Within 50 years of the first email being sent, everything from election systems, power grids, nuclear power plants, gas pipelines to hospital systems can be held hostage with ransomware. Nicole Perlroth starts from the Cold War era to explain how we got here. With many interesting stories, and a hard-hitting, engaging narrative, it’s an absolute must-read on an escalating war with consequences that impact all of us.
Through many unforgettable people, Jessica Bruder brings to life the lives of those who have chosen, or been forced, to become homeless. Written with inquisitiveness, understanding and empathy, this is a must-read that offers lessons about, and to, humanity.
Politically and philosophically, the Cold War is unparalleled in its significance. Many, if not all, geopolitical conflicts and tensions in the world have some connection with the events and personalities of the Cold War. Odd Arne Westad does a stellar job of mapping time, time, places, and people and cover everything that deserves a spot.
Schopenhauer is believed to have said “A man can do as he wills, but not will as he wills.” We can replace will with ‘want’ and it still holds. But we have convinced ourselves otherwise – that we desire things independently. Based on the work and philosophy of René Girard, and his own experiences, Luke Burgis sets about dismantling this notion – what the book calls the Romantic Lie – self delusion.
I think if there is one book you should read to understand the sociopolitical information warfare on social media happening daily, this is it. Peter Pomerantsev uses his first-hand experience and personal stories to write an extremely well-researched book whose narrative and language is easily accessible.