New Books in Critical Theory

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Oct 5, 2024 • 41min

Kristina Kolbe, "The Sound of Difference: Race, Class and the Politics of 'Diversity' in Classical Music" (Manchester UP, 2024)

Kristina Kolbe is an Assistant Professor of Sociology of Arts and Culture at Erasmus University Rotterdam, focusing on diversity in classical music. She discusses the pressing need for the classical music industry to address systemic barriers faced by diverse musicians. Kolbe critiques the limited effectiveness of current diversity initiatives and highlights the challenges brought by the pandemic, which disproportionately affected marginalized artists. The conversation also dives into the tension between traditional elitism and efforts for inclusivity within opera houses.
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6 snips
Oct 5, 2024 • 59min

Michael J. Thompson, "Descent of the Dialectic: Phronetic Criticism in an Age of Nihilism" (Routledge, 2024)

Michael J. Thompson, a political theory professor, discusses his book on dialectics in a nihilistic age. He argues that modern societies prioritize economic management over human values, eroding critical consciousness. Thompson critiques how societal structures undermine creativity and individuality, particularly regarding gender and race. He emphasizes the importance of dialectical thinking for self-awareness and transformative actions. The conversation also examines the challenges posed by total institutions and advocates returning to foundational ideas to navigate contemporary nihilism.
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Oct 3, 2024 • 41min

Camille Owens, "Like Children: Black Prodigy and the Measure of the Human in America" (NYU Press, 2024)

Camille Owens, the author of "Like Children: Black Prodigy and the Measure of the Human in America," explores the complexities of childhood as a lens for understanding race and humanity. She highlights how childhood has been weaponized in white supremacy, particularly through the historical narratives surrounding Black children. Through stories of notable figures like poet Phillis Wheatley and pianist Blind Tom, Owens challenges societal perceptions of intelligence and identity, urging a reevaluation of the historical impact of race on childhood in America.
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Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 20min

Jon Michaels and David Noll, "Vigilante Nation: How State-Sponsored Terror Threatens Our Democracy" (Atria/One Signal, 2024)

Law professors Jon Michaels and David Noll dive into the alarming rise of state-sponsored vigilantism in America. They discuss how MAGA Republicans and Christian nationalists are subverting democracy through tactics like book bans and anti-abortion bounties. The duo examines historical parallels, highlighting how these movements echo the past struggles of the abolitionist and Reconstruction eras. Ultimately, they propose a playbook for action, offering 19 model laws to combat these threats and defend civil rights.
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Oct 2, 2024 • 43min

Julia Caterina Hartley, "Iran and French Orientalism: Persia in the Literary Culture of Nineteenth-Century France" (Bloomsbury. 2023)

Julia Caterina Hartley, an author exploring Iranian culture and French literary history, discusses the deep connections between nineteenth-century France and Iran. She highlights how new translations of Persian works reshaped France's literary imagination, showcasing influences from Victor Hugo to Judith Gautier. Hartley also examines the complexities of Iranian identity through the lens of French Orientalism and critiques Eurocentrism in literary narratives. Her insights reveal how cultural exchanges transformed artistic expressions in both literature and opera.
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Oct 2, 2024 • 40min

Brianna Nofil, "The Migrant's Jail: An American History of Mass Incarceration" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Brianna Nofil is an insightful author who delves into the intricate history of migrant detention in the U.S. She reveals how local jails have been entwined with immigration enforcement for over a century. The conversation uncovers the profit motives driving rural communities to detain migrants, and how historical events like WWII shaped current policies. Nofil critiques ineffective political strategies and highlights the troubling economics of incarceration, where local authorities benefit financially from detaining those seeking refuge.
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4 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 58min

Mary Bridges, "Dollars and Dominion: US Bankers and the Making of a Superpower" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Mary Bridges, an expert in the history of US finance capitalism, delves into her book about the rise of US banking as an imperial force. She reveals how banking began as a side project for Gilded Age tycoons, evolving into a pivotal tool for projecting US power abroad. Bridges discusses the interplay of local communities with branch banking and how these institutions perpetuated social hierarchies. The conversation also touches on the transition from personal relationships to data-driven credit practices, reflecting on the enduring influence of financial systems on global dynamics.
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Sep 29, 2024 • 1h 1min

Inés Valdez, "Democracy and Empire: Labor, Nature, and the Reproduction of Capitalism" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

Inés Valdez, an Associate Professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University, challenges conventional views on democracy and imperialism. She introduces the concept of 'self-and-other determination,' revealing how popular sovereignty in the Global North is tied to the exploitation of racialized labor. Valdez discusses the complexities of migration, labor dynamics, and the political alienation from nature, advocating for an anti-imperial sovereignty grounded in transnational movements. She critiques traditional migration narratives, emphasizing the systemic inequities faced by marginalized communities.
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12 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 3min

Jack A. Goldstone, "Revolutions: A Very Short Introduction" (Oxford UP, 2023)

Jack A. Goldstone, a noted scholar and author of 'Revolutions: A Very Short Introduction', delves into the history and evolution of revolutions. He discusses how the age structure of societies impacts revolutionary dynamics, with younger populations often more prone to violence. Goldstone draws parallels between revolutions and earthquakes, emphasizing their unpredictability. He also explores the significance of recent non-violent movements, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from revolution to stable democracy in contexts like the Arab Spring.
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Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 7min

Jeff Schuhrke, "Blue Collar Empire: The Untold Story of U.S. Labor’s Global Anticommunist Crusade" (Verso, 2024)

Jeff Schuhrke, a labor historian and union activist, delves into the shocking use of American unions by the CIA to undermine labor movements during the Cold War. He reveals the AFL-CIO's betrayal in blocking revolutionary ideologies, reshaping global labor dynamics. Schuhrke discusses the internal conflicts of the CIO, the historical roots of free trade unionism, and the missed opportunities for labor in the 1960s civil rights movements. He also highlights the legacies of key figures like Walter Ruther and the ongoing implications for modern worker rights.

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