Politics Books

From the Monroe Doctrine of 1823 to the present day, the US has always been heavily involved in Latin America and viewed itself as the dominant power in the region. William LeoGrande, a Latin America specialist and professor of government at the American University, takes us through books on the history of the relationship, including a book that tells the story of Cuba and the US through the tale of one family, the Bacardi dynasty.

Newspaper journalism is on its way out, regrets the former foreign correspondent and Browser co-founder Robert Cottrell. He chooses four novels that reflect the golden days and a style guide that is an equally fine work of imagination.

Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former communications chief, takes a look at leadership in politics and in sport, recognising that ordinary citizens can show courageous moral leadership

What makes the most successful societies tick? The RSA's Matthew Taylor says we should recognise that relationships and values are more important than scientific or economic advances

The former British foreign secretary, Douglas Hurd, recommends five highly readable political biographies, looking at the lives of some of Britain’s best-known prime ministers of the last 150 years.

International terror expert Jessica Stern takes a close look at the mind of the terrorist. She explores why people are drawn to extreme violence and how, in many cases, terrorists can build their identities around ideologies that they hold in an ultimately shallow way

Is lobbying always a bad thing? Or can it be used to effect social change? Washington insider Mark Bloomfield gives a lobbyist's perspective. He picks the best books on lobbying.

Director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti says Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a thinly veiled metaphor for the War on Terror

Rabbi Lionel Blue chooses some of his favourite books. Fans may be surprised by his choices, but one thing is key: a happy ending.

The former BBC Moscow correspondent and author Martin Sixsmith chooses five great works on Russia's doomed democracies.