Reading before starting a politics degree can help you build a solid foundation and give you a head start in understanding key concepts, ideologies, and debates. Here are some highly recommended books across various areas of political science:
“The Republic” by Plato
- Why Read It: This classic work explores justice, governance, and the ideal state. It lays the groundwork for Western political thought and introduces key philosophical questions that are still relevant today.
“Leviathan” by Thomas Hobbes
- Why Read It: Hobbes’ work is foundational in understanding the social contract theory and the necessity of a strong central authority. It’s essential for grasping the origins of modern political order.
“The Prince” by Niccolò Machiavelli
- Why Read It: This book provides insight into realpolitik and the pragmatics of political power. It’s a controversial but crucial text for understanding political strategy and leadership.
“On Liberty” by John Stuart Mill
- Why Read It: Mill’s defence of individual freedom and his views on liberty versus authority are central to liberal political thought. This book is key for understanding debates on personal freedom and state intervention.
“The Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
- Why Read It: A seminal text in understanding Marxism, class struggle, and the critique of capitalism. It’s crucial for engaging with socialist and communist ideologies.
“The Social Contract” by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- Why Read It: Rousseau’s ideas about collective governance and the general will are foundational to modern democratic thought and the idea of popular sovereignty.
“Democracy in America” by Alexis de Tocqueville
- Why Read It: This book offers an in-depth analysis of American democracy and its strengths and weaknesses. It’s a great read for understanding democracy in practice and its implications for civil society.
“The Origins of Totalitarianism” by Hannah Arendt
- Why Read It: Arendt’s analysis of totalitarian regimes provides a deep understanding of the conditions that lead to such systems, making it essential for understanding authoritarianism and its dangers.
“The Road to Serfdom” by Friedrich Hayek
- Why Read It: This book is a key text in understanding the critique of central planning and the defence of free-market capitalism, making it a must-read for those interested in economic policies and political freedom.
“An Introduction to Political Philosophy” by Jonathan Wolff
- Why Read It: This book offers a concise and accessible introduction to key political ideas and theories. It’s perfect for those new to the subject and looking for a structured overview.
“The Wealth of Nations” by Adam Smith
- Why Read It: Smith’s work is foundational in understanding capitalism, market economies, and the role of government in economic life. It’s critical for any discussion on political economy.
“Political Order and Political Decay” by Francis Fukuyama
- Why Read It: This modern classic explores the development of political institutions and the reasons they succeed or fail. It’s particularly useful for understanding the complexities of state-building and governance.
“The Federalist Papers” by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
- Why Read It: These essays are crucial for understanding the philosophical foundations of the U.S. Constitution and the principles of federalism, checks and balances, and republicanism.
“The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order” by Samuel P. Huntington
- Why Read It: Huntington’s work on the post-Cold War world offers insights into global politics, cultural conflicts, and the potential for civilizational clashes, making it relevant for international relations.
“Why Nations Fail” by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson
- Why Read It: This book explores the reasons behind the success or failure of nations, focusing on institutions, governance, and economic policies. It’s essential for understanding development and political economy.
“Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond
- Why Read It: While not strictly a political book, it offers a deep understanding of how geography and environment have shaped human societies, which is crucial for understanding the roots of global inequality and state formation.
These books will give you a broad and deep understanding of political theory, history, and contemporary issues, helping you hit the ground running when you start your politics degree.
