

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

4 snips
Jan 22, 2024 • 1h 21min
Guido Parietti, "On the Concept of Power: Possibility, Necessity, Politics" (Oxford UP, 2022)
Guido Parietti, author of 'On the Concept of Power: Possibility, Necessity, Politics', explores the definition of power and its implications for politics. The podcast discusses the limitations of current political science and philosophy in conceptualizing power and highlights the importance of incorporating the category of possibility. It challenges conventional views on power's relationship with intentionality and freedom, and explores the connection between power and representation. The guest also shares plans for a future project on the evolution of the concept of power in history.

11 snips
Jan 22, 2024 • 1h 6min
On Zionism and the Left: A Discussion with Author and Cultural Critic Susie Linfield
Susie Linfield, an author and cultural critic, discusses Zionism and its contentious relationship with the Left. She examines the perspectives of prominent figures like Isaac Deutscher, I.F. Stone, and Fred Halliday. The podcast delves into the complexities of the Jewish question, Trotsky's views on pogroms, the concept of diasporism, I.F. Stone's changing perspective on Israel, the importance of Fred Halliday's analysis, and intellectual perspectives on personal responsibility for violence.

Jan 22, 2024 • 58min
Kareem R. Muhammad, "The Fight for Black Empowerment in the USA: America’s Last Hope" (Routledge, 2023)
Kareem R. Muhammad, author of a book focusing on the role of Black voters in the United States, discusses the sustained electoral power of Black voters and the impact of their policies. The research highlights the historical significance of the Black vote, from Reconstruction to the Civil Rights agenda. The podcast also explores the impact of family structure on the political dynamics of Black men, gender divides and patriarchy in hip hop culture, the importance of achieving granular goals, the impact of policies on Black Americans, and the political implications of the Black Panther series.

Jan 18, 2024 • 39min
Scott Gac, "Born in Blood: Violence and the Making of America" (Cambridge UP, 2023)
Scott Gac, author of Born in Blood: Violence and the Making of America, discusses the interconnectedness of violence with US history from the American Revolution to the Civil War. He explores the role of violence in the formation of the liberal state, the racialization of democracy, and the transformation of violence after the Civil War. He also delves into the use of violence to control labor and its impact on African Americans in America.

Jan 18, 2024 • 48min
Black and Queer on Campus
Dr. Michael P. Jeffries discusses his book 'Black and Queer on Campus' and the challenges faced by LGBTQ college students. He explores the lack of attention given to Black LGBTQ students on campuses, the impact of stereotypes and threats to their safety, and the ways they build queer identities. The podcast highlights the importance of centering young queer black individuals, learning from the black queer radical tradition, and creating inclusive spaces for these students.

Jan 17, 2024 • 56min
Aimee Loiselle, "Beyond Norma Rae: How Puerto Rican and Southern White Women Fought for a Place in the American Working Class" (UNC Press, 2023)
Aimee Loiselle, author of a book on the labor history and portrayal of working-class women in Hollywood films, discusses the fight for better work conditions and cultural representations by Puerto Rican and Southern White Women in the American working class during the 1970s. The podcast explores the experiences of these women in the textile industry, the influence of gender and culture on their labor, and the challenges faced by Puerto Rican women in the workplace. It also delves into the activism of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union in Puerto Rico and the history of union breaking in mill towns.

Jan 17, 2024 • 1h 3min
Paul Gowder, "The Networked Leviathan: For Democratic Platforms" (Cambridge UP, 2023)
Paul Gowder, author of 'The Networked Leviathan: For Democratic Platforms', discusses the failures of internet platform governance, the need for institutional solutions, global democracy in the digital age, the value of democratic knowledge, dispersed governance institutions for the internet age, offshore contract workers in content moderation, and ethical challenges in academic research and book writing.

Jan 15, 2024 • 50min
Alexandra Filindra, "Race, Rights, and Rifles: The Origins of the NRA and Contemporary Gun Culture" (U Chicago Press, 2023)
Dr. Alexandra Filindra, a scholar interrogating the origins of the NRA and contemporary gun culture, discusses how the NRA's success in lobbying for radical gun laws can be traced back to classical republican ideals and white male supremacy. She explores the exclusion of women and people of color from political and military roles in American republican ideology, as well as the different forms of republicanism in American political culture, including the NRA-promoted exclusive view of Americanism.

Jan 14, 2024 • 1h 12min
Justine Nolan and Martijn Boersma, "Addressing Modern Slavery" (UNSW Press, 2019)
Professors Justine Nolan and Martijn Boersma discuss their book 'Addressing Modern Slavery' highlighting the role of businesses, governments, and consumers in perpetuating modern slavery. They explore legislation, the emergence of corporate social conscience, the limitations of current laws, problems with minimum wage, and the challenges of tackling modern slavery. They also discuss ongoing research projects on modern slavery and responsible business conduct.

Jan 14, 2024 • 1h 20min
Kathryn Mathers, "White Saviorism and Popular Culture: Imagined Africa as a Space for American Salvation" (Routledge, 2022)
Kathryn Mathers, author of 'White Saviorism and Popular Culture: Imagined Africa as a Space for American Salvation', discusses the white savior industrial complex and how America presents Africa as a space for its salvation. The podcast explores the influence of media technologies on encounters between Africans and Americans, as well as the ways in which Africa is asked to fulfill American needs. Mathers analyzes case studies like Savior Barbie, Black Panther, and Black is King to reveal how global imperialism disguises white supremacy.


