mixed economy with public ownership of land and natural resources, agricultural cooperatives, and a strong emphasis on social welfare and technological innovation. The novel highlights Herzl's commitment to social equality, multiculturalism, and the coexistence of Jews and Arabs, reflecting his broader political philosophy and the ideals of Zionism.

A Savage War of Peace is a comprehensive history of the Algerian War, written by Alistair Horne. The book covers the background, events, and aftermath of the conflict, highlighting the brutalities and complexities of the war. It explores the French military's use of torture, the political and military strategies of both the French and the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN), and the broader implications of the war on global politics. The book is divided into two main parts, with detailed chapters and appendices, including an afterword, bibliography, and chronology of events. Horne's work is praised for its objectivity and thoroughness, making it essential reading for understanding modern insurgencies and the conduct of politics and diplomacy during large-scale military efforts[1][4][5].

In 'Wild Problems,' Russ Roberts addresses the big, uncertain decisions in life—such as who to marry, whether to have children, where to move, and how to forge a life well-lived—that cannot be solved using data, science, or traditional rational approaches. He suggests focusing less on the path that promises the most happiness and more on figuring out who you actually want to be. Roberts draws on the experiences of great artists, writers, and scientists to lay out strategies for reducing fear and the loss of control when facing these 'wild problems.' He argues that life should be experienced as a mystery rather than a problem to be solved, and he critiques the idea of relying solely on cost-benefit analysis and utilitarianism for making life's major decisions.