New Books in Critical Theory Peter Allen, "How to Think about Politics: A Guide in Five Parts" (Oxford UP, 2025)
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May 28, 2025 
In this discussion, Peter Allen, Professor of Politics and Co-Director at the University of Bath, explores the intricacies of politics in daily life. He challenges conventional views, urging listeners to see politics beyond elections, emphasizing its relevance in personal experiences. Allen introduces the concept of 'polycrisis' to explain the overlap of societal issues, like climate change and instability. He also examines how personal values shape political beliefs, stressing the need for grassroots engagement to foster genuine change in a complex world.
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Politics Beyond Institutions
- Politics extends beyond formal institutions and is embedded in everyday life.
- Political science limits politics to institutions, but it shapes our personal experiences and societal dynamics.
Polycrisis Overwhelms Politics
- The concept of polycrisis describes intersecting global crises that overwhelm political systems and individuals.
- It captures the complex sense of political and societal overwhelm we currently experience.
Multiple Faces of Power
- Power has multiple faces: overt, covert, and shaping power, which influences societal values and perceptions.
- Structural power shapes how people perceive their interests and constrains political agendas.
