Political Resources for April 2025: What to Read, Watch, and Follow Now
In a rapidly shifting political landscape, staying informed is essential. Whether you're a policy nerd, an election junkie, or simply someone who wants to be better grounded in today’s democratic debates, quality resources matter. For April 2025, we’ve curated a timely list of must-read books, think tank reports, and ongoing research papers that shine a light on the most urgent political trends around the world.
📚 Recommended Readings
1. "Could It Happen Here?" by Peter Hennessy and Andrew Blick (UK)
A compelling deep dive into the fragility of British democratic institutions, this newly released book poses a chilling question: Could the UK tip into authoritarianism? Hennessy and Blick examine post-Brexit governance, populist rhetoric, and the limits of parliamentary convention.
"A must-read for anyone interested in how democracies can decay without anyone noticing." — The Financial Times
Source: Financial Times, March 31, 2025
2. "Minority Rule" by Ash Sarkar (UK)
This sharp critique of Britain’s Labour Party from a democratic socialist perspective unpacks the contradictions between grassroots activism and institutional politics. Released in late March, it's sparked fierce debate across the British left.
"Sarkar doesn’t pull punches—this book will challenge allies and opponents alike."
Source: Verso Books, March 2025
3. "Ungovernable" by Simon Hart (UK)
A former Conservative MP, Hart offers a behind-the-scenes narrative of what he describes as the dysfunction and chaos inside the final years of the Johnson and Truss governments.
"One part memoir, one part political thriller, and fully sobering."
Source: The Times, April 1, 2025
4. "The Tyranny of Merit" by Michael Sandel (US)
Now in its updated 2025 edition, Sandel’s classic explores how technocratic liberalism and economic elitism have helped fuel the rise of populist anger across the West. With new chapters reflecting on Trump’s return and the European far-right, this is a timely re-read.
Source: Harvard University Press, 2025
🌎 Think Tank Spotlights
1. Center for American Progress (USA)
Highlight: Report on proposed federal education staff cuts and their disproportionate impact on vulnerable students.
"The Department of Education isn’t bloated; it’s underfunded and over-relied upon."
Source: Center for American Progress, March 14, 2025
2. Lowy Institute (Australia)
Highlight: Pre-election briefing on how independent candidates could alter Australia’s geopolitical posture.
"A teal-Greens coalition government could reshape climate diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific."
Source: Lowy Institute, April 1, 2025
3. Brookings Institution (USA)
Highlight: March paper on misinformation and civic literacy in the 2024 U.S. elections.
"Restoring democratic resilience begins with reestablishing trust in factual reporting."
Source: Brookings, March 25, 2025
📋 Reports & Papers to Watch
Institute for the Study of War (Global)
Their April 2nd campaign assessment tracks shifts in Russian military strategy and how Western responses are evolving.
"Moscow is exploiting diplomatic ambiguities in energy infrastructure ceasefires to reposition assets in the Donbas."
Source: ISW, April 2, 2025
European Council on Foreign Relations (EU)
Report on the rise of far-right populism in Europe and its connection to inflation, immigration pressures, and Ukraine fatigue.
Source: ECFR, March 31, 2025
This evolving reading list and research round-up will be updated monthly. If you have sources to recommend or want us to spotlight a particular region or issue area, reach out via the contact form.
Stay curious. Stay skeptical. Stay informed.