The landscape of international relations and economic theories is set to be significantly shaped by a series of anticipated book releases in 2026. These new titles range from in-depth analyses of historical conflicts to discussions on the evolving global economic order, presenting crucial insights for scholars, policymakers, and analysts alike.
Kicking off the year in January, Alfred W. McCoy’s “Cold War on Five Continents” offers a fresh perspective on the Cold War by highlighting the conflicts in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that often go overlooked. Similarly, Alexander Stubb’s “The Triangle of Power” interrogates the emergence of a new international order, pondering the implications following the decline of the postwar liberal framework. Jason Burke, in “The Revolutionists,” delves into the roots of modern terrorism, drawing connections from archived documents to the significant events of the 1970s.
February introduces notable works like Eswar S. Prasad’s “The Doom Loop,” which critiques the global economic system’s failures after years of promised prosperity. Hélène Landemore’s “Politics Without Politicians” questions traditional governance by proposing citizen rule as a viable alternative, while Loubna Mrie’s “Defiance” provides a personal account of her radical shift away from loyalty to the Assad regime during the Syrian uprising.
The momentum continues into March with Odd Arne Westad’s “The Coming Storm,” which warns of the potential reemergence of mass conflict based on historical patterns. Jean-Pierre Filiu’s “A Historian in Gaza” offers a firsthand account that captures the current socio-political climate of the region, and Ibram X. Kendi’s “Chain of Ideas” examines the links between rising anti-immigrant sentiments and authoritarianism.
April showcases critical assessments, including “The Presidency of Joseph R. Biden,” edited by Julian E. Zelizer, providing insights into the Biden administration’s impact on international relations. Jonathan Cheng explores North Korea’s personality cult in “Korean Messiah,” while Suzy Hansen’s “From Life Itself” sheds light on the societal shifts in Turkey under Erdoğan.
As the year progresses, May introduces Herta Müller’s memoir that intertwines personal history with Romania’s repressive past. Soumaya Keynes and Chad Bown’s “How to Win a Trade War” will address the economic conflicts faced by global powers, providing a much-needed analysis of strategies moving forward.
June will bring Sarah E. Kreps’s “Harnessing Disruption,” which discusses the potential of innovative technologies to reshape society positively. Bojan Pancevski’s “The Nord Stream Conspiracy” promises an engaging exploration into the geopolitical ramifications of the Nord Stream pipeline incident, while Beth Simone Noveck’s “Reboot” focuses on the use of AI to strengthen democratic institutions.
These upcoming titles reflect a rich tapestry of thought that is likely to influence discussions surrounding global diplomacy, economic strategies, and the role of citizen engagement in governance. As authors confront pressing issues through diverse historical and contemporary lenses, readers can anticipate frameworks that not only analyze past patterns but also inspire future resilience and adaptation in global affairs.