5 books on politics to read this Holy Week

At this point in life, we are already clear that politics is part of our daily life and that it is inevitable not to talk about it (or read, in this case). And is that as much as we want to give ourselves some time off from these issues, the truth is that a small impulse will always arise that leads us to continue sailing through its dense waters. Even in a time of relaxation such as Easter, many people take the opportunity to enjoy a good read and, although some may not believe it, books on politics and current affairs take quite a leading role.

It is no secret to anyone that we are experiencing a few years of great intensity, in a world where political currents do whatever it takes to try to dominate the majority and also cause such an overwhelming clash that they end up generating different forms of social demonstrations. How to understand and handle these situations? What are its origins? What purpose do they have? These are questions that, sometimes, do not have an illuminating answer.

In the Easter season, where staying at home is also a good option, we bring you 5 recommendations for books on politics that will help you understand a little more about the current situation in the world. From an essay on contemporary politics to a classic on Latin America to an incisive analysis of US and Middle Eastern politics, all of these options are available for purchase on Amazon.

Also read: Gallery: Latin American passports: Which are the best and worst in 2022?

"How Democracies Die"

Professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, from Harvard University, are the authors of this bestseller that – in a nutshell – deals with the dynamics behind the deterioration of democracy. But do not be fooled by the simple fact that they develop an analysis of the fall of the US government since among its extensive pages they also give space to certain characters such as Pinochet and Erdogan, and how they made their democracies disappear.

What exactly is it about? Examples of populism continue to appear in different parts of the world and that, according to the authors, has endangered democracy in both Europe and Latin America. Basically, this work reveals to us how and why certain democratic institutions have begun to die out. But beyond giving us that historical and current review, they also explain to us in what ways we can save our democracy and thus get out of authoritarian and populist individuals.

"Who rules the world?"

Without a doubt, it is a question that many of us ask ourselves day after day and that generates more and more suspicion due to the current events that we are experiencing. It may be that at the end of reading Noam Chomsky's work we still don't know who rules the world, but what we will be clear about is the hidden truths of a world that continues to submerge itself in banalities and a culture of consumerism.

What exactly is it about? Through a pleasant and very well explained reading, we will learn how the United States continues to risk creating a catastrophe that would destroy the common goods of the planet, all this through political actions where military power predominates. Likewise, the author will also bring us closer to that dark side of the North American elites, whose intention is to lead the population towards consumerism and hatred so that the corporations and the rich continue doing what they please.

"The Open Veins of Latin America"

To get to know Latin America, it is necessary to inquire first through its "veins". Although this classic by Eduardo Galeano had its first edition in 1971, years later it continues to be a reference and required reading for any individual born in this part of the continent. Many will say that it is not exactly a book about politics, but the truth of the matter is that it is a contribution to the understanding of the past that feeds the uncertain present of several of its nations.

What exactly is it about? Considered a masterpiece by hundreds of critics, Galeano, through an accurate, hypnotic, and poetic narration, takes us through the cycle of production that Latin America experienced since the time of the colonies and how that exploitation helped considerably in the growth of the United States. and European countries. This historical, economic, and social analysis will be of great help to those who wish to understand our present and who also try to envision a better future for our sister countries.

"The Modern Prince: Democracy, Politics, and Power"

If you have read "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli, this work is the perfect complement to finish understanding everything related to contemporary politics and the laws that surround it. Pablo Simón's book reviews different aspects of the international order. It is also directly recommended for those who seek to understand how politics works in all its branches. To do this, the author analyzed relevant events from the past in order to make us understand current situations, especially in Europe.

What exactly is it about? The author takes us down a path where economic crises have accelerated political changes in all corners of the world. Given this, we will see several points, explained in detail, such as the origin of the State and the role of globalization, the fundamental axes of democracy, and its institutional organization. In short, this work aims to present us with what empirical politics can contribute to these new winds of change.

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the hegemony of the Middle East

A simple book that goes straight to the point of understanding the tensions that exist in the Middle East. David Hernández Martínez, the author of this work, tells us perfectly all the necessary details to situate ourselves in the geopolitical environment of Saudi Arabia and the surrounding areas in an entertaining way for easy understanding. Although it is more than recommended for political scientists and historians, those who are not experts in the field will be able to devour its pages in a few hours of reading.

What exactly is it about? For those who do not know, Saudi Arabia is one of the main political and economic centers in the Middle East and, in large part, it is due to the House of Saud, which since 1932 has maintained leadership in the entire region. This book analyzes the historical evolution of the Wahhabi state and everything it has generated not only in the Arab world but also globally. In addition, it will be important to know the changes that both the king and the prince are trying to introduce to consolidate their hegemonic position against other world powers.