Matthew Benjamin Cole
Political theorist and visiting assistant professor at Binghamton University. His work focuses on how the imagination shapes politics, with a special emphasis on dystopian imaginaries.
Best podcasts with Matthew Benjamin Cole
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Sep 13, 2025 • 1h 49min
Matthew Benjamin Cole, "Fear the Future: Dystopia and Political Imagination in the Twentieth Century" (U of Michigan Press, 2025)
Matthew Benjamin Cole, a political theorist and visiting assistant professor at Binghamton University, explores the interplay between dystopian narratives and political imagination. He discusses how modern political discourse reflects fears of authoritarianism and technocracy, drawing on insights from Orwell and Huxley. The conversation reveals the role of collective imagination in shaping societal realities and highlights the necessity of approaching future visions with both optimism and skepticism. Cole urges engagement with dystopian themes to inspire activism and resist political apathy.
Sep 13, 2025 • 1h 49min
Matthew Benjamin Cole, "Fear the Future: Dystopia and Political Imagination in the Twentieth Century" (U of Michigan Press, 2025)
Matthew Benjamin Cole, a political theorist at Binghamton University, explores the influential role of dystopian narratives in shaping political thought. He discusses how fears of dystopia permeate today's political landscape, urging listeners to consider individual and collective actions that can forge a better future. Cole contrasts Orwell's bleak visions with contemporary concerns about technology and authoritarianism, stressing the importance of active democratic engagement to counter political indifference. His insights connect historical imaginations with current dilemmas, fostering a critical view of our societal narratives.
