New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

In this engaging discussion, Kean Birch, a Professor at York University specializing in science and technology studies, delves into the intricacies of personal data as a vital economic asset. He reveals how our reliance on Big Tech transforms our personal data into private commodities and the implications of this shift on society. Birch explores the concept of assetization, emphasizing ownership and valuation techniques. The conversation highlights the monopolistic strategies of tech giants in creating data enclaves and the urgent need for regulatory responses to navigate a data-driven economy.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Bilston, Professor of English Literature specializing in 19th-century British literature, delves into the captivating history of the Cattleya labiata orchid and its role in Victorian culture. She explores how this rare flower sparked a frenzy among the wealthy and middle classes, intertwining themes of class, media influence, and imperialism. Bilston highlights the often-overlooked contributions of marginalized plant hunters and local communities, as well as the shift from rarity to accessibility, showcasing the ecological and social impacts of this obsession.

Jean J. Ryoo, Director of the Computer Science Equity Project at UCLA, and Jane Margolis, Senior Researcher at UCLA School of Education, discuss their graphic novel 'Power On!'. They explore how technology can empower youth, emphasizing accessibility in computing education. The duo addresses the systemic biases in tech, particularly surrounding AI and race, and highlights the importance of diverse voices in the field. Their insights on educational inequities and the need for inclusive narratives make a compelling case for reforming computer science education.

Beth Linker, a historian and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, dives into her book, Slouch. She unravels the historical evolution of 'bad posture' in America, linking it to themes like racism and industrialization. The discussion touches on the American Posture League and the societal impacts of posture norms. Linker also reflects on the intersection of posture, disability, and class, revealing how these perceptions have shifted over time. Plus, she hints at her fascinating upcoming projects exploring health narratives and disability.

Lina Pinto-García, a postdoctoral fellow in anthropology and author of 'Maraña,' dives deep into the intricate connection between war and disease in Colombia. She unveils how leishmaniasis, a skin disease transmitted by sandflies, intertwines with the historical context of Colombia's armed conflict. Pinto-García shares her personal journey from biologist to anthropologist, emphasizes the social stigma surrounding the disease, and discusses the politics of treatment, including the implications of pharmaceuticals like glucantime in war zones. Her insights reveal the complex narratives shaping health and resilience amidst turmoil.

To what extent do cyberspace operations increase the risks of escalation between nation-state rivals? Scholars and practitioners have been concerned about cyber escalation for decades, but the question remains hotly debated. The issue is increasingly important for international politics as more states develop and employ offensive cyber capabilities, and as the international system is increasingly characterized by emergent multipolarity.In Escalation Dynamics in Cyberspace, Erica D. Lonergan and Shawn W. Lonergan tackle this question head-on, presenting a comprehensive theory that explains the conditions under which cyber operations may lead to escalation. In doing so, they challenge long-held assumptions about strategic interactions in cyberspace, arguing that cyberspace is not as dangerous as the conventional wisdom might suggest. In some cases, cyber operations could even facilitate the de-escalation of international crises. To support their claims, Lonergan and Lonergan test their theory against a range of in-depth case studies, including strategic interactions between the United States and key rivals; a series of case studies of the role of cyber operations in international crises; and plausible future scenarios involving cyber operations during conflict.  The authors then apply their analytical insights to policymaking, making the case that skepticism is warranted about the overall efficacy of employing cyber power for strategic ends. By exploring the role of cyber operations in routine competition, crises, and warfighting, Escalation Dynamics in Cyberspace presents nuanced insights about how cyberspace affects international politics Our guest is Erica D. Lonergan, an Assistant Professor in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

Mitchell Thomashow, a prominent environmental educator and author, advocates for a transformative approach to environmental learning. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of issues like climate justice, migration, and democracy with our biosphere. Thomashow proposes breaking social bubbles to enhance understanding of complex ecological networks. He discusses the need for a hybrid education model that fosters community engagement while empowering local activism. Throughout, he highlights empathy, storytelling, and the importance of a 'sense of place' in nurturing resilience against current environmental challenges.

In Driven: The Race to Create the Autonomous Car (Simon & Schuster, 2022), Alex Davies tells the enlightening and significant story of the effort to create driverless cars and the intense competition among tech heavyweights such as Google, Uber, and Tesla to move this technology forward. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have been one of the most hyped technologies of recent years, but early promises that they would quickly become common place have not borne fruit. Alex Davies set forth the twisted paths of this technology’s evolution from its genesis to the current moment. The idea began with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which aimed to create a land-based equivalent to the drone, a vehicle that could operate in war zones without risking human lives. DARPA established “Grand Challenges” that enticed future-oriented thinkers including amateurs and students to help drive the technology from fantasy to reality. Carnegie-Mellon University and other universities played a major role. The technology got the attention of Silicon Valley companies like Google and Uber. Next arriving were the major US automakers, GM and Ford, who initiated their programs of their own to commercialize the technology, and Chinese companies also showed an intense interest. As road testing went forward, however, the challenges became far more apparent. The difficulties of traversing diverse terrains under varying weather conditions without a driver came out to be far more daunting than expected. Progress was made but in no way as fast as the developers of the technology hoped. The early enthusiasm of the key players dissipated as they came to realize that AI-assisted driverless transportation faced formidable barriers. This book provides fabulous insights into the key characters in this story and how they struggled with a technology that was not ready for rush-hour driving It is a fast-paced, exciting account of how autonomous technology emerged, the main players, the conflicts between companies, and state of the technology today. The book provides the reader with a genuine feel for how real happens. The writing is fantastic because of the emphasis on that details that come from the many conversations that Davies had with people at the center of the story. Hosted by Alfred Marcus, Edson Spencer Professor of Strategy and Technology University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

In this insightful discussion, Tim Minshall, a Cambridge University Professor and Director of the Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing, unravels the hidden world of manufacturing. He explores the intricacies of product creation, the impact of technology like AI and robotics on manufacturing, and the significant role of sustainable practices. Minshall also tackles challenges in reviving U.S. manufacturing, the importance of skilled labor, and how innovations like 3D printing are reshaping industries. This conversation sparks curiosity about the origins of everyday products and their environmental implications.

William F. Owen, author of 'Euclid's Army' and a veteran of the British Army, challenges conventional military wisdom on land warfare. He emphasizes a return to foundational strategies, addressing financial constraints and the unpredictability of modern conflict. Owen critiques the overreliance on technology, advocating for solid logistics and effective training. He discusses the enduring relevance of tanks and artillery while stressing the importance of military engineering in contemporary warfare. Engagingly, he calls for a richer discourse on military practices for an uncertain future.