Books matching: oligarchy
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- #1
'Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice' by Bill Browder is a gripping true story that delves into the author's early career in finance, the establishment of Hermitage Capital, and his investments in Russia. The narrative transitions into the harrowing tale of Browder's persecution by the Russian State, the tragic death of his lawyer, and his relentless pursuit to enact the Magnitsky Bill. The book is commended for its captivating storytelling, shedding light on the corruption and human rights abuses in Putin's Russia.
Here’s what they mean: every other weekend I traveled from Moscow, the city where I lived, to London, the city I called home. I had made the trip 260 times over the last ten years. The “1” purpose of ... The System by Robert B. Reich delves into the analysis of how the political and economic systems in America have been distorted by power dynamics, leading to a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few at the top. Reich highlights the shift towards shareholder capitalism, the decline of union bargaining power, and the financial influence of Wall Street as key factors contributing to the rigging of the system. Through a compelling narrative, Reich addresses the impact of consumerism, the lack of concrete proposals for change, and the battle between democracy and oligarchy, emphasizing the need for systemic reform to restore balance and prioritize the common good over individual gain.
- #3
The Iron Heel by Jack London is a dystopian novel set in a future America where the working class rebels against the oppressive ruling class, known as the Iron Heel. The story is narrated through the journal entries of Avis Everhard, a revolutionary fighting against the oligarchy. London's writing style includes detailed descriptions of the class struggle, political unrest, and the rise of socialism, all set in a future society where the government uses militaristic attacks to suppress the socialist movement.
The soft summer wind stirs the redwoods, and Wild-Water ripples sweet cadences over its mossy stones. There are butterflies in the sunshine, and from everywhere arises the drowsy hum of bees. It is so... - #4
'Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible: The Surreal Heart of the New Russia' by Peter Pomerantsev is a memoir that offers an intimate and eye-opening look into modern Russia. Pomerantsev, a London television producer living in Russia, delves into the corrupt and surreal aspects of Russian society, showcasing a world where reality is often stranger than fiction. Through anecdotes and personal encounters, Pomerantsev explores themes of corruption, propaganda, desperation for success, and the lack of respect for Western values in contemporary Russia. The book paints a vivid picture of a society grappling with wealth, power, and a sense of disorientation in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse.
Flying in at night over Moscow you can see how the shape of the city is a series of concentric ring-roads with the small ring of the Kremlin at the center. At the end of the twentieth century the ligh... - #5
The Dictator's Handbook by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith is a thought-provoking analysis of political systems, not limited to dictatorships but also encompassing democratic regimes. The book delves into the mechanisms that governments use to maintain power, offering insights into the behavior of politicians and the influence they wield. Despite its title, the book explores various aspects of politics, including international diplomacy, foreign aid, and the dynamics of societal perspectives such as identity politics and social classes.
The writing style of The Dictator's Handbook is described as in-depth and analytical, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of political power dynamics. The book challenges traditional views of politics and encourages readers to think beyond the simplistic notions of good versus evil, presenting a mechanistic approach to understanding political systems and their inevitable consequences.
THE LOGIC OF POLITICS IS NOT COMPLEX. IN FACT, it is surprisingly easy to grasp most of what goes on in the political world as long as we are ready to adjust our thinking ever so modestly. To understa... 'The Spy and the Traitor' by Ben Macintyre is a gripping account of the Cold War espionage story of Oleg Gordievsky, a KGB double agent who worked for MI6. The narrative delves into Gordievsky's life as a spy, detailing his recruitment, spy work, and eventual betrayal, leading to a nail-biting exfiltration operation. Macintyre's precise and meticulous writing style, along with well-chosen photos, makes the book consistently compelling and suspenseful, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds.
Macintyre's narrative not only covers the espionage aspects of Gordievsky's story but also provides insights into the inner workings of the KGB and MI6 during the Cold War era. offers a riveting account of how Gordievsky's actions helped defuse a potential nuclear escalation between the West and the USSR, highlighting the high stakes and real-world consequences of espionage activities during that period.
Oleg Gordievsky was born into the KGB: shaped by it, loved by it, twisted, damaged, and very nearly destroyed by it. The Soviet spy service was in his heart and in his blood. His father worked for the...'The Oligarchs: Wealth and Power in the New Russia' by David E. Hoffman delves into the rise and fall of the Russian Oligarchs during the Yeltsin era, showcasing their manipulation of the new capitalist system in post-Soviet Russia. Through detailed accounts of the Oligarchs' acquisition of massive wealth and power, the book sheds light on the corruption, abuses, and major errors that characterized the period, offering insights into the political and economic landscape of Russia at that time. Hoffman's writing style captures the essence of the era, portraying a narrative filled with money, power, corruption, and the complex interplay between Oligarchs, politicians, and mobsters.
IN THE SUMMER HEAT, the glass facade of Kursky Station loomed above the sweaty crowds. The train station hall was a monumental box of glass, concrete, and space; it was stark, modern, even utopian, an...'Kleptopia: How Dirty Money Is Conquering the World' by Tom Burgis delves into the intricate world of global financial crimes and money laundering, shedding light on the corrupt practices of billionaires and government leaders that have led to the impoverishment of entire nations. Through meticulous research, Burgis explores the flow of dirty money, particularly from Kazakhstan, and its impact on the Western world, including connections to figures like Donald Trump. The narrative weaves through a web of characters and locations, highlighting the battle between Rule of Law states and mafia-run countries, ultimately painting a grim picture of the current state of global finance.
Moral courage, yes, but it was also mischief, a quality discernible in the creases at the corners of his eyes, that made Nigel Wilkins decide to steal the secrets of a Swiss bank. It was the year when...- #9
'1984' by George Orwell is a dystopian novel set in a totalitarian society where the government controls every aspect of its citizens' lives. The protagonist, Winston Smith, rebels against the oppressive regime and falls in love with Julia, leading to dire consequences. explores themes of government surveillance, loss of freedom, and the manipulation of truth, creating a haunting and thought-provoking narrative that reflects on the dangers of unchecked power. Orwell's writing style is sharp and impactful, evoking a sense of hopelessness and entrapment that resonates with readers.
It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. Winston Smith, his chin nuzzled into his breast in an effort to escape the vile wind, slipped quickly through the glass doors ... - #10
'Democracy in Chains' by Nancy MacLean is a deeply disturbing and important book that delves into the history of how libertarian ideologies, championed by figures like James Buchanan and Charles Koch, have been influencing American politics and policy-making. The book explores how these ideologies, rooted in public choice theory, aim to erode democracy and promote economic freedom at the expense of public institutions and social programs. Through detailed research and analysis, MacLean reveals the insidious strategies employed by these libertarian thinkers to shape public opinion and policy, ultimately leading to a potential shift towards oligarchy and plutocracy in the United States.
Virginia had become a defendant in one of the five cases folded into Brown v. Board of Education owing to the determination of one teenager who had had enough. Tired of taking classes in “tar paper sh...