New Books in Critical Theory

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

undefined
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 15min

Kerry Gottlich, "From Frontiers to Borders: How Colonial Technicians Created Modern Territoriality" (Cambridge UP, 2025)

In this engaging conversation, Kerry Goettlich, an International Relations scholar and associate professor at City St George's, explores the origins of modern territoriality. He argues that linear boundaries emerged from colonial practices, challenging the notion that they were merely imposed by Europeans. Goettlich delves into the role of boundary experts, particularly at the Paris Peace Conference, and reveals the complexities of delimitation versus demarcation. He also discusses how colonial surveying shaped our current understanding of borders and their persistent influence today.
undefined
24 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 1h 5min

Dagmar Herzog, "The New Fascist Body" (Wirklichkeit Books, 2025)

In this discussion, Dagmar Herzog, a distinguished historian of modern Europe, explores the complex intersections of fascism, sexuality, and disability. She introduces the concept of 'sexy racism' as a driving force in modern far-right movements, particularly through Germany's Alternative für Deutschland party. Herzog reveals how fascism weaponizes pleasure and aggression, and she argues that the obsession with purity often leads to brutal discrimination against marginalized bodies. Her insights challenge traditional narratives about Nazism and emphasize the relevance of these themes in today's political landscape.
undefined
Jan 13, 2026 • 56min

Mercedes Valmisa, "All Things Act" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Mercedes Valmisa, a philosopher and professor at Gettysburg College, delves into her groundbreaking work, All Things Act. She challenges traditional views of agency, arguing it's a collective, relational phenomenon involving both human and nonhuman actors. Valmisa discusses how intentions are emergent, shaped by social-material practices rather than internal thoughts. She also highlights concepts like wu wei as facilitative of self-organization and explores the urgent need for non-cruel optimism in distributing responsibility and cultivating ethical relationships.
undefined
Jan 12, 2026 • 57min

Matthijs Lok, "Europe Against Revolution: Conservatism, Enlightenment, and the Making of the Past" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

Author Matthijs Lok discusses the roots of European ideas, contrasting conservative and Enlightenment views. They touch on counter-revolutionary authors defending Europe, opposition to revolutionary principles, and the evolution of European society. The podcast explores conservatism's rise globally, the dark side of Enlightenment values, and German theorists' views on Europe as diverse. It also delves into lesser-known Enlightenment figures, the concept of the European Republic, and European conservatism during the Vienna Order period.
undefined
Jan 10, 2026 • 57min

J. Logan Smilges, "Crip Negativity" (U of Minnesota Press, 2023)

J. Logan Smilges, a queer, trans, disabled scholar at UBC, dives into the complexities of disability and activism through their work, Crip Negativity. They discuss how therapy and the pandemic sparked their exploration of 'bad crip feelings' and critique narrow definitions of access. Smilges advocates for envisioning expansive and unreasonable accommodations, emphasizing the collective power of refusal and care. They also weave in insights from queer, mad, and Black studies, proposing that grappling with negativity can foster deeper connections and critique of ableism.
undefined
Jan 9, 2026 • 40min

Caitlin Vincent, "Opera Wars: Inside the World of Opera and the Battles for Its Future" (Simon and Schuster, 2026)

Caitlin Vincent, a Senior Lecturer in Creative Industries and a librettist, dives deep into the opera industry, examining its past and future. She shares her multifaceted background as a singer, director, and researcher. The conversation highlights the ongoing battles over staging, casting diversity, and the pressures of gig economies on performers. Vincent also addresses the challenge of embracing new works while being anchored to traditional operatic canon. Her insights push for a reevaluation of how companies can attract modern audiences and innovate within this timeless art form.
undefined
Jan 8, 2026 • 51min

Keidrick Roy, "American Dark Age: Racial Feudalism and the Rise of Black Liberalism" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Keidrick Roy, Assistant Professor of Government at Dartmouth College and author of *American Dark Age*, dives deep into the concept of racial feudalism in the U.S. He reveals how 19th-century America mirrored medieval Europe, exposing a racial hierarchy that abolitionists fervently challenged. Roy connects this historical context to modern extremism, linking medieval imagery to contemporary hate groups. He discusses the transformative power of Black liberalism and its ongoing relevance, advocating for its principles to address liberalism's blind spots today.
undefined
Jan 7, 2026 • 45min

Thomas Albert Howard, "Broken Altars: Secularist Violence in Modern History" (Yale UP, 2025)

Thomas Albert Howard, a Professor of humanities and history at Valparaiso University, challenges the narrative that secularism is a pacifying force. He explores the dark side of modern secularist regimes, revealing their significant capacity for violence. Howard distinguishes between passive, combative, and eliminationist secularism, examining cases from the Soviet Union to Turkey. He warns of the dangers posed by fanatic nationalism paired with militant secularism and advocates for passive secularism as the protector of pluralism and religious liberty.
undefined
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 14min

Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism with Thea Riofrancos

Thea Riofrancos, an Associate Professor of Political Science and expert on resource extraction, dives into the complex relationship between lithium mining and green capitalism. She highlights how lithium is crucial for electric vehicles but poses environmental challenges. Thea discusses the ethical dilemmas of energy transition and the implications of mining on Global South communities. By examining geopolitical dynamics, she emphasizes the need for careful governance in pursuing sustainable solutions. Her insights on supply chains and the balance of local needs with global pressures are thought-provoking.
undefined
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 10min

Kelsey Klotz, "Dave Brubeck and the Performance of Whiteness" (Oxford UP, 2023)

Kelsey Klotz, a music scholar and lecturer, dives into the complexities of Dave Brubeck's legacy and his relationship with whiteness in jazz. She explores how Brubeck's performances influenced perceptions of race during pivotal moments in American history. The discussion reveals how critics racialized Brubeck's music, the cultural implications of his mainstream appeal, and the challenges faced by his integrated quartet. Klotz also highlights the significance of Brubeck's works, like the "Gates of Justice" cantata, in bridging communities. This multifaceted analysis encourages a deeper understanding of race and identity in jazz.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
 Get the app