New Books in Political Science

Emily Callaci, a historian and professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, reveals the revolutionary essence of the 1970s Wages for Housework movement. She delves into the lives of its architects, including Selma James and Silvia Federici, and discusses the movement's expansive global reach. Callaci tackles provocative questions about prioritizing care over production and how this shift could reshape society and women's lives. Engaging with resistance from within the left, she highlights the movement's challenges and ambitions, making a compelling case for the significance of unpaid labor.

Minna Salami, a writer and thought leader in feminist discourse, explores the complex relationship between feminism and African identity. She challenges existing assumptions, linking patriarchy to historical developments like agriculture. Salami advocates for a new lexicon to foster feminist change and critiques the entrenched nature of nationalism and its interplay with patriarchy. She emphasizes the importance of decolonizing education and rethinking narratives, urging a robust African feminist philosophy built on clarity and action.

This discussion delves into Hannah Arendt's complex views on identity, nationalism, and refugee politics. John Plotz explores Arendt's critique of both identity politics and universalism, emphasizing her call for refugees to embrace their origins. The conversation highlights her tense relationship with militant Zionism during the Holocaust and critiques of assimilation. Plotz also shares Arendt's endorsement of 'pariah politics,' advocating for individuality amidst oppression and encouraging independent thought in challenging times.

Carl Benedikt Frey, Dieter Schwarz Associate Professor of AI and Work at the Oxford Internet Institute, dives into the complexities of technological progress in his latest book. He reveals why historical powers like Song China and Victorian Britain faltered despite initial strength. Frey discusses the duality of decentralization and bureaucracy in fostering innovation and warns of potential stagnation in the U.S. and China. He argues that AI's future depends on competition and exploration, not just scale, offering a thought-provoking view on the fate of nations.

Nicholas Buccola, a political theorist and professor at Claremont McKenna College, delves into the dramatic clash between Barry Goldwater and Martin Luther King Jr. over the meaning of freedom. He explores how Goldwater's radical individualism conflicted with King's vision of collective empowerment for civil rights. Buccola highlights their divergent paths, pivotal moments like the Civil Rights Act, and the lasting impacts of their beliefs on American politics. The conversation paints a vivid picture of their rivalry and its relevance to today's political landscape.

Today I’m speaking with Hélène Landemore, Professor of Political Science at Yale University, about Democracy and Bullshit, with a special focus on her 2020 book, Open Democracy: Reinventing Popular Rule for the Twenty-First Century (Princeton University Press, 2020). Bullshit is a feature of both democracies and dictatorships alike, but it takes different forms. In democracies, while citizens enjoy the freedom of speech and the right to vote, a range of forces often conspire to limit their real power in favor of competing elites. The political and economic elite’s toolkit includes the art of bullshit—the persuasive use of language without regard for truth. Whether meritocratic or populist, elites alike have mastered this form of manipulation, amplified by modern tools of dissemination and authority. To help us understand the challenges that bullshit poses to democratic citizens, I’m pleased to welcome Hélène Landemore. Hélène Landemore is a professor of political science at Yale University. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Lisa Vanhala, a Professor of Political Science at UCL and author, dives into the complexities of climate change governance. She discusses her eight years of research on UN negotiations and the stark contrasts in how rich and poor countries experience climate loss. Vanhala reveals the intricate dynamics of negotiation rooms, the gaps between agreements and implementation, and the historical milestones of loss and damage frameworks. She also highlights the challenges of funding and the importance of framing in shaping policies, especially regarding climate migration.

Wolfgang Wagner, a Professor of International Security at the University of Amsterdam, dives into the intricate relationship between party politics and military interventions. He challenges the notion that foreign affairs are free from political contestation, showcasing how political parties across the left-right spectrum frame military actions differently. Discussions include the persistent contestation in U.S. foreign policy, the ideological divides affecting party positions, and the importance of party competition for democratic accountability.

Dr. Adeoye Akinola, an expert in African political economy and governance, discusses the African Union’s evolution since its inception in 2002. He reflects on the complexities of democracy in Africa, highlighting the tension between democratic ideals and recent coup waves. Akinola emphasizes the importance of youth activism and the challenges of integrating ordinary citizens into AU processes. He also explores Africa's shifting global alignments and envisions a stronger democratic framework by 2063, advocating for free elections and rule of law.

Clint Smith, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "How the Word Is Passed," explores the complexities of narrating America's history of slavery. He shares insights on visiting landmark sites like Monticello and Angola Prison, highlighting how these places reflect contradictions in American memory. Smith discusses the challenges of presenting painful truths without alienating visitors. He also emphasizes the importance of oral histories and community conversations about memorials, advocating for thoughtful public history that acknowledges the past.