Most Anticipated Political Science and Social Science Books of August & September 2025
Political science and social science are disciplines that sit at the heart of understanding power, people, and change. Every year, new titles help us rethink democracy, analyze global crises, and explore how society is reshaped by culture, technology, and institutions.
August and early September 2025 bring a wave of anticipated political and social science books. These releases cover everything from corruption scandals and pandemics to democracy’s future, revolutions, and the politics of food. For students, academics, and readers who simply want to stay informed, these books offer fresh perspectives worth exploring.
In this article, we’ll highlight the most anticipated political science and social science books of August 2025 and the first week of September 2025—with context on why they matter.
1. The Devil Reached Toward the Sky by Garrett M. Graff 
Garrett M. Graff brings us an oral history of the atomic bomb, focusing not just on the science but on the political decisions that unleashed it. This book examines the ethical dilemmas, the power struggles, and the global impact of one of history’s most consequential decisions.
For political science readers, it offers insight into how states wield power and how moral responsibility is often negotiated—or ignored—under pressure.
Why it matters: In an era of renewed nuclear concerns, this history sheds light on the politics of weapons and the risks that come when power outruns restraint.
2. That Book Is Dangerous! by Adam Szetela 
This book takes aim at the culture wars and the publishing industry. Adam Szetela investigates how social media, moral panic, and censorship debates are shaping what gets published, what gets silenced, and how political identity drives cultural production.
Why it matters: Political science is not just about governments and policies—it’s also about cultural narratives and who gets to tell them. Szetela’s work explores how power operates in the realm of books and ideas.
3. The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics by Michael T. Osterholm & Mark Olshaker 
Pandemics are political events as much as public health crises. Osterholm and Olshaker argue that governments must rethink preparedness, international cooperation, and political accountability.
Why it matters: COVID-19 proved how fragile global systems can be. This book analyzes what worked, what failed, and how nations can better coordinate before the next crisis. It’s both a scientific and political roadmap.
4. Anointed: The Extraordinary Effects of Social Status in a Winner-Take-Most World by Toby Stuart 
Stuart examines how status—who is seen as powerful, credible, or important—shapes institutions and society. Political hierarchies and leadership roles are often less about substance and more about perception.
Why it matters: In a world where social media and image often matter as much as policy, this book helps explain how influence really works in politics and beyond.
5. To Lose a War: The Fall and Rise of the Taliban by Jon Lee Anderson 
Jon Lee Anderson delivers a sweeping account of Afghanistan, from pre-9/11 politics to the Taliban’s resurgence. This is a study of global power, U.S. intervention, and the limits of military solutions to political problems.
Why it matters: Afghanistan remains a case study in how superpowers misread culture, politics, and resistance. For political scientists, this book offers lessons about intervention, state-building, and unintended consequences.
6. Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City by Bench Ansfield 
This work investigates the arson crisis of the 1970s, when entire city blocks were burned. Ansfield connects economic neglect, racial inequality, and urban politics to show how political failures can destroy communities.
Why it matters: Urban politics is a cornerstone of social science. This book highlights how government decisions—or lack of them—can reshape entire cities and lives.
7. Rehab: An American Scandal by Shoshana Walter 
Walter uncovers corruption in the rehabilitation industry, exposing how profit motives and weak oversight have harmed vulnerable populations. It’s investigative journalism with strong political implications.
Why it matters: Policies that fail the most vulnerable are a recurring theme in social science. This book shows how systemic neglect becomes a political scandal.
8. The Right of the People: Democracy and the Case for a New American Founding by Osita Nwanevu 
Osita Nwanevu makes a bold argument: American democracy is overdue for a reboot. He calls for re-imagining civic life and strengthening democratic institutions to meet modern challenges.
Why it matters: In a time of polarization and democratic erosion, Nwanevu’s call for a “new founding” resonates with scholars, activists, and readers looking for solutions.
9. Confronting Evil: Assessing the Worst of the Worst by Bill O’Reilly & Josh Hammer 
This title takes a broad view of political evil—tyranny, genocide, and destructive ideologies. While O’Reilly is often polarizing, the book tackles the political and moral challenge of identifying and stopping destructive leaders.
Why it matters: Political science often studies how and why authoritarianism and violence arise. This book invites debate about morality, power, and accountability.
10. Food Fight: From Plunder and Profit to People and Planet by Stuart Gillespie 
Gillespie examines how politics determines what we eat, who controls food systems, and how inequality plays out in global nutrition. He blends public health, economics, and political science into a compelling case for reform.
Why it matters: Food security is one of the biggest political issues of the 21st century. This book links agriculture, climate, and governance in a way that shows why food is never just about eating—it’s about power.
Why These Political Science and Social Science Books Matter
The upcoming titles of August and September 2025 prove that political science is not just for academics—it’s for anyone who wants to understand the forces shaping our world. From the rise of the Taliban to democracy’s future, from pandemic preparedness to the politics of food, these books capture the urgency of today’s debates.
Whether you’re a student, a policymaker, or simply a curious reader, adding these books to your reading list will give you fresh insights into democracy, justice, power, and society.
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about political science, social science, and understanding the world we live in, August and September 2025 offer an incredible lineup of books. These works don’t just analyze problems—they challenge us to think about solutions, accountability, and the possibility of change. Find more..
👉 Which of these books are you most excited to read? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going.