New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

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.

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.

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.

Kate McDonald, an Associate Professor of History at UC Santa Barbara, dives into the intriguing intersection of Asian mobility and labor history. She shares insights from her current project on human-powered transport, revealing the cultural significance of rickshaws in Japan. The discussion includes riveting stories of rickshaw pullers' uprisings and their fight for rights amidst changing transportation systems. McDonald also explores her unique journey into mobility history, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding transportation's role in society.

Author Bishnupriya Ghosh discusses 'The Virus Touch: Theorizing Epidemic Media'. Topics include the body as a material medium, global epidemics, multispecies relationality, media archive research, blood as media, and tracking across different scales and temporalities.

Tim Sweijs and Jeffrey H. Michaels discuss the future of war post Ukraine invasion, exploring technological advancements, strategic interactions, and challenges in predicting future conflicts. They highlight the evolving nature of warfare, societal mobilization, and the metaphysical dimensions of war. The guests also share insights into future research projects and recent publications in the field.