Author Tom Nichols features his list of books that help us understand democracy and our role in the preservation of that institution. 

In his latest book, Our Own Worst Enemy, he argues that the grievances of ordinary citizens, legitimate or otherwise, are exploited by political entrepreneurs who thrive on the creation of rage rather than on the encouragement of civic virtue and democratic cooperation. Is there any way out of this predicament? While it will be difficult, we need to revitalize civic culture, which we can only do by resurrecting the virtues of stoicism, compromise, and cooperation.

Tom Nichols is Professor of National Security Affairs, US Naval War College, a columnist for USA Today, and a contributing writer at The Atlantic.