"The Limits of Power (The End of American Exceptionalism)" by Andrew J. Bacevich
which is a political book analysing how America came to be in the fucked up situation it currently is.
I'd like to hear about this one Tim. I hope it's criticizing Bush for his tripling of the size of government!
I'm reading four books at the moment (yes, shame shame, I know!).
Friedrich von Hayek - The Constitution of Liberty
A political book that deals with liberty (in terms of economic freedom and social freedom), the rule of law and the judiciary. Very interesting, and while it's horribly dense and difficult to read, I know I'm learning lots.
Friedrich von Hayek - The Road to Serfdom
A fairly basic but very entertaining look at Socialism and where it has invariably gone wrong. Draws good parallels between Fascism and Socialism, which I think are important to note.
Johan Norberg - In Defense of Global Capitalism
An excellent summary of the benefits of free trade. Now, this is not extremely relevant these days because most people with a couple of brain cells understand the benefits of free trade and welcome them wholeheartedly - in Australia, Liberal and Labor both agree that protectionism is the path of failure. But in any case, the book is a great way of summarising how globalisation has improved standards of living in developed and developing nations - literacy, birth rates, life expectency, treatment of women, corruption, etc.
The Institute of Economic Affairs - Prohibitions
Compiled from a lot of people from the IEA in London. This one talks about the prohibitions of alcohol, pornography, illicit drugs, advertising, boxing, organ trade, etc. While I oppose prohibition ideologically, I'm hoping this book will help solve some of my practical considerations.
I am reading too much right now >.<