Books Like...
If you liked How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:A foundational but uncompromising look at decolonization and its discontents - brilliant, difficult, and a must-read if you want to understand the politics of liberation and the scars of colonialism.
'The Wretched of the Earth' by Frantz Fanon is a powerful analysis of the psychological and social impact of colonization on oppressed peoples. Fanon delves into the challenges faced by postcolonial nations, emphasizing the need for liberation from oppressive forces. Through compelling case studies and revolutionary insights, Fanon explores the complexities of decolonization, highlighting the struggles and pitfalls that accompany the path to freedom. His writing style weaves together historical analysis with psychological profiles, offering a unique perspective on the dynamics of colonialism and the fight for independence.
National liberation, national reawakening, restoration of the nation to the people or Commonwealth, whatever the name used, whatever the latest expression, decolonization is always a violent event. At...1961•295 pages - #2
Save:A powerful, lyrical indictment of the exploitation of Latin America - a classic that’s eye-opening, moving, and sometimes controversial. Essential for those wanting to understand the region and the impact of colonialism, but not everyone will agree with Galeano’s perspective.
'Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent' by Eduardo Galeano is a historical masterpiece that delves deep into the exploitation and plunder faced by Latin America over the centuries. Galeano's writing style offers a poetic and vivid portrayal of the continent's tumultuous past, highlighting the impacts of European colonization, economic domination, and political upheavals on the region. The book covers a broad scope of Latin American history, shedding light on the struggles of the indigenous populations, the influence of foreign powers, and the enduring consequences of these historical events on the present-day socio-political landscape.
When Christopher Columbus headed across the great emptiness west of Christendom, he had accepted the challenge of legend. Terrible storms would play with his ships as if they were nutshells and hurl t...1971•353 pages - #3
Save:A compelling, accessible, and necessary account of colonial greed and its devastating consequences - this is history that matters, even if it’s sometimes painful to read. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to better understand the past and its echoes today.
'King Leopold's Ghost' by Adam Hochschild is a powerful and disturbing account of King Leopold II's colonization of the Congo. The book delves into the atrocities committed during this period, shedding light on the exploitation, violence, and greed that characterized Leopold's rule. Through meticulous research and clear, journalistic writing, Hochschild brings to life the horrors faced by the Congolese people, while also highlighting the heroes who fought against such injustices. The narrative is chilling, revealing a dark chapter in history that continues to impact the region even today.
ON JANUARY 28, 1841, a quarter-century after Tuckey's failed expedition, the man who would spectacularly accomplish what Tuckey tried to do was born in the small Welsh market town of Denbigh. He was e...1998•403 pages A fiercely argued, necessary corrective to rose-tinted views of empire - powerful, readable, and likely to spark debate. Approach with an open mind and expect some righteous anger, but you’ll definitely learn something.
Shashi Tharoor's 'Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India' provides an expansive and detailed account of how India was plundered and impoverished by British rule. Tharoor highlights the destruction of India's thriving economy, the exploitation of Indian resources, and the devastating impact of British imperialism on Indian society. Through historical facts and narratives, the book debunks myths of benevolent British rule and exposes the true nature of colonialism in India, shedding light on the atrocities committed by the British Empire.
Tharoor's writing style is engaging and informative, offering a wealth of research and depth on the subject of British imperialism in India. The book presents a critical analysis of British colonial looting, discrimination, and exploitation, while also emphasizing the resilience and resistance of the Indian people against oppressive colonial forces. With a focus on historical evidence and detailed accounts, 'Inglorious Empire' challenges readers to confront the dark realities of colonial rule and its lasting impact on India.
2016•328 pagesA bold, intelligent reimagining of world history through the lens of the global south - best for those seeking analysis over anecdote, and sweeping geopolitical context over everyday stories.
'The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World' by Howard Zinn and Vijay Prashad is a detailed account of the rise and fall of the Third World project, exploring the struggles, victories, and tragedies faced by billions of people in the postcolonial world. The book delves into the historical background of various parts of the Third World, showcasing themes and events common to many developing countries. Prashad's writing style is described as enjoyable and poignant, offering a comprehensive understanding of the history and politics of the Third World.
