New Books in Critical Theory
Marshall Poe
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 6, 2025 • 56min
Chad Augustine Córdova, "Toward a Premodern Posthumanism: Anarchic Ontologies of Earthly Life in Early Modern France" (Northwestern UP, 2025)
Chad Córdova, an Assistant Professor at Cornell specializing in early modern French thought, explores the untapped potential of aesthetics in addressing ecological crises. He proposes that a premodern posthumanism can challenge traditional human-centered perspectives. Topics include Montaigne's essays as relational forms, the interplay of beauty and ethics through Nietzsche, and the relevance of Aristotle's spontaneous generation. Córdova advocates for a multitemporal reading of texts to rethink our connections with nature, art, and politics amid contemporary challenges.
Dec 6, 2025 • 37min
Ayoush Lazikani, "The Medieval Moon: A History of Haunting and Blessing" (Yale UP, 2025)
Ayoush Lazikani, a lecturer at the University of Oxford and author of *The Medieval Moon*, explores medieval perceptions of the moon across cultures. She discusses its dual nature, signifying love and violence, and dives into personifications in various mythologies, including lunar deities like Selene and Diana. Ayoush also examines how the moon influenced medieval medicine and religious symbolism. Through her global lens, she highlights the deep human connection to the cosmos, shedding light on its implications for contemporary environmental discussions.
Dec 3, 2025 • 47min
Mark Griffiths, "Checkpoint 300: Colonial Space in Palestine" (U Minnesota Press, 2025)
In this discussion, Mark Griffiths, a Reader in political geography at Newcastle University, delves into the complexities of Checkpoint 300 in Palestine, unveiling it as a symbol of colonial oppression. He explores how this checkpoint regulates movement, creates spatial violence, and imposes gendered mobility restrictions on Palestinians. Griffiths also highlights the international complicity in Israeli colonial control and showcases stories of resilience amidst everyday struggles. Listeners gain insight into the profound impacts of colonial infrastructure on daily life and the enduring spirit of resistance.
Dec 2, 2025 • 53min
Matt Houlbrook, "Songs of Seven Dials: An Intimate History of 1920s and 1930s London" (Manchester UP, 2025)
Matt Houlbrook, a Professor of Cultural History at the University of Birmingham, discusses his book focusing on Seven Dials, a vibrant yet contested area of London during the 1920s and 1930s. He details a pivotal libel trial involving a local café that highlights struggles around urban development and racial narratives. Topics include the shifting meanings of space, media portrayals of the area as a 'black colony', and the clash between gentrification ambitions and community resistance. Houlbrook's insights reveal how historical tensions continue to shape contemporary London.
Dec 1, 2025 • 20min
The Renaissance of Marxist Studies: A Discussion with Babak Amini
Babak Amini, assistant editor of the Palgrave series 'Marx, Engels, Marxisms', dives into the exciting resurgence of Marxist studies. He discusses the series' aim to adapt Marxism for the 21st century, highlighting its blend of original works and translations that promote global perspectives. Amini also shares insights on the editorial team’s rigorous approach to scholarship and the challenges of compiling diverse anthologies. He recommends standout titles that cover various social and economic themes, encouraging a reexamination of Marxist theory.
Nov 30, 2025 • 1h 4min
Jean-Thomas Tremblay, "Breathing Aesthetics" (Duke UP, 2022)
Jean-Thomas Tremblay, an Assistant Professor of Environmental Humanities at York University, explores the complex relationship between breathing and politics in his book, Breathing Aesthetics. He discusses how difficult breathing represents the uneven risks from pollution and capitalism. Tremblay critiques commercialized breathing therapies, highlighting minoritarian artistic practices as political responses. He connects wildfire smoke with sociality and introduces concepts like 'benign respiratory variation' as an alternative to rights-based views. Upcoming projects preview cinema of extinction and non-managerial environmentalism.
Nov 30, 2025 • 51min
Patrick Gamsby, "Henri Lefebvre, Metaphilosophy and Modernity" (Routledge, 2025)
In this engaging discussion, Patrick Gamsby, a scholarly communications librarian and author of Henri Lefebvre, Metaphilosophy and Modernity, delves into Lefebvre's profound concepts. He unpacks the idea of metaphilosophy as a bridge between thought and action, emphasizing alienation as a barrier to potential change. Gamsby critiques modernity's empty happiness promises and explores how technology reshapes our experiences. He champions Lefebvre's ideal of self-management and utopian visions while inviting readers to embrace an eclectic, interdisciplinary approach.
Nov 30, 2025 • 1h 17min
Benjamin Balthaser, "Citizens of the Whole World: Anti-Zionism and the Cultures of the American Jewish Left" (Verso Books, 2025)
Benjamin Balthaser, an associate professor at Indiana University South Bend and author of Citizens of the Whole World, explores the deep-rooted history of American Jewish opposition to Zionism. He connects the 1930s Jewish left's labor and anti-imperialist stance to contemporary anti-Zionist movements. Balthaser emphasizes alliances between Jewish and Black radicals, critiques of nationalist narratives, and the complexities of Holocaust memory in shaping these politics. His insights offer valuable lessons for modern coalition building amidst evolving political landscapes.
Nov 29, 2025 • 1h 24min
Nicholas Gamso, "Art After Liberalism" (Columbia UP, 2022)
Nicholas Gamso, a writer and academic focusing on visual culture and performance, dives into the intersections of art and the current crisis of liberalism. He explores how liberal frameworks have failed society and the role art plays in envisioning alternative futures. Gamso discusses significant works like Kara Walker's and Manaf Halbouni's installations, critiques the legitimacy of institutions, and examines the political dimensions of aesthetics and pleasure. He advocates for a shift towards relational art practices that engage public spaces and counterpublics.
Nov 28, 2025 • 1h 1min
Jake Monaghan, "Just Policing" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Jake Monaghan, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at USC and author of Just Policing, delves into the complex morality of policing. He explores the necessity of police discretion in imperfect systems, challenging the conventional legalist view of justice. Monaghan contrasts different policing styles and highlights the flaws in enforcing unjust laws. He emphasizes the realities of patrol work and suggests pragmatic reforms to improve policing outcomes. The conversation also touches on policing beyond the U.S. and the implications of immigration law enforcement.
