Our pick "The Untold History of the United States" by Oliver Stone & Peter Kuznick

The Untold History of the United States, written by filmmaker Oliver Stone and historian Peter Kuznick, peels back the layers of history and uncovers a more complex and darker reality, exposing uncomfortable truths about the rise and decline of what has become the world’s most dominant empire.

This isn’t a casual read, nor is it a mere retelling of history’s greatest hits. Stone and Kuznick take us on a deep dive into the lesser-known, often unsettling aspects of U.S. foreign and domestic policy, tracing a line from the administration of Woodrow Wilson to Barack Obama. In doing so, they ask the critical question: Has, and if so, how far has the United States drifted from its founding democratic ideals?

Beginning with the U.S.'s suppression of the Filipino independence movement, the authors present a meticulously researched portrait of how America has, time and time again, wielded its power in wars and covert operations for geopolitical, economic and political gain particularly in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East to serve the interests of the elite few.

Using newly declassified documents and the latest research, Stone and Kuznick don’t just recount these historical events—they reconstruct them, posing questions on the motivations and consequences behind the actions. Whether it’s covert interference or the level of corporate influence in government, the picture they paint is one of a nation that has steadily moved towards control, power, and dominance.

What makes The Untold History so riveting—and uncomfortable—is its relentless probing into the decisions made by 17 U.S. presidents. Stone and Kuznick pull no punches. They lay bare how successive administrations have prioritised corporate profits, military industrial complex might, and geopolitical influence.

The book is especially eye-opening when it connects the dots between key moments in history, showing how decisions made decades ago continue to reverberate today. Each chapter is like a new revelation, and with each turn of the page, it becomes harder to ignore the ethical dilemmas that have plagued foreign policy.

Stone and Kuznick challenge readers to think critically about the world we live in and the forces that have shaped it. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the full picture of the post WW2 world order. It shines a light on events that are rarely discussed in the mainstream and asks difficult questions about accountability, morality, and the future of democracy. The Untold History of the United States isn’t just about uncovering the past—it’s about grappling with the present and the future.

If you’re ready to confront the uncomfortable truths that have shaped the post WW2 empire, this book will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. 

Grab your copy here today

Check out our other global affairs and geopolitical titles in our Current National and World Affairs section. 

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