Jonathan Judaken, "Critical Theories of Anti-Semitism" (Columbia UP, 2024)

Jul 7, 2024

Dr. Jonathan Judaken discusses critical theories of anti-Semitism, examining its definitions, causes, historical evolution, and contemporary relevance. He explores the theories of various thinkers like Sartre, the Frankfurt School, and Arendt, emphasizing the entanglement of Judeophobia with other forms of racism. The podcast delves into the impact of anti-Semitism on modern nationalism, globalization, and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

Exploring Critical Theories of Anti-Semitism

02:06 • 12min

Exploring the Term Judeophobia in Anti-Semitism Studies

13:38 • 5min

Exploring Critical Theories of Anti-Semitism and Sartre's Contribution

18:58 • 2min

Exploring Historical and Critical Approaches to Anti-Semitism

20:45 • 8min

Evolution and Critique of Critical Theories on Anti-Semitism

29:06 • 26min

Exploring the History and Impact of Anti-Semitism

55:20 • 17min

Exploring Ambivalence in Sources on Judeophobia

01:12:29 • 3min

Despite its persistence and viciousness, anti-Semitism remains undertheorized in comparison with other forms of racism and discrimination. How should anti-Semitism be defined? What are its underlying causes? Why do anti-Semites target Jews? In what ways has Judeophobia changed over time? What are the continuities and disconnects between mediaeval anti-Judaism and the Holocaust? How does criticism of the state of Israel relate to anti-Semitism? And how can social theory illuminate the upsurge in attacks on Jews today?

Considering these questions and many more, Critical Theories of Anti-Semitism (Columbia University Press, 2024) by Dr. Jonathan Judaken is at once a philosophical reflection on key problems in the analysis of anti-Semitism and a history of its leading theories and theorists. Jonathan Judaken explores the methodological and conceptual issues that have vexed the study of Judeophobia and calls for a reconsideration of the definitions, categories, and narratives that underpin overarching explanations. He traces how a range of thinkers have wrestled with these challenges, examining the theories of Jean-Paul Sartre, the Frankfurt School, Hannah Arendt, and Jean-François Lyotard, alongside the works of sociologists Talcott Parsons and Zygmunt Bauman and historians Léon Poliakov and George Mosse. Dr. Judaken argues against claims about the uniqueness of Judeophobia, demonstrating how it is entangled with other racisms: Islamophobia, Negrophobia, and xenophobia. Critical Theories of Anti-Semitism not only urges readers to question how they think about Judeophobia but also draws them into conversation with a range of leading thinkers whose insights are sorely needed in this perilous moment.

This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory