Book recommendations: These are the ten best economics books of the year

The Deutsche Wirtschaftsbuchpreis, co-presented by the Handelsblatt, Frankfurter Buchmesse, Goldman Sachs, and R+V Versicherung, aims to help readers understand economics. This year's shortlist of ten books, chosen from the year's releases, is headed by a panel of economists and entrepreneurs, chaired by Handelsblatt Senior Editor Hans-Jürgen Jakobs.

The topics of the books revolve around geopolitics, the dominance of tech oligarchs, artificial intelligence, and Germany's economic challenges. The award will be handed out on October 8th, 2026, in Frankfurt for the 20th time.

1. Joachim Bauer's "Menschlichkeit in digitalen Zeiten" (320 pages, €24) explores why one cannot live without living reality in a digital age.

2. Sven Beckert's "Kapitalismus: Geschichte einer Weltrevolution" (1280 pages, €42) delves into the history of capitalism as a global revolution.

3. Anne Brorhilker's "Cum/Ex, Milliarden und Moral" (272 pages, €24) discusses the importance of fighting economic crime, focusing on ethics and morality.

4. Andreas Hoffmann's "Die erfundene Bedrohung" (240 pages, €23.50) examines how an aging society is dramatized and who benefits from it.

5. Aya Jaff's "Broligarchie" (240 pages, €23.99) uncovers the power plays of the tech elite and how they hinder progress.

6. Soumaya Keynes and Chad Bown's "How to win a Trade War" (464 pages, €26) offers strategic advice on winning trade wars.

7. Tina Klüwer's "Zukunft made in Germany" (192 pages, €24) argues for promoting innovations to preserve prosperity.

8. Mariana Mazzucato's "Ein Kapitalismus, der allen nützt" (376 pages, €28) proposes a new form of common welfare economy.

9. Bojan Pancevski's "Die Nord-Stream-Sprengung" (368 pages, €22) reveals the true story behind the sabotage that shook Europe.

10. Konstantin Richter's "Dreihundert Männer. Aufstieg und Fall der Deutschland AG" (543 pages, €32) narrates the rise and fall of the German business empire.