Science Under Siege: How to Fight the Five Most Powerful Forces That Threaten Our World

In this "well-researched guide," two of the world's most respected scientists reveal the forces behind the dangerous anti-science movement--and offer "powerful ideas about how to fight back" (Bill McKibben, author of Here Comes the Sun)

"Science is indeed under siege, and that's not good for any of us. Here, Peter Hotez and Michael Mann name names...It's not too late to do something; it's time to get things done. Read on" (Bill Nye, science educator)

From pandemics to the climate crisis, humanity faces tougher challenges than ever. Whether it's the health of our people or the health of our planet, we know we are on an unsustainable path. But our efforts to effectively tackle these existential crises are now hampered by a common threat: politically and ideologically motivated opposition to science.

Michael E. Mann and Peter J. Hotez are two of the most respected and well-known scientists in the world and have spent the last twenty years on the front lines of the battle to convey accurate, reliable, and trustworthy information about science in the face of determined and nihilistic opposition.

In this powerful manifesto, they reveal the five main forces threatening science: plutocrats, pros, petrostates, phonies, and the press. It is a call to arms and a road map for dismantling the forces of anti-science. Armed with the information in this book, we can be empowered to promote scientific truths, shine light on channels of dark money, dismantle the corporations poisoning the planet, and ultimately avert disaster.


Author: Michael E. Mann,Peter J. Hotez
Publisher: PublicAffairs
Published: 09/09/2025
Pages: 368
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.27lbs
Size: 9.42h x 6.38w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9781541705494


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2025

About the Author

Michael E. Mann is presidential distinguished professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania. He is director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media. He contributed to the award of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize and was elected to the US National Academy of Sciences in 2020. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Peter J. Hotez is dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of pediatrics and molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, where he is also the codirector of the Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development. He is an elected member of the US National Academy of Medicine and, in 2022, was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the COVID-19 vaccine. He lives in Houston, Texas.