New Books in Political Science
New Books Network
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/political-science
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 30, 2025 • 58min
Elif Kalaycioglu, "The Politics of World Heritage: Visions, Custodians, and Futures of Humanity" (Oxford UP, 2025)
Elif Kalaycioglu, Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama and author focused on UNESCO's World Heritage, dives deep into the complexities of cultural history. She discusses how the World Heritage regime constructs various visions of humanity, often excluding marginalized voices. Kalaycioglu highlights the shift from viewing humanity as a single entity to recognizing its diversity and the growing influence of states in curating this narrative. She also addresses the regime's pitfalls and upcoming research on contested heritage sites.
Oct 28, 2025 • 42min
Democratic Dialogues: Pathways of Democratic Backsliding, Resistance, and (Partial) Recoveries
Kenneth Roberts, a comparative politics scholar, discusses the nuances of democratic backsliding and the importance of institutional and societal resistance. Jennifer McCoy explores pernicious polarization and the necessity of coalition-building for effective democratic defense. Murat Somer outlines distinct pathways of backsliding, such as legislative capture and executive aggrandizement, underlining the need for tailored resistance strategies. Together, they emphasize the significance of awareness and community rebuilding to strengthen democracy in the face of challenges.
110 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 15min
Garrett Hardin’s Tragic Environmentalism
Peter Staudenmaier, a historian of environmental and political movements, dives into the controversial legacy of Garrett Hardin. They explore how Hardin's grim view on population and resources prompted drastic measures against capitalism and overconsumption. The conversation touches on Hardin's connections to eugenics, his anti-immigrant rhetoric, and how his theories, especially the 'Tragedy of the Commons,' influenced environmentalism across the political spectrum. Staudenmaier warns that Hardin's ideas still resonate with today's eco-right movements.
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 34min
Kate Epstein on How Twentieth-Century Technology Theft Built the National-Security State" (U Chicago Press, 2024)
Join Kate Epstein, an associate professor at Rutgers University-Camden and author of Analog Superpowers, as she dives into the intriguing links between technology theft and the rise of the national-security state. She reveals how historical legal breaches drove innovation, the tensions between defense contractors and civil liberties, and the pivotal roles of battleships in military strategy. Their discussion highlights the complex dynamics of intellectual property and secrecy that shaped modern defense contracting and U.S.-British technology exchanges.
Oct 26, 2025 • 1h 7min
Michael Lazarus, "Absolute Ethical Life: Aristotle, Hegel and Marx" (Stanford UP, 2025)
Michael Lazarus, a Lecturer in Political Theory and author of Absolute Ethical Life, explores the intersections of Marx, Aristotle, and Hegel. He argues that Marx's critique of capitalism isn't just economic but fundamentally ethical, reshaping our understanding of freedom and agency. Lazarus highlights the limitations of thinkers like Arendt and MacIntyre, advocating for a broader framework of political action connected to contemporary social issues like climate change. His insights challenge us to rethink ethics as deeply embedded in our historical and social contexts.
Oct 24, 2025 • 44min
Taru Salmenkari, "Global Ideas, Local Adaptations: Chinese Activism and the Will to Make Civil Society" (Edward Elgar, 2025)
Taru Salmenkari, a senior researcher at the University of Helsinki, dives into the complex world of Chinese civil society and NGOs. She discusses how globalization has influenced local activism and highlights the significant role of Confucian values in NGO operations. Salmenkari contrasts examples like Shanghai Pride with grassroots gatherings, showing the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ activism in China. She also challenges Western definitions of politics, illustrating how local community actions are vital political expressions. Plus, she hints at her work on climate policy and its implications for civil society.
Oct 24, 2025 • 20min
Hindutva and Anti-Christian Violence in Contemporary India
Kenneth Bo Nielsen, a social anthropologist, and M. Sudhir Selvaraj, a political scientist, dive into the troubling rise of anti-Christian violence in India. They discuss historical roots linked to colonial attitudes and the evolution of contemporary violence fueled by social media. The guests explore how state dynamics influence strategies, with case studies from Orissa and Karnataka. They also critique anti-conversion laws that disguise discrimination under a secular facade, emphasizing the need for further research into this pressing issue.
Oct 23, 2025 • 44min
Nathan E. Sanders and Bruce Schneier, "Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship" (MIT Press, 2025)
Nathan E. Sanders, an astrophysicist and data science expert, joins forces with renowned security technologist Bruce Schneier to unpack how AI is reshaping politics and governance. They discuss the dual nature of AI as both a tool for democracy and a risk to it, emphasizing the need for informed regulation. Sanders reveals how AI can enhance voter engagement and government efficiency while cautioning against its biases. He also highlights the geopolitical implications of AI in the U.S. and China, outlining paths for a decentralized and fair AI future.
Oct 23, 2025 • 47min
Matthew D. Nelsen, "The Color of Civics: Civic Education for a Multiracial Democracy" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Matthew D. Nelsen, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, dives into the intricate world of civic education in his latest book. He reveals how urban classrooms can transform historical narratives about marginalized figures, shaping students' political engagement. Nelsen's research shows that teaching inclusive history significantly increases political participation, especially among diverse racial groups. He advocates for schools as community hubs, emphasizing a discussion-based approach to empower future citizens in a multiracial democracy.
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
Yong-Shik Lee, "Sustainable Peace in Northeast Asia" (Anthem Press, 2023)
Yong-Shik Lee, a noted professor and author of "Sustainable Peace in Northeast Asia," dives into the complex dynamics of East Asia's political landscape. He explores how nations must embrace collective defense to mitigate U.S.-China rivalry, much as France and Germany did post-war. Lee tackles North Korea's nuclear ambitions linked to its regime security and contrasts Japan’s war legacy with Germany’s reconciliation efforts. He also discusses Mongolia's potential role in fostering reform and emphasizes the necessity of integrating economic, political, and military cooperation for lasting peace.
