Reading room

Is it a little pretentious to propose a reading list? I'm certainly neither important nor influential enough to justify it, but nonetheless here are some books and articles which I have found particularly thought provoking. I have called this page reading room in a nod to my grandfather's fondness for that section of his local library.

Title Author Published Nick's notes
Can we be great again? Why a dangerous world needs Britain Jeremy Hunt 2025 An uplifting and well-evidenced read that reminds us not to be too down on Britain's current performance. Crucial questions remain as to how more people in the country can feel the benefit of our international soft power, but there is no doubt that the UK punches (softly) above its weight in international affairs. We should not take that for granted.
Baltic: The Future of Europe Oliver Moody 2025 One of the highlights of studying international relations was writing an essay about the Estonian political economy and so it was a no-brainer for me to try this book. It provides a vivid picture of an increasingly important but often under-reported part of Europe. I do, though, wonder, if the sub-heading should have had a question mark because the book focuses more on what has happened in the Baltic which might present a context for the future of Europe, rather than directly making the case that Europe's future is going to be Baltic.