Goliath by Matt Stoller is a detailed historical account that re-tells U.S. history as a fight between monopolists and anti-monopolists. The book begins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on figures like J.P. Morgan and Andrew Mellon, and traces the struggle through the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, and the post-war period up to the present. Stoller highlights key personalities such as Wright Patman, Ralph Nader, and Michael Milken, and discusses the impact of anti-monopoly policies on American democracy. The book also explores the resurgence of authoritarianism and populism in modern American politics and the historical context that led to the current political landscape[2][3][4].
Carl von Clausewitz's "On War" is a seminal work on military strategy, exploring the complex interplay of military, political, and social factors in warfare. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of war as a dynamic and unpredictable phenomenon. The book delves into various aspects of military strategy, including the role of chance, the importance of morale, and the relationship between war and politics. Its enduring influence is evident in its continued relevance to military studies, international relations, and strategic thinking. It remains a cornerstone of military theory.
In 'The Politics Industry', Katherine Gehl and Michael Porter apply business analysis to the U.S. political system, highlighting it as a duopoly dominated by Democrats and Republicans. They propose reforms like ranked-choice voting and non-partisan primaries to increase competition and solve national challenges. The book offers practical solutions to reshape the political system for the benefit of all citizens.
Written in the early 16th century, 'The Prince' is a realistic instruction guide for new rulers. Machiavelli argues that an effective leader must be skilled in the art of war, sometimes cruel, and willing to use deception and manipulation to achieve political goals. The book is divided into chapters that discuss various types of principalities, how to acquire and maintain power, and the qualities a prince should possess. Machiavelli uses historical examples, including the career of Cesare Borgia, to illustrate his points. The treatise emphasizes the importance of maintaining the goodwill of the people and the stability of the state, even if it means deviating from traditional virtues. 'The Prince' remains a controversial but influential work in modern political philosophy.
In 'The Kill Chain,' Christian Brose argues that the U.S. military is losing pace to technological advancements and strategic shifts by adversaries such as China and Russia. Brose introduces the concept of the 'kill chain'—a process involving understanding the situation, decision-making, and executing actions—to highlight the need for a defensive mindset in modern warfare. He advocates for a shift from traditional offensive strategies to a culture and doctrine of defense, emphasizing the use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and autonomous systems to prevent war, deter aggression, and maintain peace.
In 'War Without Rules,' retired Air Force Brigadier General Rob Spalding delves into China's playbook for global domination, highlighting their use of corporate espionage, pandemics, and trade violations. The book provides insights into how Americans can counter these tactics by understanding the principles outlined in China's 'Unrestricted Warfare' strategy.