New Books in Critical Theory
Marshall Poe
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 26, 2024 • 58min
Caterina Fugazzola, "Words Like Water: Queer Mobilization and Social Change in China" (Temple UP, 2023)
Caterina Fugazzola, an expert on queer mobilization in China, discusses her book that highlights strategies for social change post-decriminalization of same-sex behavior. She contrasts local approaches with Western tactics, emphasizing community narratives over confrontation. Fugazzola shares her academic journey and the metaphor of 'Words Like Water' to illustrate adaptability in activism. Personal stories reveal the resilience of China's queer community, navigating cultural expectations and a complex relationship with the government, all while fostering hope for the future.
Sep 25, 2024 • 42min
Aaron Reeves and Sam Friedman, "Born to Rule: The Making and Remaking of the British Elite" (Harvard UP, 2024)
Aaron Reeves and Sam Friedman, both Professors of Sociology at the London School of Economics, dive into the dynamics of the British elite in their new book. They reveal how the elite, primarily affluent older white men, navigate their identities while grappling with societal perceptions of wealth. The conversation also highlights gender disparities in elite education and the complex roles of elites of color shaped by colonial legacies. They even discuss the pressing social issues and responsibilities of today's elites, proposing reforms to bridge the disconnect with the public.
Sep 25, 2024 • 57min
Andrew W. Kahrl, "The Black Tax: 150 Years of Theft, Exploitation, and Dispossession in America" (U Chicago Press, 2024)
Andrew W. Kahrl, an author and historian, delves into the deeply rooted issues of inequitable tax laws affecting Black Americans. He discusses the historical context of systemic exploitation that has persisted for 150 years, revealing how tax policies have reinforced racial inequality. Kahrl also examines the connection between taxation and housing markets, highlighting past injustices like redlining that have disproportionately burdened Black communities. His insights challenge listeners to rethink the implications of tax systems and advocate for meaningful reform.
Sep 22, 2024 • 1h 8min
Ilias Alami and Adam D. Dixon, "The Spectre of State Capitalism" (Oxford UP, 2024)
Ilias Alami, a scholar on state capitalism, and Adam D. Dixon, an expert on state-owned enterprises, dive deep into the resurgence of state involvement in global economies. They explore how the 2008 financial crisis sparked this shift, with countries like China leading the charge. The duo challenges traditional views of capitalism by highlighting similar traits in Western economies. They dissect the competitive dynamics among nations, especially in green technology, and discuss the critical link between state investment and decarbonization efforts.
Sep 21, 2024 • 1h 8min
Shane Burley and Ben Lorber, "Safety through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism" (Melville House, 2024)
Shane Burley, an author and activist focused on anti-fascism, joins Ben Lorber, a researcher specializing in antisemitism and far-right movements, to tackle the complexities of rising antisemitism. They discuss the urgency of building solidarity among marginalized groups to confront hate. Exploring historical roots and modern conspiracy theories, they highlight Trump’s impact on far-right ideologies. With a focus on nuanced discourse, they advocate for coalition-building that respects both Jewish safety and Palestinian rights.
Sep 21, 2024 • 38min
Lucy Weir, "Performance, Masculinity, and Self-Injury" (Routledge, 2024)
Lucy Weir, a Reader in History of Art at the University of Edinburgh, engages in a provocative discussion on the intersections of performance art, masculinity, and self-injury. She questions whether self-harm can be considered art and challenges traditional gender associations within this realm. Weir explores the influential Viennese Actionism and delves into artists like Ron Athey and Wafaa Bilal, examining how their controversial performances resonate in socio-political contexts and redefine bodily autonomy and artistic expression.
Sep 21, 2024 • 43min
Sarah Lewis, "The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America" (Harvard UP, 2024)
In this engaging discussion, author and historian Sarah Lewis delves into her groundbreaking work on race and visual culture. She uncovers the historical myths surrounding racial superiority, particularly through the lens of the Caucasus region. Lewis highlights how the misrepresentation in maps and geography has reinforced racial hierarchies while showcasing influential figures like Frederick Douglass who challenged these narratives. The conversation also touches on the resilience of African Americans amidst systemic injustices and the ongoing efforts to reevaluate Black contributions to visual culture.
Sep 19, 2024 • 53min
Alexis Pauline Gumbs, "Survival Is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde" (FSG, 2024)
Alexis Pauline Gumbs is an acclaimed scholar and poet who delves into the life and influence of Audre Lorde. Gumbs discusses how Lorde's concepts of survival extend beyond personal resilience to encompass our relationship with a dynamically changing planet. She highlights Lorde’s ecological imagery as a vital framework for understanding identity and community. The conversation also touches on Lorde's activism and her responses to historical hurricanes, drawing connections between personal narratives of survival and broader social movements.
Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 7min
Immigration Realities: Challenging Common Misperceptions
Dr. Ernesto Castaneda, an immigration studies expert, and Carina Cione, a researcher in evidence-based immigration analysis, explore captivating insights from their new book. They tackle common myths about immigration, emphasizing its socio-economic benefits. The duo dissects misconceptions about border safety, argues against the narrative framing immigrants as threats, and reveals that they contribute positively to economies. They discuss the complexities of language acquisition and the urgent need for humane immigration policies to foster a more informed and empathetic public discourse.
Sep 17, 2024 • 51min
Danny Sriskandarajah, "Power to the People: Use Your Voice, Change the World" (Headline Press, 2024)
Danny Sriskandarajah, an advocate for citizen action, shares insights from his radical manifesto for change. He delves into the importance of civic engagement and the urgent threats to democracy, emphasizing grassroots movements. Sriskandarajah illustrates the power of community through inspiring real-life examples. He also explores the need for reform in global decision-making, advocating for a 'people's chamber' at the UN to give marginalized voices a platform. Listeners are challenged to reclaim their power and drive meaningful societal change.
