The Must-Read Book Recommendations for 2024!
By the Editorial Board – December 20, 2024
Introduction
In an era marked by rapid political shifts and technological advancements, grasping the complex interplay between diplomacy, information, military strategy, and economics (DIME) is essential. This knowledge is invaluable for anyone seeking to understand the forces that drive national and military strategies. The books from each DIME category offer critical insights into the elements that shape global power dynamics and security, making one or a selection from each a vital source for navigating today’s international landscape.
From the inner workings of autocratic regimes to the evolution of warfare in the digital age, and from the economic undercurrents driving global policy to the tools of disinformation shaping public perception, these books provide a well-rounded view of the challenges and opportunities of our time.
Whether you're a policymaker, military professional, or an informed citizen, reading one book from each category will broaden your understanding of the interconnected forces defining today's world. Take the time to explore these perspectives—you'll gain invaluable knowledge about the factors shaping both national and global strategies.
THE 2024 LIST
DIPLOMATIC
"Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World" by Anne Applebaum
Explores the sophisticated networks of autocracies and authoritarian regimes, highlighting their hostility toward the democratic world and the global challenges they pose.
"To Run the World: The Inside Story of the National Security Council and the Architects of American Power" by Sergei Radchenko - An insider's account of the National Security Council's role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, highlighting key decisions and their global impact.
"The Achilles Trap: America’s Middle East Quagmires from Iraq to Afghanistan" by Steve Coll - An analysis of U.S. interventions in the Middle East, exploring the challenges and unintended consequences of American foreign policy in the region.
“New Cold Wars: China's Rise, Russia's Invasion, and America's Struggle to Defend the West “ by David E. Sanger Sanger provides an insightful account of U.S. foreign policy under the Biden administration. It focuses on major events such as Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, escalating U.S.-China tensions, and the conclusion of the Afghanistan war.
“Elements of Deterrence: Strategy, Technology, and Complexity in Global Politics” By Gartzke, Erik; Lindsay, Jon R. Gartzke and Lindsay present theoretical and empirical findings from a decade-long research endeavor on ''cross-domain deterrence'' sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense Minerva Initiative and building on previous research.
“Planning for Protraction: A Historically Informed Approach to Great-power War and Sino-US Competition:” Iskander Rehman’s Adelphi book analyses protracted great-power war throughout history to distill the key determinants of strategic performance. He applies these insights to a possible conflict between China and the United States, which, although it would contain unprecedented elements, would assume a more attritional character than many observers believe.
INFORMATION
"The Weaponization of Everything" by Mark Galeotti
Galeotti examines how modern conflict has evolved beyond traditional warfare, with disinformation and hybrid tactics becoming dominant tools for state and non-state actors.
"The Constitution of Knowledge" by Jonathan Rauch
Rauch discusses the critical role of truth in democratic societies and how misinformation and disinformation threaten the foundations of knowledge.
"The Coming Wave" by Mustafa Suleyman
A thought-provoking exploration of the rapid technological advancements and their role in shaping global power dynamics and influence.
"Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War" by Raj M. Shah and Christopher Kirchhoff An exploration of the collaboration between the U.S. Department of Defense and Silicon Valley in developing advanced military technologies.
“Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks” By Yuval Noah Harari In this book, Harari looks through the long lens of human history and67 considers how the flow of information has made and unmade our world, and provides an essential background to understanding the threats and promises of today’s AI revolution.
MILITARY
"The Melting Point – High Command and War in the 21st Century" by General Kenneth F. McKenzie Analyzes the complexities of high-level military decision-making and strategy in the modern era. (Our “must read” book for 2024)
"Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine" by David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts A comprehensive analysis of modern warfare's transformation, examining conflicts from the end of World War II to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"Four Battlegrounds" by Paul Scharre
Explores the competition for military superiority in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber warfare.
"The Strategists: Churchill, Stalin, Roosevelt, Mussolini, and Hitler in World War II" by Phillips Payson O'Brien An examination of the strategic decisions made by key World War II leaders and their impact on the war's outcome.
ECONOMIC
"Underground Empire" by Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman
Explores America's hidden power of economic domination through its control over global information networks.
"Chip War" by Chris Miller
Details the importance of semiconductors in global commerce, geopolitics, and everyday life. (Our runner up “must read”)
"Moneyland: The Inside Story of the Crooks and Kleptocrats Who Rule the World" by Oliver Bullough Bullough exposes how the ultra-rich, corrupt officials, and kleptocrats hide their fortunes through offshore banking, shell companies, and legal loopholes, investigating the devastating effects on democracies and economies.
"Offshore: Tax Havens and the Secret World of Global Capital" by James S. Henry Provides an in-depth exploration of the shadowy offshore financial system, its impact on global inequality, and the mechanisms enabling trillions of dollars to remain hidden.
EDITORS CHOICE
"The Melting Point – High Command and War in the 21st Century"
by General Kenneth F. McKenzie
General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr.’s book offers an unparalleled and deeply candid account of the political and military decision-making process during the turbulent years of 2020 and 2021 as the United States grappled with the drawdown and ultimate withdrawal from Afghanistan. As a former Combatant Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), McKenzie provides readers with a rare inside view, shedding light on the complexities, missteps, and hard truths behind one of the most controversial periods in recent American military history.
McKenzie's writing is both accessible and insightful, revealing his dual talents as a gifted storyteller and a dedicated professional. Above all, he emerges as a consummate strategist, offering a clear and concise definition of the craft: “...the ability to understand what is desired against what can be done to achieve that end, and an appreciation for the costs of pursuing that goal or choosing not to.” This simple yet profound description underpins his analysis of the decisions made by military and political leaders, including the constraints imposed by competing priorities and the high-stakes risks of disengagement.
The book does not shy away from detailing the challenges of executing strategy in a politically charged environment, nor does it attempt to sugarcoat the botched withdrawal that culminated in chaos at the Kabul airport. McKenzie’s reflections are unflinchingly honest, underscoring the human cost of misaligned strategies, tactical missteps, and constrained resources. His ability to balance personal experiences, operational details, and strategic-level insights makes this work a critical resource for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of military operations and national policy.
If you pick up this book with a highlighter, prepare for a visual transformation of its pages. McKenzie’s observations are sharp and memorable, his prose packed with insights that demand attention. His book stands as both a historical record and a cautionary tale, urging readers to grapple with the costs of war and the necessity of clarity in strategic objectives.
The runner up selection for “must read” is “Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology” by Chris Miller. This book explords the geopolitical and economic battle over semiconductors, the essential building blocks of modern technology. Miller chronicles the history and development of the chip industry, from its roots in Silicon Valley to its current status as a critical element of national power and global competition. The book delves into how semiconductors underpin everything from smartphones to advanced military systems, highlighting their strategic importance in a world increasingly shaped by technological supremacy.
With gripping narratives, Miller examines the intense rivalry between nations such as the United States and China, as well as the role of industry leaders, including Intel, TSMC, and others, in shaping the semiconductor landscape. By weaving together technology, history, and international relations, “Chip War” offers readers a vivid understanding of why controlling this industry is central to global power and what the consequences might be for nations that fall behind.
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