7 New Political Economy Books Reshaping 2025

The breakthrough moment came when Dr Erin Hannah and Prof John Ravenhill redefined Global Political Economy by centering often overlooked issues like colonialism, racial injustice, and gender inequality. This 7th edition challenges traditional narratives by integrating diverse theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence, giving you a nuanced understanding of who shapes global economic systems and whose interests they serve. You'll gain insight into contemporary debates and the persistent inequalities embedded within global trade, finance, and development policies. This textbook suits those seeking a critical, updated exploration of political economy that questions power structures rather than simply describing them.

After analyzing the enduring influence of classical liberalism, Claude Frédéric Bastiat presents a collection that challenges modern economic orthodoxies by emphasizing the importance of free markets and limited government intervention. This book dissects the fundamental principles underlying economic prosperity, using clear arguments against protectionism and state control to advocate for individual liberty and the rule of law. You’ll gain a sharper understanding of economic causality, particularly through Bastiat’s famous "What Is Seen and What Is Not Seen" essay, which reveals the unseen consequences of economic policies. Ideal for those seeking to critically evaluate government roles in economic systems, this work invites you to question prevailing assumptions about wealth and regulation.

This personalized book explores the latest 2025 developments in political economy, tailored to your knowledge and goals. It focuses on cutting-edge insights and emerging research, providing a nuanced examination of shifting economic and political dynamics shaping the global landscape. By matching your background and interests, the book reveals contemporary debates on inequality, policy innovation, and economic power structures that define today’s political economy. Through this tailored approach, you engage deeply with fresh discoveries and evolving theories, accelerating your understanding without wading through broader, less relevant texts. The content centers on your specific goals, making complex developments accessible and relevant to your unique perspective.

The Handbook on the Political Economy of Social Policy presents a detailed exploration of how political economy frameworks have shaped social policy research since the late 1970s. Bent Greve, Amílcar Moreira, and Minna van Gerven compile contributions from leading scholars to map out various theoretical and methodological approaches, from historical institutionalism to the role of political parties and ideas in shaping welfare policies. You’ll find specific case studies and comparative analyses covering areas like housing, labor relations, and pensions across different global regions. This book suits anyone aiming to deepen their understanding of the complex political and economic forces behind social policy development and reform.

Drawing from extensive historical analysis and empirical data, Vuk Vuković explores how entrenched elite networks between politicians and corporate executives sustain income inequality. You learn how these informal alliances foster political power retention and economic rent extraction, which in turn widen wage disparities. The book challenges the notion that inequality is merely a byproduct of economic systems, positioning it instead as a deliberate outcome of concentrated political authority. If you are interested in the roots of inequality and the political structures that perpetuate it, this book offers a nuanced perspective that goes beyond conventional economic explanations.

Lucia Quaglia, Manuela Moschella, and Aneta Spendzharova bring together their expertise in European politics and economics to explore how theory meets policy challenges in this collection. You learn to navigate complex issues like economic integration, Brexit’s political fallout, and social welfare reforms through four distinct theoretical lenses. The book’s use of recent case studies, such as Europe’s Covid-19 response and rising inequality debates, helps you connect abstract concepts with tangible European political economy realities. This text suits students and analysts who want to grasp how political decisions shape economic outcomes across Europe’s diverse landscape.

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of political economy with a focus on the latest developments anticipated in 2025. It examines emerging trends, new research, and groundbreaking insights that shape economic and political interactions worldwide. By matching your background and interests, this personalized guide delves into complex topics such as global power shifts, policy innovations, and economic inequalities, allowing you to engage deeply with the subject matter relevant to your role and goals. Its tailored content ensures you stay ahead of discoveries and challenges, offering a focused learning experience that aligns with your unique objectives in political economy.

Roland F. Moy’s extensive experience in political economy shapes this probing examination of American political and economic realities. You encounter twelve chapters that challenge common narratives, from debunking misleading claims by political figures to dissecting private equity’s impact on society. Moy doesn’t just highlight issues like economic inequality or media manipulation; he invites you to question longstanding policies, such as the persistent poverty despite decades of anti-poverty programs. The book suits those who want a deeper understanding of how political rhetoric and economic strategies intertwine to influence liberty and justice in the U.S., often in paradoxical ways.

Martin Carnoy's decades as an education economist and policy analyst shape this book’s deep dive into how political and economic forces influence education systems globally. You’ll learn to apply economic and political theories to critically assess education’s impact on social mobility, the persistent achievement gaps linked to race and class, and the contentious debates over school funding and accountability. Chapters dedicated to early childhood education, vocational training, and the global shift towards massification and privatization in higher education provide concrete case studies. This book suits anyone invested in education policy, economics, or social equity, offering insights that challenge simplistic assumptions about schooling and reform.