Best Books of 2023 By Chartwell Speakers
It’s that time of year again, a chance to look back and reflect on the year that is drawing to a close and an opportunity to look forward and plan for the year ahead.
Despite the exponential growth of news and views online and in all manner of formats, most of us still enjoy a good book as a way to glean new ideas, challenge our assumptions and to enjoy the thoughts and perspectives of others. Here is a selection of ‘2023 best books’ citations as published recently in the Financial Times, The Economist, New York Times, other respected media outlets.
Economics and Data Editor of Sky News, Ed Conway, explores how six crucial materials—copper, iron, lithium, oil, salt and sand—have altered human history and underpin the modern economy. As countries seek to decarbonise, there is a race now to control their supply.
“The Earth Transformed: An Untold History”
Professor of Global History at Oxford University, Peter Frankopan, provides research and a fascinating narrative on how climate has shaped human history and how humans, in turn, are shaping our climate future.
“Politics on the Edge: A Memoir From Within”
Diplomat, author, explorer, academic, and politician, Rory Stewart is also a senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, where he teaches politics and international relations. In this memoir, he shares his story of the challenges, absurdities and realities of political life.
“And Then What? Despatches from the Heart of 21st-Century Diplomacy, from Kosovo to Kyiv”
Former Vice President of the European Commission and former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, chronicles her vast experience and takes us behind the scenes to show what worked and what didn’t.
“The Coming Wave: AI, Power and the 21st Century’s Greatest Dilemma”
Tech entrepreneurs and industry pioneers, Mustafa Suleyman & Michael Bhaskar outline the imminent risks of artificial intelligence in transforming society. They offer their industry led insights, suggest the ethical implications and call for responsible AI development.
“Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What is Human in a World of Machines”
Computer scientist (known as the Poet of Code) and digital activist based at the MIT Media Lab, Joy Buolamwini, shows us the social implications of artificial intelligence and urges us to protect what is human in an increasingly automated world.
“Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism?”
Economist, academic, politician, author and Secretary-General of the Democracy in Europe Movement 2025, Yanis Varoufakis’ latest book examines the impact of the great tech monopolies and proposes reforms.
If you like these books and would like to invite any of these authors to speak at your event, please get in touch.