James Meek, a contributing editor at the LRB known for his extensive reporting from Ukraine, shares grim insights from his recent trip to Kharkiv and Kupiansk. He reveals the fear gripping residents facing daily bombardments and the harsh demands of military recruitment. The conversation delves into the complexities of Ukraine's military strategy and potential shifts in U.S. policy with a changing political landscape. They also discuss the implications of long-range missile usage and the evolving Ukrainian national identity amidst the conflict.

Adam Shatz is joined by Jamelle Bouie and Deborah Friedell to pick through the results and implications of Trump’s victory. The US has a booming economy of high wages and nearly full employment, yet economic discontent, particularly around inflation, has been one of the more popular explanations for the election result. As well as considering the importance of inflation, Jamelle and Deborah look at what went wrong with the Harris campaign’s big bet on abortion rights, why Republican-voting women say they feel safer under Trump and why the Democrats’ insistence that democracy was on the ballot failed to resonate with many voters.Read Adam Tooze on the Democrats' defeat in the LRB:https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v46/n22/adam-tooze/the-democrats-defeatRead Deborah Friedell on J.D. Vancehttps://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v46/n20/deborah-friedell/short-cutsDiscover the LRB's subscription podcast, Close Readings, and audiobooks here: https://lrb.me/audio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lorraine Daston, Director Emerita at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, dives into the legacy of Gregor Mendel and the debates surrounding genetic determinism. She contrasts Mendel’s work with the theories of Bateson and Weldon, illuminating how personal biases influenced scientific acceptance. The discussion highlights misconceptions in genetics, challenges to inherited traits, and the historical neglect of women's contributions. Daston urges a nuanced understanding of these ongoing scientific controversies and their cultural implications.

Tom Johnson, a medieval historian at Oxford, dives into the evolution of numeracy in Early Modern England. He discusses the shift from Roman to Arabic numerals, revolutionizing mathematical understanding and education. The chat highlights the cultural implications of this transition, revealing how arithmetic evolved from a tradesman's skill to an esteemed academic discipline. They also explore the role of population data in governance, connecting historical practices with modern data politics. A fascinating look at how numbers transformed society!

In this engaging discussion, Jeremy Harding, a contributing editor at the LRB and author of compelling works on migration and memoir, delves into the life and legacy of Binyavanga Wainaina. They explore Wainaina's iconic essay ‘How to Write About Africa,’ critiquing stereotypes in Western media. The conversation touches on humor in hardship, his poignant experiences reporting from South Sudan, and reflections on coming out to his parents. Harding also highlights a memorable interview with Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour, blending wit and insight into African narratives.

Mohamad Bazzi, director of the Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies and a seasoned Middle East correspondent, joins to discuss the escalating conflict in Lebanon and Israel's recent military aggression. They delve into the tumultuous assassinations within Hezbollah, the implications of Gaza's leadership turmoil, and the increased civilian suffering in Lebanon. Bazzi also critiques U.S. foreign policy under the Biden administration, questioning its effectiveness amid rising tensions and the potential shifts in Hezbollah's leadership.

Yezid Sayigh, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment and expert on Palestinian politics, dives deep into the ramifications of Hamas’s recent attack on Israel. He argues it's a pivotal moment altering both the Palestinian national movement and international dynamics. Sayigh critiques the current leadership and stresses the need for a new vision centered on progressive ideals, moving beyond Hamas’s ethno-religious agenda. He emphasizes grassroots activism and inclusive dialogue as pathways to genuine freedom and the importance of navigating the challenges of global perceptions.

Mairav Zonszein is an Israel analyst at the International Crisis Group, and Amjad Iraqi is a writer and editor at 972. Together, they dive into the deepening crisis in Israel and the Palestinian territories. They explore the complex identity struggles of Israelis under a far-right government and the heightened discrimination faced by Palestinian citizens. The guests discuss the tensions within Israeli society, the neglect of hostages by Netanyahu, and the evolving dynamics of the conflict, revealing stark contrasts in public sentiment and political engagement.

Rosemary Hill, a contributing editor at the London Review of Books and author known for her works on Pugin and Stonehenge, reminisces about the rise and fall of department stores. She highlights their past as vital spaces for women seeking autonomy and community. Hill shares her personal experiences, including a memorable holiday season at Selfridge's. The conversation touches on the architectural grandeur of these stores, their decline in the face of modern retail, and the cultural void left by their closures in urban settings.

James Butler, a writer specializing in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, discusses the devastating fire that claimed 72 lives and the systemic failures leading up to that tragedy. He highlights the role of manufacturers in contributing to the disaster, the tragic impact of regulatory neglect, and the ongoing quest for accountability. Butler emphasizes the need for stricter building safety standards and reflects on the ignored voices of residents. This conversation sheds light on the ethical implications and the critical need for reform in housing policies to prevent future tragedies.