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
Apr 13, 2024 • 51min
Egor Lazarev, "State-Building as Lawfare: Custom, Sharia, and State Law in Postwar Chechnya" (Cambridge UP, 2023)
Dr. Egor Lazarev discusses state-building in postwar Chechnya, exploring the use of non-state legal systems, the tolerance of local rulers, and the shift in legal preferences post-conflict. The interview sheds light on the reinvention of customary law and Sharia for legitimacy and autonomy, as well as the impact of armed conflict on legal dynamics, particularly on gender disparities in legal choices.
Apr 13, 2024 • 1h 4min
Maria Snegovaya, "When Left Moves Right: The Decline of the Left and the Rise of the Populist Right in Postcommunist Europe" (Oxford UP, 2024)
Maria Snegovaya discusses the decline of the left and the rise of the populist right in postcommunist Europe, attributing it to pro-market neoliberal reforms disenfranchising working-class voters. The podcast explores historical contexts, challenges faced by mainstream parties, economic uncertainties influencing voter choices, and the impact of transitioning industries. It also delves into the rise of populist right parties driven by economic dislocation, social tensions, and exploitation of cultural grievances in postcommunist European countries.
Apr 11, 2024 • 30min
Robert D. Kaplan, "The Loom of Time: Between Empire and Anarchy, from the Mediterranean to China" (Random House, 2023)
Robert D. Kaplan discusses the complexities of governance in the Greater Middle East, highlighting the unique social contract in well-governed states like Saudi Arabia. He contrasts the debate on democracy vs. development in the region, critiquing US policymakers' expectations for immediate democratization. Kaplan also touches on his latest book 'The Loom of Time' and upcoming projects.
Apr 10, 2024 • 1h 1min
Hume, the Epicureans, and the Origins of Liberalism
Aaron Zubia, Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, discusses David Hume's political thought, its influence on liberalism, and Hume's impact on modern morality. The podcast also explores Epicureanism, virtue through Hume's lens, and political philosophies shaping the American republic, emphasizing the importance of transcendent moral principles in conservatism.
Apr 10, 2024 • 33min
Eric Hoffer's "The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements" (1951)
Eric Hoffer, a stevedore turned philosopher, explores the psychology behind mass movements in his book. Topics include the origins of fanaticism, roles of desires and leadership, contrasting rational vs. messianic leaders, and analyzing true believers in movements.
Apr 9, 2024 • 57min
Sumita Pahwa, "Politics as Worship: Righteous Activism and the Egyptian Muslim Brothers" (Syracuse UP, 2023)
Sumita Pahwa, an expert on the Muslim Brotherhood, discusses how the organization maintained unity after coming to power in Egypt. She explores the blending of Islamic ideals into political discourse, navigating internal debates on preaching and social reform. Pahwa highlights the movement's shift towards political engagement, emphasizing the integration of religious education with activism to advance their cause.
Apr 8, 2024 • 59min
Christopher Michael Blakley, "Empire of Brutality: Enslaved People and Animals in the British Atlantic World" (Louisiana State UP, 2023)
Historian Chris Blakely discusses how enslaved people in the British Atlantic World were dehumanized by likening them to animals, exploring resistance and complex human-animal networks. They delve into slaveholders' tactics of dehumanization, visual depictions of enslaved individuals, and the intellectual critique of mistreatment. The interconnectedness between enslaved people and animals is highlighted, showcasing the exploitation faced and strategic resistance enacted within the system.
Apr 7, 2024 • 59min
Annika Schmeding, "Sufi Civilities: Religious Authority and Political Change in Afghanistan" (Stanford UP, 2023)
Author Annika Schmeding discusses her book 'Sufi Civilities: Religious Authority and Political Change in Afghanistan.' Topics include Sufism's role in Afghan civil society, Sufi groups' relationships with the state, the influence of Sufi poetry in Afghanistan, women's leadership in the Khadirir Sufi order, and dream-based succession in Afghan Sufi communities.
Apr 7, 2024 • 1h 6min
Jonathan W. Hackett, "Theory of Irregular War" (McFarland, 2024)
Jonathan W. Hackett, author of 'Theory of Irregular War,' discusses dysfunctional governments, organized violence, and the lack of understanding in irregular wars. Topics include the influence of ideology, diverse actors in conflicts, intrinsic motivations, psychological aspects, contrasting approaches, and the relevance of the Westphalian system in modern warfare.
Apr 6, 2024 • 57min
Marc Edelman, "Peasant Politics of the Twenty-First Century: Transnational Social Movements and Agrarian Change" (Cornell UP, 2024)
Marc Edelman, an expert on transnational agrarian movements, discusses the rise of peasant movements shaping global agriculture. Topics include protests, peasants' rights debates, alliances with various groups, and challenges like land grabbing and climate change. The interview also explores the impact of transnational farmer organizing, global trade dynamics, and collaboration between academics and activists in understanding and supporting rural movements.
