New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Alice Mah, a Professor in Urban and Environmental Studies at the University of Glasgow, dives deep into the dark underbelly of the petrochemical industry in her book, 'Petrochemical Planet.' She highlights the environmental injustices faced by marginalized communities, such as those in Louisiana's Cancer Alley, and the psychological toll of living near industrial sites. Mah showcases grassroots activism, particularly in China, and emphasizes the urgent need for multi-scalar solutions and rethinking planetary politics to combat environmental crises and foster resilience.

Dr. Andrew Denning, a scholar specializing in automotive infrastructure and its impact, highlights how cars and roads played a pivotal role in shaping colonial societies in Africa. He discusses the complexities of mobility and control, revealing that while automobiles were seen as solutions to the transport problem, they often exposed the weaknesses of colonial administration. The conversation delves into the labor dynamics of road construction, the interplay between automotive technology and imperialism, and the enduring effects on modern Africa.

Uri Bram, head of communications at GiveWell and CEO of The Browser, shares his expertise on effective charitable giving. He discusses how GiveWell rigorously evaluates and recommends high-impact charities, revealing the importance of data-driven criteria and ethical considerations. The conversation emphasizes the value of transparent, evidence-based philanthropy, with real-world examples showing how smart donations can create substantial benefits. Whether you’re a new donor or an experienced one, the insights on making contributions count are invaluable.

In this lively discussion, Edward Shanks shares insights about his novel, which imagines a neo-medieval future in England. He explores how humanity adapts after civilization collapses, while Jeremy Tuft, a physics instructor frozen in time, grapples with the failures of his era’s ideals. They dive into themes of trauma, identity, and technological regression, reflecting on how these elements shape both Shanks' work and contemporary society. The conversation is rich with literary analysis and provocative thoughts on societal change.

Thomas A. Kerns, an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, and Kathleen Dean Moore, an advocate for environmental justice, delve into the intersection of human rights and climate change. They discuss the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal and its role in addressing fracking's environmental harm. Personal stories reveal the dire impacts on marginalized communities. The guests emphasize a rights-based approach to environmental issues, creatively linking moral witnessing with activism, while encouraging youth engagement and community action against climate despair.

Mark Walker, a historian specializing in the narratives of Germany's atomic bomb project during WWII, dissects the moral dilemmas faced by scientists like Otto Hahn and Lisa Meitner. He explores how their work influenced the American Manhattan Project and the dual legacies of Auschwitz and Hiroshima. Walker also delves into the post-war rehabilitation of these scientists, reflecting on the intricate balance between integrity and accountability in their tumultuous era. The podcast raises thought-provoking questions about memory, ethics, and the consequences of scientific ambition.

Jeremy Black, an esteemed author and historian specializing in military history, delves into the multifaceted narratives of warfare. He critiques traditional military theories for oversimplifying historical contexts, urging a more nuanced view. Black highlights the fine line between geopolitics and rhetoric in understanding past conflicts. He examines pivotal World War I and II strategies, discussing their relevance and misguidance for modern military leaders. His insights illuminate the need to rethink military history’s place in academia and its broader cultural implications.

Edward Kaplan, Dean of the School of Strategic Landpower at the US Army War College, discusses gripping insights from his book on thermonuclear age warfare. He explores the critical role of the Net Evaluation Subcommittee in shaping U.S. nuclear strategy during the Cold War. Kaplan recounts chilling forecasts of nuclear conflict, the ethical dilemmas faced by leaders like Eisenhower and Kennedy, and how perceptions of victory evolved. The conversation delves into the complexities of military preparedness and the legacy of past decisions on contemporary security challenges.

Mitchel P. Roth, a scholar of weaponized mail history, and Mahmut Cengiz, an expert in postal bombs, dive deep into the dark world of letter bombs. They recount gripping stories from the 18th century to modern terror acts, unveiling how these deadly devices evolved. The duo discusses the motivations behind infamous incidents like the suffragettes' violent tactics and the 1919 anarchist mail bomb plot. They also explore the chilling connections between bombers and serial killers, highlighting the ongoing relevance of this deadly phenomenon.

Monica Berger, an expert in scholarly communications, discusses the pressing issue of predatory publishing. She highlights how it undermines academic integrity and disproportionately affects scholars from less developed countries. Berger emphasizes the crucial role of academic librarians in navigating these challenges and fostering ethical practices in publishing. The conversation covers strategies for identifying legitimate publishing avenues and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to reform the scholarly communications landscape globally.