Science Under Siege - by Michael E Mann & Peter J Hotez (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Two of the world's most respected scientists reveal the forces behind the dangerous anti-science movement--and show us how to fight back

"An important contribution to the current debate about the role of science in political discourse." --Financial Times

From pandemics to the climate crisis, humanity faces tougher challenges than ever. 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. Science Under Siege is a call to arms and a road map for dismantling the forces of anti-science, now updated with a new epilogue addressing President Trump's destructive second term. This powerful manifesto empowers readers to promote scientific truths, shine light on channels of dark money, dismantle the corporations poisoning the planet, and avert disaster before it's too late.

Review Quotes

"Science Under Siege is a rallying cry...recommended reading for all those who share the authors' determination to 'fight for a liveable planet for us, our children and future generations.'"--Financial Times

"Science Under Siege is a valuable contribution. It combines vivid narrative with a disciplined, structural account of how contemporary attacks on science operate."--Lawfare

"[Science Under Siege] is lively, accurate, and entertaining...The text is a lovely interplay between history, data, and anecdote...I recommend Science Under Siege to anyone seeking new insights into how we arrived at this moment. And I am grateful to Mann and Hotez for their advocacy, public voices, and fearlessness."--Science

"An impassioned critique... a call to action for scientists to get more involved in the political process and for concerned citizens to pay attention to the dangers of antiscience rhetoric."--Publishers Weekly

"An important and timely book."--Mother Jones

"An important and timely book."--The Lancet

"An important contribution to the current debate about the role of science in political discourse."--Financial Times (Best Books of 2025)

"Climate change and cyberattacks threaten our very survival, but an even more insidious force is eating democracy from within: disinformation. Propagandists, lobbyists, and political operatives have hijacked science, turning fact into fiction until millions of Americans reject the reality of climate change--even as wildfires rage, oceans rise, and the planet becomes increasingly uninhabitable. In Science Under Siege, Michael Mann and Peter Hotez expose the machinery behind these deadly lies and call us to fight back--before truth itself becomes collateral damage."--Nicole Perlroth, New York Times-bestselling author of This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends

"For anyone who cares about ensuring that science, facts and truth reach the public and influence decision makers to benefit society at large, Science Under Siege offers a sold frame for understanding the forces that scientists are up against and the challenges at hand."--Nature

"If your own health matters to you, not to mention the health of the planet, read this book."--The Telegraph (UK)

"In compelling detail...the authors provide a clear, persuasive road map...The result is an empowering work in a world that can often feel lost to untruths."--Kirkus

"In our dark times, as we face a frontal assault on science, two revered scientists--Drs. Mann and Hotez--exemplify the warriors courageously speaking truth to power despite serious attacks."--Eric Topol, author of Deep Medicine

"In standing up for evidence and truth, Drs. Mann and Hotez exemplify the citizen scientists who have been integral to making our country healthier, more sustainable, and--yes--great. Science Under Siege informs us of the peril of not combatting attacks on science and scientists, and urges all of us who care about our shared future to join the fight."--Chelsea Clinton, vice chair, Clinton Foundation and Clinton Health Access Initiative

"Once upon a time, scientists could assume that people would take their hard work, believe it, and put it to use. No longer--as Michael Mann and Peter Hotez make painfully clear, a concentrated assault by special interests has made the work of science painful and perilous. Science Under Siege is a well-researched guide and offers some 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. They describe the role of Russia; the Supreme Court Justices, who've lost sight of the forest for the disappearing trees; and the like-minded officials who promote nutty conspiracy theories. It's not too late to do something; it's time to get things done. Read on."--Bill Nye, science educator

"The vicious and unprincipled war on science is escalating on all fronts. Now two of our most distinguished scientists, who have both been subjected to abuse and threats for their diligence and work, have documented in devastating detail the forces undermining our efforts against climate change and deadly diseases. A must-read if you care about the planet and humanity."--Norman J. Ornstein, coauthor of It's Even Worse Than It Looks

About the Author

Michael E. Mann is presidential distinguished professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania, and director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media. He lives in Philadelphia.

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 Hospital Center for Vaccine Development. He lives in Houston.