7 Books on politics with a gripping and enlightening perspective

With the ongoing elections in the USA and the Indian state of Bihar, the word ‘politics’ has become the talk of the town. Everybody is busy talking, discussing, and arguing about politics. Moreover, it is an undeniable fact that politics is a part and parcel of our daily lives. It is so imbibed in our psyche that all our actions are somewhat governed by the political and societal happenings around us.

Since politics is an integral part of our lives, it is very important to have knowledge and understanding of the same. This could be attained through various means including books, podcasts, resources available on various websites, et cetera. However, for voracious readers, the best source to gain any kind of knowledge or understanding of anything is through books. Here is a look at some books on politics you must read.

The book helps the readers to get a deeper understanding of the world of American politics. Its blurb reads so: "In a world of sound bites, deliberate misinformation, and a political scene coloured by the blue versus red partisan divide, how does the average educated American find a reliable source that’s free of political spin? This book breaks it all down, issue by issue, explaining who stands for what, and why…”

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The book is a study of one of the most legendary American Presidents in history--Abraham Lincoln. It gave Barack Obama the model for his presidency, showing how Lincoln saved America by appointing his fiercest rival to key cabinet positions.

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The book answers a very important and relevant question: Why are some nations rich and others poor, divided by wealth and poverty, health and sickness, food and famine? Based on fifteen years of original research, the authors try to build a new theory of political economy with great relevance for the big questions of today.

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In the book, the author discusses the concepts of racism and proposals for anti-racist individual actions and systemic changes. He demolishes the myth of the post-racial society and builds up a vital new understanding of racism – what it is, where it is hidden, how to identify it and what to do about it.

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The book is a thorough study of the co-existence of crime and democratic processes in Indian politics. As per the blurb of the book, "In this eye-opening book, political scientist Milan Vaishnav takes readers deep into the marketplace for criminal politicians by drawing on fieldwork on the campaign trail, large surveys, and an original database on politicians' backgrounds."

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The book reflects on the India of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, by gathering rare and candid insights from some of the most distinguished experts, practitioners and scholars on India. It seeks to answer some of the following questions: Has democracy in India fulfilled the aspirations of its people? Have institutions delivered? Would the country become an economic powerhouse?

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The book focuses on the life of one of India's most popular politicians - Indira Gandhi. Indira broke the conventional, democratic ruling method that her family had been using and adopted a somewhat authoritarian way of ruling the nation.

Pic credit: Penguin India