New Books in Critical Theory

Ian Scoones, a Professorial Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, shares insights from his upcoming book on navigating uncertainty in today’s world. He challenges traditional risk management, advocating for flexibility and community-centric approaches in development. The conversation highlights the necessity of diverse knowledge systems, critiques conventional economic models, and examines the role of reliability professionals in managing crises. Scoones emphasizes grassroots climate action and the power of local voices in shaping effective responses to environmental challenges.

Aaron Hammes, an independent scholar and sex workers' rights organizer with a PhD from CUNY, discusses his groundbreaking book, TransGenre. He explores how contemporary transgender literature challenges and reshapes genre conventions, particularly through road novels and chosen family narratives. Hammes delves into the political implications of minor literature and critiques traditional family structures in favor of chosen connections. By analyzing works like 'Nevada,' he reveals how these narratives redefine identity and societal perceptions, enriching our understanding of trans experiences.

Michelle P. Brown, Professor Emerita of Medieval Manuscript Studies, dives into the life of Bede, a pivotal figure in early medieval scholarship. They discuss Bede's astonishing achievements, including the creation of tide tables and early Bible translations. Brown shares insights on Bede's cosmopolitan education, his influence on Western thought, and new discoveries about his work. The conversation sheds light on monasticism's contributions to English culture, emphasizing how Bede's scholarly legacy continues to resonate today.

In this engaging discussion, cultural historian Kathleen Wilson dives into her work on the role of theater in the British Empire from 1656 to 1833. She reveals how performances transformed imperial provinces into historical stages, shaping identity and power dynamics. The chat explores the cultural exchange between British expatriates and local audiences, illustrating how non-British people adapted English traditions. With fascinating examples from Calcutta and St. Helena, Wilson highlights theater’s dual role as entertainment and a means of asserting authority and challenging colonial narratives.

In this conversation, Todd McGowan, a theory and film instructor at the University of Vermont, presents his groundbreaking ideas on capitalism's obsession with pure excess. He examines how this economic system veers away from social good, offering endless desires yet deepening emptiness. McGowan links capitalism to art, suggesting that creative expression can challenge its limitations. He also critiques the superficiality of corporate progressivism and discusses the paradox of wealth, questioning its capacity for true fulfillment. A thought-provoking take on desire and systemic issues!

Alyssa Battistoni, author of "Free Gifts: Capitalism and the Politics of Nature," dives into capitalism's failure to properly value nature. She critiques how certain aspects of the natural world are commodified while others, essential for ecological balance, are ignored. Battistoni discusses contemporary issues like pollution and reproductive labor, revealing how capitalism exploits these elements. Her thought-provoking insights challenge listeners to reconsider ecological values and emphasize the need for meaningful political intervention to protect our environment.

Camilo Pérez-Bustillo, a human rights educator and translator, and Eduardo Mendieta, a philosophy professor, delve into Enrique Dussel's insights in 'The Theological Metaphors of Marx.' They discuss Marx's critique of capitalism as a form of idolatry and explore the complex relationship between theology and political theory. The conversation highlights Dussel's reinterpretation of Marx's thought, emphasizing the significance of theological metaphors in understanding alienation and liberation, especially within the context of Latin America and decolonization.

David Theo Goldberg, a Distinguished Professor at UC Irvine, delves into the escalating war on Critical Race Theory and its profound impact on American society. He discusses how conservative movements distort CRT to foster racism while promoting colorblind ideologies. Goldberg unpacks the role of think tanks in shaping educational policies and the chilling effect on racial discourse. He connects these issues to broader political shifts and demographic changes, revealing how the narrative around race is manipulated to maintain power dynamics.

In this insightful discussion, Bryon L. Garner, a former Navy serviceman and author of *Black Veteranality*, delves into the nuanced relationship between race and American patriotism. He candidly shares personal stories and sheds light on the moral injuries faced by Black veterans. The conversation highlights their complex identity, the struggle against systemic biases, and the need for a more inclusive narrative of military service. Garner advocates for recognizing the overlooked contributions of Black veterans while confronting the realities of exclusion in a country that claims to embody inclusivity.

In this engaging discussion, Jirí Anger, a scholar and archivist from Queen Mary University of London, dives deep into his innovative book, which advocates for a unique perspective on film theory from the ground up. He explores 'accidental aesthetics,' highlighting how flaws and imperfections in archival films reveal their creative potential. Anger tackles vital questions about agency in film preservation, the ethics of manipulation, and how these elements reshape our understanding of cinematic history. His insights challenge traditional views and celebrate the unexpected beauty of film's material traces.