Not so much a pre-reading, but pre-playing recommendation: Twilight Struggle.
The game gives a very good impression about the Cold War historical events and political „mechanics“. Add a little political pressure here, start a coup there, stir some unrest in the next place....
I started to play this one on-line very recently. More by chance, than by purpose (A friend and I were looking for a game, which we both own.)
A very nice game play, though quite confusing at start. In our last game, I managed to start the hot war (and end the game prematurely) by initiating a coup in Panama.
As with all card driven games, one should know the cards and what their effect is.