Peter Allen, "How to Think about Politics: A Guide in Five Parts" (Oxford UP, 2025)

In 'Crashed: How a Decade of Financial Crises Changed the World', Adam Tooze provides a detailed and extensively researched account of the 2008 financial crisis. The book explores the origins, mechanisms, and far-reaching consequences of the crisis, including its impact on global politics, the rise of nationalist movements, and the ongoing challenges to democracy in Europe and the United States. Tooze's narrative spans from the collapse of Lehman Brothers to the broader geopolitical and economic shifts that followed, highlighting the interconnectedness of global financial systems and the complex responses to the crisis.

In 'How to Think About Politics: A Guide in Five Parts', Peter Allen explores the multifaceted nature of politics, arguing that it permeates everyday life far beyond formal institutions. The book critiques the traditional academic view of politics, emphasizing the importance of power dynamics and societal structures in shaping political outcomes. Allen uses practical and philosophical examples to illustrate his points, making the book accessible to a broad audience. He delves into questions of representation, political knowledge, and the role of politics in individual lives. Ultimately, the book encourages readers to critically examine their own relationship to politics and to consider how they can contribute to positive change.