Politics Playlist: Unwind and Rewind

Our Politics Community Shares Their Favourite Books and TV Shows!

Need a break from revising but don’t know what to do? Here’s what our staff and students have been watching, reading, and listening to.

We asked our politics lecturers and students what they’ve been enjoying! Professor Richard Whitman is a Professor of Politics and International Relations, and Jonny, James, and Edna are just some of our fab politics student ambassadors.

Richard’s Picks

  • The Diplomat (TV Series) – a newly appointed US ambassador faces a race against time to avert war, whilst navigating a complex political web of conspiracies, diplomacy, and personal challenges.
  • Day of the Jackal (Film) – a political thriller about a professional assassin, the Jackal, who is hired by a French paramilitary organisation to assassinate President Charles de Gaulle amidst political turmoil in 1963 France.
    • “It kicks off a debate as to whether Edward Fox or Eddie Remayne is top dog in the role…” – Richard
  • Paris 1919: Six Months that Changed the World (Book) – explores the pivotal six months post-World War I when global leaders convened in Paris, shaping international relations and redrawing borders with decisions that continue to reverberate today.
  • Nuremberg: The Trial of the Nazi War Criminals (Radio 4 Show from BBC Sounds) – the story of the trial of Nazi war criminals following Germany’s surrender in 1945.
  • Millenium People by JG Ballard (Book) – a dystopian novel following a psychologist’s investigation into his ex-wife’s death, leading him to uncover a rebellion within a middle-class London enclave.
  • Top Gun (Film) – follows Navy pilot Maverick’s high-stakes journey through elite training, personal challenges, and romance as he competes to become the top fighter pilot.
  • I’m a celeb (TV Series) – a group of celebrities to endure challenging living conditions and partake in daring challenges within an Australian jungle camp.

Jonny’s Picks

  • The Diplomat (TV Series) – a newly appointed US ambassador faces a race against time to avert war, whilst navigating a complex political web of conspiracies, diplomacy, and personal challenges.
  • The Power of Geography & The Prisoners of Geography (Book Series)
  • The Rest Is Politics (Podcast) – hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, and offers an insider’s view on UK and global politics, featuring discussions on current events, interviews, and debates.
  • Agatha All Along (TV Series) – a witch on a quest to regain her lost powers and uncover secrets along a perilous journey with a young companion and fellow witches.
  • Killing Eve (TV Series) – a spy thriller about the intense chase between a skilled assassin and a determined MI6 agent, filled with tension and unexpected twists.
  • Fleabag (TV Series) – a dark comedy-drama about a dry-witted, chaotic woman navigating her messy life in London, grappling with grief, relationships, and self-destructive tendencies while directly addressing viewers with her innermost thoughts.
    • “We need the world to understand the brilliance of Phoebe Waller-Bridge if they don’t already.”

James’ Picks

  • Arcane (TV Series) – an animated series based on League of Legends, exploring class struggles and magical conflicts.
  • Bullet Train (Film) – a chaotic mission to retrieve a briefcase on a high-speed train, facing off against a cast criminals as their interconnected backstories and motivations fuel a thrilling, action-packed ride.
  • Legends and Lattes (Book) – an orc barbarian retires from her adventurous life to open a coffee shop, forging friendships and finding a sense of belonging.
    • “I loveeeeee this book…it’s such a cozy lil read!” – James

Edna’s Picks

  • My Name is Maame (Book) – a coming-of-age story by Jessica George about a British-Ghanaian woman in her mid-twenties who is trying to find her place in the world.
  • Bridgerton (TV Series) – a period drama series following the prestigious Bridgerton family in Regency-era London, revolving around the 8 Bridgerton siblings as they seek love and marriage amidst a competitive and scandalous social scene.
    • “The recent series came out a while ago, but it was great!”