My MUN library

After I wrote in my 2025 Bingo that I wanted to read 8 books this year, it got me thinking: which kind of books should I read? September is literally the “New Years” for students, and I really want to expand my knowledge in IR this academic year. After conducting extensive research, I received the following recommendations from my friends and professors. 

“The Tragedy of Great Power Politics” by John Measheimer. Measheimer talks about his idea called “offensive realism.” He says that because the world doesn’t have a global government, countries have to compete to be the strongest. Even countries that just want to stay safe can’t avoid fighting or rivalries, because they can’t be sure what others will do. This struggle to survive pushes them to try to get more power, which often ends up causing big problems and conflicts.

“Diplomacy” by Henry Kissinger. Ever wondered how to rule the world with both velvet gloves and steel? Kissinger explores diplomacy from the Peace of Westphalia to the modern day. He compares realpolitik (states pursuing national interest) with the more idealistic approaches that have shaped US foreign policy (historically). He tries to encourage Western leaders to balance idealism with strategy, basing this on examples from Kissinger´s diplomatic career. Readers will learn how international politics works and how compromise and tough choices shape the world.

“The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order” by Samuel P. Huntington. If you are interested in exploring cultural tensions, this book is an ideal choice. Huntington suggests that future conflicts will be driven by cultural differences, rather than politics or economics. He divides the world into several groups with shared histories and beliefs. This book has become a catalyst for several debates about global order. 

“Why Nations Fail” by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson. This book is for readers seeking an answer to why some countries prosper while others falter. The authors make it simple: it's all about who gets to join the party. They demonstrate, with examples, how strong institutions help countries grow, while corruption and exclusion hinder their development.

“Prisoners of Geography” by Tim Marshall. Marshall explains how geography shapes the strategies and destinies of nations. He uses ten maps to show how mountains, rivers, and resources limit choices and power as part of the allocation. The case studies he explains are Russia's warm ports and China´s Himalayan strategies, illustrating how, even today, the fate of nations is often bound to physical terrain and not simply human ambition. 

“Sex & World Peace” by Valerie M. Hudson, Bonnie Balliff-Spanvill, Mary Caprioli, and Chad F. Emmett. Finally, “Sex & World Peace” is a must-read. The authors link global peace to the status of women. They use data that demonstrate that the security of women at home influences national and international stability. The book challenges traditional conceptions of security, showing that equality advances peace, while inequity perpetuates conflict. 

Each of these books highlights a unique angle that reminds us just how complex and fascinating world affairs truly are. As my wish list continues to grow, it’s time to head to my local library, borrow these titles, and start expanding my knowledge. So, if you spot me in the university´s cafe, chances are I’ll be immersed in these pages, already plotting the next diplomatic strategy for my next MUN adventure!