The recently published memoirs of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel are fuelling the present-day criticism of her legacy. And it is true that today, Germany does face many great challenges. But a close reading suggests that it would be too simplistic to lay full responsibility at her feet, as many analysts are wont to do.     

Kushner’s The Geography of Injustice unravels the contested war crime trials and lingering memory of Japanese wartime atrocities, offering critical insights into the fractured reconciliation process in East Asia. With its rich analysis of post-WWII legal, political, and cultural dynamics, this book is an essential read for understanding the region’s historical and ongoing tensions.

Capturing News, Capturing Democracy highlights how government capture of media, exemplified by the Voice of America under the Trump administration, undermines democratic values and editorial independence. It warns that media institutions with ambiguous mandates are particularly susceptible to politicisation, self-censorship, and the erosion of democratic norms.

Australia is debating how best to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for economic growth, especially to boost its long-sluggish productivity. In their latest book, Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity, 2024 Nobel laureates in economics Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson challenge the notion that technology inevitably drives social welfare, contending that strong institutions and deliberate policy directions are just as important in shaping equitable outcomes. 

The world is entering a new Cold War between the United States and China, requiring a comprehensive, aggressive strategy to counter China’s rising influence, according to the authors. In managing this new strategic reality, the book emphasises innovation, alliances, and vigilance, while raising important questions about the sustainability and endgame of this geopolitical rivalry.

Slick by Royce Kurmelovs is a compelling exploration of how the fossil fuel industry has managed to maintain its dominance in Australia over several decades. This enduring influence persists despite clear evidence that burning fossil fuels is driving the rise in greenhouse gas emissions and fuelling climate change.

In Canada First, Not Canada Alone, Chapnick and McKercher make a renewed case for understanding Canada’s place in world politics as a principal power. This book explores Canada's evolving role in global politics, highlighting the country's efforts to balance leadership, independence, and alliance-building while navigating historical legacies and modern challenges

Geoff Raby's new book examines the evolving power dynamics in Core Eurasia, focusing on the competition between China and Russia, particularly in Central Asia. Raby highlights historical tensions, strategic implications, and the shifting global order, offering insights into China's rising dominance and the potential for a strategic shift in US-Russia relations.

“Repeat: A Warning From History” is Dennis Glover's new book that looks to the future as much as the past. He draws parallels between significant historical figures and the politics of today. Unfortunately, this focus on drawing lessons from history leaves much to be desired. 

Harrison's groundbreaking study reveals how military conscription has been weaponised as a tool of genocide, with devastating case studies from the Ottoman Empire and Hungary. It's prescriptions for contemporary rights abuses are many and relevant to current conflicts.