In 1945–46, thousands of French troops returned to the Red River delta in Indochina, and Ho Chi Minh and his comrades retreated to the highlands of the Viet Bac to regroup for an extended war of liber...January 2007•391 pages- #6
Save:A punchy, clear-eyed look at US-led coups and interventions that works as a strong introduction or refresher, but serious researchers will want something meatier and better sourced.
'Washington Bullets' by Vijay Prashad is a scintillating read that delves into the dark side of US foreign policy and imperialism. It educates readers on the consequences of American actions on other countries, shedding light on the machinery of geopolitics employed by the US to promote its interests, often at the expense of others. Prashad's writing style is praised for being eloquent, concise, and informative, providing a comprehensive overview of the US's history of political assassinations, government overthrows, and military interventions since World War II.
Divine right is an old, established principle. It means that Kings have the right – ordained by God – to act in any way that they wish. Human-made laws are of no consequence beside the awesome power o...September 2020•179 pages A gripping, well-sourced, and necessary perspective on a century of struggle in Palestine - compelling and informative, but best approached as a key piece of a much bigger, ongoing conversation.
'The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler-Colonial Conquest and Resistance, 1917-2017' by Rashid Khalidi is a concise and informative account of the Palestinian history, detailing the struggles and injustices faced by the Palestinian people over the past century. Khalidi presents a thorough examination of the 100-year campaign to displace Palestinians from their land, starting in 1917, while also offering a balanced perspective that includes personal anecdotes and historical context. The author skillfully weaves together personal accounts, credible sources, and historical events to shed light on the impact of Zionism on Palestine and the ongoing conflict in the region.
At the turn of the twentieth century, before Zionist colonization had much appreciable effect on Palestine, new ideas were spreading, modern education and literacy had begun to expand, and the integra...January 2020•354 pagesA bold, pithy, and often eye-opening critique of modern power structures - especially for those interested in the crossroads of fascism and communism. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a must-read for the politically curious and left-minded.
'Blackshirts and Reds: Rational Fascism and the Overthrow of Communism' by Michael Parenti draws parallels between historical events and contemporary issues, debunking myths about former communist regimes while highlighting the importance of awareness and resistance against fascism. Through a methodical examination, the book provides insights into the forces that shaped the modern world, making it a valuable resource for those interested in equity, the future of society, and understanding the dynamics between authoritarianism and communism. With a succinct and accessible writing style, Parenti differentiates fascism from socialism, offering a critical analysis of capitalism's relationship with fascism.
Let us begin with a look at fascism’s founder. Born in 1883, the son of a blacksmith, Benito Mussolini’s early manhood was marked by street brawls, arrests, jailings, and violent radical political act...June 1997•168 pages- #9
Save:A meticulous and readable exposé of the dark side of Cold War politics - disturbing, essential, and hauntingly relevant today.
Vincent Bevins' book, 'The Jakarta Method', delves into the dark history of Washington's anticommunist crusade and the mass murder program that had a profound impact on the world. Through extensive research and compelling storytelling, Bevins uncovers the brutal realities of imperialism, CIA interventions, and the violent suppression of socialist movements in various third world countries. The book sheds light on the ruthless tactics employed by the U.S. government to further its interests, the devastating consequences of these actions on local populations, and the lasting effects that still resonate today.
THE UNITED STATES, A WESTERN European settler colony in North America, emerged from World War II as by far the most powerful state on Earth. This was a surprise to most Americans, and to most of the w...May 2020•377 pages A sharp and compelling look at global inequality that will challenge how you think about economics, power, and progress. Expect to finish the book inspired - and maybe a bit fired up for change.
'The Divide: A Brief Guide to Global Inequality and its Solutions' by Jason Hickel delves into the topic of global inequality, shedding light on the stark disparities between the developed and developing world. Through a combination of economic analysis and historical context, the author challenges the conventional approach to development and offers viable solutions to address the pressing issues faced by society. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, eye-opening, and compelling, with the author skillfully weaving together narratives of past injustices and present realities to paint a comprehensive picture of the world's socio-economic landscape.
It began as a public-relations gimmick. Harry Truman had just been elected to a second term as president of the United States and was set to take the stage for his inaugural address on 20 January 1949...May 2017•368 pages
