Books

Key texts on global peace and security

Explore an essential collection of works addressing conflict prevention, peacemaking, and international security. This selection includes foundational texts on diplomacy, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding at a global level. Ideal for students, academics, and professionals interested in understanding security dynamics and international collaborative efforts. Discover in-depth analyses of United Nations operations and the role of international organizations in promoting stability. Delve into the key debates shaping the future of global security.

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  1. 1

    Polarization and International Politics: How Extreme Partisanship Threatens Global Stability (2025)

    249 Global Votes
    • Explores how partisan polarization affects foreign policymaking

      (+3)

    Rachel Myrick's upcoming book is highly relevant for understanding how internal political divisions within democracies impact international cooperation and conflict. It addresses a critical contemporary issue affecting global stability.

  2. 2

    The New Haven School: American International Law (2025)

    93 Global Votes
    • Provides a forum for historical studies

      (+4)

    Ríán Derrig's book is essential for understanding the theoretical underpinnings and policy implications of international law in shaping global peace and security. It captures the trajectory of an influential school of modern international law.

  3. 3

    The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (2001)

    0 Global Votes
    • Explores the theory of offensive realism

      (+1)

    John Mearsheimer's work remains a highly influential text for understanding the dynamics of power and competition among major global actors. It provides a realist perspective on why states seek hegemony for security in an anarchic international system.

  4. 4

    World Order (2014)

    0 Global Votes
    • Tremendously valuable analysis

      (+4)

    Henry Kissinger's 'World Order' offers a crucial historical and conceptual framework for understanding the diverse perspectives on international relations. It helps to analyze the challenges of establishing a stable global order amidst multipolarity and clashing civilizations.

  5. 5

    Bureacracies at War (2024)

    0 Global Votes
    • Examines how national security institutions shape information quality

      (+3)

    Tyler Jost's 'Bureacracies at War' provides critical insights into the decision-making processes within states that lead to conflict. It helps explain why nations sometimes initiate wars they ultimately lose, a crucial aspect of peace and security studies.

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  7. 6

    The Insiders' Game: How Elites Make War and Peace (2024)

    0 Global Votes
    • Convincingly analyzes elite role in national security decision-making

      (+4)

    Elizabeth N. Saunders's book offers a nuanced perspective on the drivers of conflict and peace by focusing on the significant role of political elites. It challenges conventional wisdom about democratic leaders' caution in using military force.

  8. 7

    On Othering: Processes and Politics of Unpeace (July 2024)

    0 Global Votes
    • Examines the process of othering from an international perspective

      (+4)

    Yasmin Saikia's work addresses a fundamental aspect of conflict generation and resolution by examining the processes of 'othering.' It offers crucial insights into how divisions are created and maintained, which is vital for peacebuilding efforts.

  9. 8

    Putin's Sledgehammer: The Wagner Group and Russia's Collapse Into Mercenary Chaos (2025)

    0 Global Votes
    • Provides in-depth account of Wagner Group's story

      (+4)

    Candace Rondeaux's book provides a timely analysis of the Wagner Group's evolution and its implications for Russia and contemporary global security. It is essential for understanding the role of private military companies in international conflicts.

  10. 9

    Women, Peace and Security: Conflicts and Trends to Watch in 2026 (February 5, 2026)

    0 Global Votes
    • Identifies cross-cutting trends shaping conflict dynamics

      (+3)

    This report from GIWPS provides a critical, up-to-date gendered perspective on current and anticipated global conflicts. It offers a more inclusive framework for crisis anticipation and peacebuilding, highlighting cross-cutting trends.

  11. 10

    UN Security Council Document S/2026/15: Joint Pledges related to Climate, Peace and Security (January 6, 2026)

    0 Global Votes
    • Focuses on climate change implications for peace and security

      (+1)

    This official UN document highlights the critical and current intersection of climate change with international peace and security. It outlines concrete commitments from Member States for addressing these interconnected challenges, making it highly relevant for 2026.

  12. 11

    Choose People and Planet Over Pain - UN Secretary-General's New Year Message (2026)

    0 Global Votes
    • Calls for leaders to prioritize people and planet

      (+3)

    This message sets the tone for the UN's priorities in 2026, emphasizing the urgent need to address global divisions, violence, climate breakdown, and violations of international law. It is a key text for understanding the UN's strategic focus for peace and justice.

  13. 12

    Global Conflict Outlook 2026: Rising violence and Fragile Peace (Late 2025/Early 2026)

    0 Global Votes
    • Highlights global shifts shaping peace and security

      (+4)

    This outlook from the International Crisis Group provides a forward-looking analysis of critical conflict hotspots and trends for 2026. It is essential for understanding the contemporary global security environment and anticipating future challenges.

  14. 13

    The Peace Watchlist 2026: Five moments for global action (Late 2025/Early 2026)

    0 Global Votes
    • Highlights critical moments for investing in peace

      (+4)

    This United Nations watchlist outlines strategic focus areas for peacebuilding and security in 2026. It emphasizes proactive measures and emerging challenges like digital justice, providing a roadmap for global action.