What's a Dark Forest?

In this book, James C. Scott examines the failures of centrally managed social plans and the destructive consequences of high-modernist ideologies. Scott argues that states often impose simplistic visions on complex societies, ignoring local, practical knowledge and leading to disastrous outcomes. He identifies four conditions common to all planning disasters: administrative ordering of nature and society, high-modernist ideology, authoritarian state power, and a prostrate civil society. The book critiques various utopian projects, including collective farms, compulsory villagization, and urban planning, and advocates for a more nuanced approach that respects local diversity and practical knowledge.

In 'Domination and the Arts of Resistance', James C. Scott explores the public and hidden transcripts of power interactions between dominant and subordinate groups. He argues that while the powerful maintain a public transcript to assert their dominance, the powerless create a hidden transcript to critique and resist this power. Scott examines various forms of resistance, including folk tales, jokes, and public performances, highlighting the strategic agency of subordinate groups.

Nadia Asparouhova's upcoming book delves into the concept of antimemetics, examining why certain ideas resist widespread dissemination. This work challenges traditional notions of virality and meme culture, especially in the context of social media and the internet.

Cixin Liu's 'The Three-Body Problem' is a critically acclaimed science fiction novel that blends hard science with compelling storytelling. The story follows a group of scientists who make contact with an alien civilization, leading to unforeseen consequences for humanity. Liu's intricate world-building and exploration of complex scientific and philosophical themes have earned him widespread recognition. The novel is known for its ambitious scope and its exploration of the potential challenges and dangers of encountering extraterrestrial life. It's a thought-provoking work that has captivated readers worldwide.