New Books in Critical Theory

Jemma Deer is a researcher in residence at the Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society and author of *Radical Animism: Reading for the End of the World*. In this discussion, she explores the intersections of animism and the Anthropocene, advocating for a shift away from human-centered thought. Deer highlights how literature, from Shakespeare to Virginia Woolf, gains new significance in the context of climate change. She presents reading as a way to challenge human superiority and emphasizes the importance of non-human perspectives. Her future work delves into concepts of extinction and fungal interconnections.

Rizvana Bradley, an Associate Professor at UC Berkeley and author of Anti-Aesthetics, delves into the complexities of Black art and aesthetics. She argues that blackness is foundational yet unrepresentable within modern aesthetics, examining how artists like Glenn Ligon and Mickalene Thomas challenge aesthetic norms. Bradley critiques the notion of reparative readings of Black art and introduces the concept of Black esthesis, emphasizing its philosophical implications. Her work reveals how Black art engages deeply with the politics of form, inviting listeners to rethink conventional aesthetics.

In this intriguing discussion, Sophie Bishop, an Associate Professor at the University of Leeds, unpacks how influencers are reshaping the arts. She delves into 'influencer creep,' where artists adopt marketing techniques to thrive online. Highlighting unreliable platforms, she reveals the emotional labor behind authenticity and the pressures of commercial intermediaries. Sophie also explores how AI and TikTok amplify these dynamics, posing new visibility challenges for artists. A rich conversation about the intersection of creativity and social media!

Dag Nikolaus Hasse, a philosophy professor at the University of Würzburg, challenges traditional European narratives in his new book. He critiques colonial and Romantic modes of thought that distort Europe's essence, advocating for a more inclusive view that recognizes the continent's diverse cultural heritage. Hasse emphasizes the need to rethink emotional attachments to Europe and highlights the significance of medieval cities like Cordoba and Constantinople as cultural hubs. He argues for a decolonized Europe that respects various philosophical traditions, moving beyond elitist definitions.

Lars Cornelissen, a historian of neoliberalism and author of the forthcoming book, explores the deep-seated connection between race and neoliberal ideology. He examines how racial constructs, both explicit and subtle, have shaped neoliberal thought since the interwar period. Cornelissen critiques influential thinkers like Mises and Hayek, revealing their racial beliefs and the 'lazy native' myth in development theory. He underscores the implications of these ideas for neoliberal policies and advocates for a critical, anti-racist approach to understanding this ideological framework.

Joseph E. Stiglitz, a Nobel laureate and Columbia University professor, engages in a deep discussion about the roots of inequality, shaped by his six-decade focus on the issue. He explains how inequality is not inevitable but a political choice influenced by laws and institutions. Stiglitz highlights the role of monopoly power in wealth concentration and critiques macroeconomic policy failures exacerbating disadvantage. He advocates for policies like inheritance taxes and better public investment in education to foster equality and economic growth.

Exploring the complexity of self-image, a compelling discussion unfolds around how political and linguistic forces shape our identities. Mattin examines social dissonance as a reflection of inequality, emphasizing the role of art and noise in facilitating audience participation. He critiques the limitations of traditional noise aesthetics while advocating for aesthetic estrangement to reveal structural issues. The conversation dives into alienation and opportunities for collective action, aiming to inspire hopeful community-building amidst contemporary challenges.

Joshua Castellino, a Professor of international law at Brunel University, discusses his book on reparations and the legacy of colonial crimes. He explores the legal hurdles in addressing historical injustices and proposes a new concept of 'unjust enrichment' for reclaiming wealth. Castellino links colonial extraction to the climate crisis and emphasizes indigenous custodianship in conservation efforts. He suggests systemic alternatives to sovereign states for tackling these issues and critiques the incomplete nature of UN decolonization.

James Scorer, a Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of Manchester, explores the vibrant world of Latin American comics and their cultural significance. He discusses the rise of a unique comics scene post-2005, highlighting how digital networks have fostered transnational connections. Scorer also emphasizes comics' role in social and political discourse, including themes of extractivism and memory. Plus, he shares insights on zines, the impact of the pandemic on creativity, and his upcoming projects on race and environmental art.

In this engaging discussion, brian bean, a Chicago-based socialist organizer and author, dives deep into the origins and functions of policing within capitalism. They argue that ending policing is essential for building a more just society. Brian explores the intertwined history of race, colonialism, and class oppression that shapes modern policing. They advocate for a global abolitionist movement, while addressing myths about crime and safety. This thought-provoking conversation places personal stories at the forefront, imagining a world where communities thrive without police.