Political Science / Political Ideologies Books

An attempt to expose corruption and prejudice within the ranks of the Protestant establishment of Northern Ireland. McPhilemy maintains that a secret "committee" of 60 Protestants controls the Royal Ulster Constabulary and allows violence against Catholics and Irish nationalists to be fomented with impunity.

THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO (1848) examines the rise of the working class and its inevitable revolution. It eloquently describes capitalism's widespread influence and eventual demise, and sets forth the basis of Marxism. One of the most influential writings in history, it remains highly relevant to contemporary economic and political systems.

THE PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES presents what has come to be called "history from the bottom up," as it tells America's national narrative in a way that is inclusive of those previously left out of, or marginalized by, standard histories.

Conservative high priestess Ann Coulter continues to excoriate liberals in books with one-word titles. This time her focus is on the sins of the Left, and particularly its views on religion in general and on those who believe, as well as its positions on church-state relations. Coulter argues that liberalism is very much like a church, with a hierarchy, priests, mysteries, acolytes, and its own explanation for everything in the universe. She is in her most Inquisitional mode, and her many fans will appreciate her rhetoric and cheer her on. (GODLESS became an immediate bestseller upon publication in June, 2006 helped along by the book's headline-making comments about a group of 9/11 widows and a public row with Hillary Clinton.)

Popular conservative radio and TV host Bill O'Reilly draws the battle lines in the culture wars in America in the 21st century, launching a few salvos across the bow of the enemy: "secular progressivism." What is at stake are traditional values, says O'Reilly, and he describes how the secularists use the media, education, religion, and the war on terror against the traditionalists, who, he believes, must prevail.

Noted economist Friedman outlines his take on capitalism and its role in fostering a viable arena for economic and political freedom. Touching on all aspects of society, CAPITALISM AND FREEDOM looks at the influence the free market can have on issues such as education, welfare, and monetary policy.

Conservative pundit Jonah Goldberg finds many parallels between the liberal agenda today and the fascist agendas of the National Socialists and Italian fascists, including: free health care, gun control, and the redistribution of wealth. Goldberg argues that it was the American left and progressive factions that gave support to Mussolini and Hitler. In America, a form of 'friendly fascism" arose, and he cites Woodrow Wilson, Hollywood, Hillary Clinton, and the New York Times as exemplars of this view. Hitler, he reminds us, was a vegetarian!

Chris Hedges examines the rise of the Christian Right in America, focusing on how, through energetic and savagely focused campaigns marked by an adept use of the media, the right has greatly increased its voice and influence in American politics and everyday life. Drawing explicit parallels between the Religious Right and rise of fascism in Europe, Hedges is concerned that a national emergency might trigger events that could bring the Christian Right to power.

Can one make a case that the United States is a rogue state that has a several-decades-long record of unilateralism and aggression against other nations in pursuit of its own self-interest? And that its policies and actions--in all regions of the globe--add up to a clear design for domination? Noam Chomsky thinks so, and documents his position with references and cases drawn from his American Empire Project. In Chomsky's final analysis, America's actions endanger both the American nation and life on this planet.

THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO (1848) examines the rise of the working class and its inevitable revolution. It eloquently describes capitalism's widespread influence and eventual demise, and sets forth the basis of Marxism. One of the most influential writings in history, it remains highly relevant to contemporary economic and political systems.