Numerous new economics books are released each year, prompting the question of which ones are truly worthwhile. We selected several recently published or upcoming books that stand out. 

The Small States Club by Armen Sarkissian

Armen Sarkissian, a former president of Armenia, claims that small or developing states have special advantages in navigating the modern world full of complications. Rather than a weakness, their smallness can be a strength; it gives them agility and adaptability. Drawing on his diverse background, Sarkissian showcases small states worldwide that have defied the odds to establish stability, tolerance, innovation, and resilience.

Through captivating narratives and profiles of visionary leaders, he demystifies their success, emphasizing their ability to turn crises into opportunities. The book, both a memoir and a manifesto, offers profound insights into Armenia's historical significance as an ancient civilization and a modern global player. 

Any Happy Returns by Peter C. Oppenheimer

In "Any Happy Returns: Structural Changes and Super Cycles in Markets," author Peter C. Oppenheimer explores the intricate interplay of macroeconomic shifts, geopolitical dynamics, government policies, and social trends, shaping long-term market trends. Building on his previous work, Oppenheimer introduces the concept of the Post-Modern Cycle and examines its potential impact on investor returns.

Delving into historical precedents and contemporary developments, he analyzes super cycles since 1945, including post-war booms and the effects of major global events. The book also assesses the effects of technological advancements, AI, and efforts to decarbonize economies on financial markets, offering valuable insights for investors and students of economic history alike.

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The War Below by Ernest Scheyder

In this book, Ernest Scheyder, a renowned Reuters reporter, provides an in-depth examination of the global competition for critical minerals essential for powering modern technology. Scheyder, having access to mining sites worldwide, reveals hidden aspects of today's interactions around extracting natural materials such as lithium and copper, which are essential for building electric vehicles or renewable energy technologies.

The book focuses on the highly controversial environmental and social effects of mining, especially conflicts between industry interests, conservation efforts, and indigenous communities. Scheyder also explores geopolitical tensions and the quest for energy independence, offering insights into the challenges and consequences of this resource-driven economic warfare. 

Innovation for the Masses by Neil Lee

This book offers a fresh perspective on fostering innovation and equality in cities and nations worldwide. Economist Neil Lee explores how certain places manage to promote innovation while ensuring benefits are distributed more equitably. Drawing on case studies from Taiwan, Sweden, Austria, and Switzerland, Lee highlights the state's role in creating frameworks for shared prosperity.

He argues that strong policies for innovation and equity can reinforce each other, offering alternative models beyond the polarized labor markets of high-tech economies like the United States. The book provides valuable insights into building more inclusive and innovative societies for the future. 

The Wealth of a Nation by Geoffrey M. Hodgson

The book explores the roots of modern capitalism in 18th-century England, where legal and financial institutions played a crucial role in its development. Geoffrey Hodgson says that although technology advancements and cultural changes did contribute to some extent, external factors such as overseas military conflict fueled large-scale institutional reforms. These reforms not only strengthened the British state but also facilitated the Industrial Revolution.

Hodgson highlights how Britain's war capitalism expanded its empire and fueled the slave trade, influencing institutional changes worldwide. This landmark study provides insights into how external forces shaped capitalism's early evolution and offers a framework for understanding its consolidation in England. 

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