New Books in Critical Theory

Zahi Zalloua, a Cushing Eells Professor at Whitman College, delves into the provocative intersections of Frantz Fanon and Slavoj Žižek's philosophies. He unpacks how colonial violence shapes identity and critiqued liberalism's failure in addressing systemic injustices, particularly concerning Palestine and anti-Blackness. The discussion emphasizes the need for revolutionary violence as a response to oppressive structures while exploring the crucial role of imagination in forging transformative futures and fostering global solidarity among marginalized communities.

Laura Garbes, a Sociologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, dives into the racially exclusive narrative of public radio. She explores the historical context of this industry and how it perpetuates white supremacy while marginalizing voices of color. Garbes discusses the financial shifts that impact diversity, examines the evolving listener demographics, and shares insights from radio workers resisting these norms. Her compelling analysis reveals the ongoing struggle for inclusivity in a crucial media space.

Matthew Benjamin Cole, a political theorist and visiting assistant professor at Binghamton University, explores the interplay between dystopian narratives and political imagination. He discusses how modern political discourse reflects fears of authoritarianism and technocracy, drawing on insights from Orwell and Huxley. The conversation reveals the role of collective imagination in shaping societal realities and highlights the necessity of approaching future visions with both optimism and skepticism. Cole urges engagement with dystopian themes to inspire activism and resist political apathy.

In this discussion, Simon James Copland, Honorary Fellow at the Australian National University, delves into the troubling world of the Manosphere, a hub of online misogyny influenced by figures like Andrew Tate. He examines how this community thrives on alienation, providing men with a false sense of belonging tied to toxic narratives. Copland critiques the simplistic solutions offered by these influencers and discusses the impact of neoliberalism and economic discontent on masculinity. The conversation highlights the urgent need for inclusive dialogues and strategies to address these complex societal issues.

Anna Strhan, a Reader in Sociology at York, and Rachael Shillitoe, a senior social scientist, dive into the intriguing world of non-religious childhoods in England. They discuss how children navigate their beliefs without traditional religious frameworks, exploring their identity formation and ethical commitments. Delving into the role of schools, they highlight the impact of secular education on children’s understanding of spirituality. The conversation opens avenues for future research on how non-religiosity shapes youth identity in a rapidly changing society.

Ariel Colonomos, a CNRS Research Professor at Sciences Po and an expert on international relations, delves into the provocative themes of his book, *Pricing Lives: The Political Art of Measurement*. He explores how societal values 'price' human lives differently, influenced by proximity and context. Discussions include the ethical quandaries of valuing lives in government and market sectors, emphasizing the disparities in valuing citizens versus non-citizens and the urgent need for global cooperation in humanitarian crises.

Author Robert T. Tally, Jr. discusses the pervasive sense of capitalist realism and the waning of speculative energy in cultural criticism. They explore the importance of critique in imagining alternative possibilities, delve into the literary aspects of Marx's writing, and discuss the concept of post-critique and its association with neoliberalism. They also examine the shift towards data-driven analysis in literary studies and emphasize the value of negative critique and theory in understanding our world.

Lyndsey Stonebridge, a Professor of English Literature at the University of Birmingham, unpacks Hannah Arendt’s insights on love and disobedience, emphasizing their relevance today. She critically assesses the banality of evil, drawing parallels between historical atrocities and current political climates, such as Gaza. Stonebridge also navigates Arendt's complex views on American imperialism and the responsibility of individuals versus systemic coercion. The discussion probes the fragile ethics of democracy and critiques contemporary literature's portrayal of these enduring themes.

Santiago Zabala, an ICREA Research Professor at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, presents his insightful book about understanding warnings in today's crisis-laden world. He elaborates on how warnings are distinct from predictions, urging listeners to confront present issues like climate change and gender ideologies. Zabala critiques conservative gender perspectives and emphasizes the need for critical engagement with political extremism, technology's moral implications, and the vital role of activism, notably highlighting Greta Thunberg's influence.

David McNally, Cullen Distinguished Professor of History and Business at the University of Houston, dives deep into his groundbreaking work on slavery and capitalism. He argues that slavery was intrinsically linked to capitalist production, presenting enslaved labor as a form of collective resistance. McNally critiques traditional views of individual freedom, advocating for a communal understanding. He also introduces the concept of the 'chattel proletariat,' urging a reevaluation of labor history to highlight the agency of enslaved workers.