Arms and Influence by
The author examines how military capabilities as bargaining power. He sees the steps taken by the U.S. during the Berlin and Cuban crises as not merely preparations for engagement, but as signals to and enemy, with reports from the adversary's own military intelligence as our most important diplomatic communications.
The Best and the Brightest by 
The Great Transformation by
In this classic work of economic history and social theory, Karl Polanyi analyzes the economic and social changes brought about by the "great transformation" of the Industrial Revolution.
Guns, Germs, and Steel by
Diamond explains how geographical and environmental factors shaped the modern world.
Man, the State and War by
Waltz explores works both by classic political philosophers, such as St. Augustine, Hobbes, Kant, and Rousseau, and by modern psychologists and anthropologists to discover ideas to explain war among states and related prescriptions for peace.
Nations and Nationalism by
This book explains the origins and relevance of nationalism.
Perception and Misperception in International Politics by 
The Tragedy of Great Power Politics by
According to Mearsheimer, "The great powers seek to maximize their share of world power" because "having dominant power is the best means to ensure one's own survival."
The Statesman's Yearbook: Politics, Cultures, and Economies of the World