Best Public Affairs & Administration Books of 2025

The Ninth Edition of Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse is the go-to guide for leadership theories and models. The book provides practical examples and questionnaires to help readers understand their own leadership style. The updated edition includes a new chapter on inclusive leadership, real-world cases featuring global leaders, and a discussion on leadership and morality. The book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to develop their leadership skills, with Northouse's expertise making it a must-read for students and professionals alike.

The autobiography "So Help Me God" by former Vice President Mike Pence chronicles his life and political career, including his close relationship with President Donald Trump and the events that led to the historic moment on January 6, 2021, when a mob erected a gallows on Capitol Hill and chanted "Hang Mike Pence!" The book offers insights into Pence's character, values, and faith, as well as his behind-the-scenes experiences in the Trump administration. Overall, "So Help Me God" provides a compelling account of one of the most tumultuous periods in American politics and offers a unique perspective on the role of the vice president.

The Vision of the Anointed by Thomas Sowell is a thought-provoking critique of liberalism and its failed social policies. Sowell argues that the flawed vision of the elites, or the anointed, has led to crises in various aspects of society, including education, crime, and family dynamics. He highlights how rhetoric and ideology have replaced rational thinking and facts in shaping social policy. The book offers a compelling explanation for the condescension and politically correct invective towards conservative opposition. Overall, The Vision of the Anointed is a must-read for those interested in political conservatism and liberalism.

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli is a classic guide for autocrats on how to govern using deception and manipulation of the government's constituency. The author advocates the use of evil for political expediency, where the end justifies the means. Machiavelli's system of government is ruthless, and the book is a must-read for anyone interested in Italian history books. It is a masterpiece that explores the darker side of politics and power that is still relevant today.

The Book of Why by Judea Pearl, a Turing Award-winning computer scientist and statistician, is a groundbreaking work that explores the study of cause and effect on a scientific basis. Pearl's work not only explains how we can determine whether something causes another, but also enables us to explore the worlds that could have been. The book provides valuable lessons on the history of ideas and the conceptual tools needed to judge what big data can and cannot deliver. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding causality, human thought, and artificial intelligence.

This Notary Journal is a must-have for busy notaries public. Its large 8.5" x 11" size and comprehensive layout make it easy to record all notarial acts in detail. The template pages provide space to record 200 records with sequential numbered pages, including details such as signer and witness information, thumbprints, identification type and number, fees charged, and more. The book also includes space for comments, making it a complete record-keeping tool. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for notaries public and stands out for its easy-to-use format and comprehensive layout.

Government Contracts in Plain English is an introductory guide that simplifies the complex world of government contracting. Written by Christoph Mlinarchik, a former federal contracting officer, this book provides practical advice, insider insights, and pitfalls to avoid in the federal contracting industry. The book covers critical concepts such as crafting successful contracts and subcontracts, qualifying for government contracts and small business set-asides, and negotiating with the government and federal contractors. What makes this book unique is its bottom-line-up-front approach, making it easy for readers to digest and apply the information. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for federal contractors, entrepreneurs, and small business owners interested in working with the largest client in the world.

The Seventh Edition of "Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership: Casting Light or Shadow" by Craig E. Johnson is a comprehensive guide for leaders to make informed ethical decisions and create an ethical culture. The book provides real-world case studies, examples, self-assessments, and applications to increase students' ethical competence and leadership abilities. Johnson takes a multidisciplinary approach to explore the ethical demands of leadership and the dark side of leadership. The book is an excellent resource for any discussion on leadership and provides a unique approach to leadership ethics by contrasting how leaders can use their power and influence for good or evil.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in Plain English is an introductory guide that simplifies government contracting by answering over 700 frequently asked questions about the FAR. Readers can save time by reading the "highlight reel" of the FAR, curated by a nationally recognized expert in government contracting. The book is written in a conversational, question-and-answer format, making it easy to understand. All 53 parts of the FAR are distilled into plain English, answering 700+ of the most common questions. Christoph Mlinarchik's real-world experience as a former federal contracting officer adds value to the book.

The Declassification Engine by Matthew Connelly is a thought-provoking book that examines the true cost of state secrecy in the United States. Connelly uses data science to analyze a vast trove of state secrets, shedding light on the drivers of state secrecy and the dire state of the nation's archives. The book highlights the importance of preserving the past so that we may secure our future. It is a crucial examination of the self-defeating nature of secrecy and the impact on citizens when leaders cannot be held accountable. Overall, The Declassification Engine is a powerful reminder of the significance of transparency in government and the consequences of unchecked secrecy.