Theo Baker, a Stanford University undergraduate, published his first book detailing power dynamics at the institution in May 2026 [1].

The release follows Baker's role as a student journalist whose reporting triggered a leadership crisis at one of the world's most prestigious universities. His work exposed misconduct that led to the resignation of the university president, demonstrating the impact of student-led investigative journalism on institutional governance.

Baker's book, "How to Rule the World: An Education in Power at Stanford University," is published by Penguin Press [1]. The narrative focuses on the internal mechanisms of authority and the author's experiences navigating those systems. Anand Giridharadas said in The New York Times that Baker chronicles an outrageously eventful year navigating a potent center of power [2].

Baker began his investigative work as a freshman. William D. Cohen said that Baker's reporting as a Stanford freshman led to the downfall of the university's president [1]. This reporting established Baker as a significant voice in campus journalism and earned him professional recognition before completing his degree.

In addition to the book, Baker has received high-level industry honors. Indira Lakshmanan said that Baker is the youngest-ever recipient of the prestigious George Polk Award [3].

The author is currently preparing for his upcoming commencement. He is scheduled to graduate from Stanford University on June 14, 2026 [1]. To mark the book's release, launch events have been held at the Harvard Book Store in Boston, Massachusetts [3].

Baker is the son of Susan Glasser and Peter Ba [1]. His transition from a student reporter to a published author occurs just as he concludes his formal education at the university he helped reform.

“"[Theo Baker's] astounding reporting as a Stanford freshman led to the downfall of the university's president."”

The publication of Baker's account serves as a case study in the shifting power balance between university administrations and student journalists. By leveraging investigative reporting to remove a university president, Baker has highlighted the vulnerability of institutional leadership to transparency and the growing influence of independent student media in the US higher education system.