New Books in Critical Theory

In this engaging discussion, Maïa Pal, a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Oxford Brookes University, dives into her groundbreaking work on imperial history. She explores the nuanced relationships between law, empires, and capital during the early modern period. Discussions center around jurisdictional accumulation, shedding light on the roles of sub-sovereign actors like Mediterranean consuls. Pal also connects historical legal frameworks to contemporary issues, revealing how past dynamics influence today's capitalism and imperialism.

Eunji Kim, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Columbia University, explores how reality TV perpetuates the myth of meritocracy. She reveals how shows like American Idol and Shark Tank create a misleading narrative of success, obscuring systemic inequalities. Kim discusses how these programs foster complacency regarding income inequality and influence public perceptions of the American Dream. She also touches on the impact of partisan biases and evolving media consumption patterns in shaping beliefs about social mobility.

Ipek A. Celik Rappas, a scholar in film and media studies, discusses the intricate labor behind filming in European cities. She highlights the challenges of transforming spaces, like factories into war zones, to meet the demands of the streaming industry. The conversation uncovers the often-invisible work of location scouts and its socio-economic implications, as well as ethical concerns surrounding representation. Celik Rappas advocates for sustainable practices in media production and emphasizes the importance of giving voice to marginalized communities.

Martin Thomas, a Professor of imperial history at the University of Exeter, dives into the intricate dynamics of decolonization and its ties to globalization. He discusses how the decline of empires reshaped international politics and sparked independence movements. Through case studies, such as Ghana and Iran, he reveals the challenges of true independence and the lingering effects of neocolonialism. Thomas also examines the role of violence in decolonization struggles and highlights the importance of women's movements in addressing structural inequalities.

Maliha Safri, an economics professor, joins Marianna Pavlovskaya, Stephen Healy, and Craig Borowiak to discuss their co-authored book on solidarity economies. They explore how cooperative networks in American cities provide essential services like food security and affordable housing. Their conversation highlights the role of grassroots movements in challenging racial capitalism and fostering democratic, inclusive policymaking. They also touch on community gardens, credit unions, and the importance of collective action in creating social and economic justice.

Laleh Khalili, a Professor at the University of Exeter, dives deep into the darker side of our global economy in her new book, 'Extractive Capitalism.' She explores how the extraction of resources fuels inequality, from the plight of seafarers abandoned on ships to the cronyism that drives corporate profits. Khalili contrasts luxury yacht labor with commercial shipping, revealing stark wealth disparities. She also critiques modern projects like NEOM and China's Belt and Road, discussing their implications for marginalized workers and global capital.

In this fascinating discussion, Karen L. Cox, Professor Emerita of History at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, dives deep into the contentious issue of Confederate monuments. She unpacks their historical significance and the intense debates surrounding their removal. Listeners will explore the surprising influence of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the complex legacy of white supremacy, and how community engagement is crucial for addressing these polarizing symbols. Cox's insights provide a thought-provoking examination of race, history, and identity.

In Somatic States: On Cartography, Geobodies, Bodily Integrity (Duke UP, 2025), Franck Billé examines the conceptual link between the nation-state and the body, particularly the visceral and affective attachment to the state and the symbolic significance of its borders. Billé argues that corporeal analogies to the nation-state are not simply poetic or allegorical but reflect a genuine association of the individual body with the national outline—an identification greatly facilitated by the emergence of the national map. Billé charts the evolution of cartographic practices and the role that political maps have played in transforming notions of territorial sovereignty. He shows how states routinely and effectively mobilize corporeal narratives, such as framing territorial loss through metaphors of dismemberment and mutilation. Despite the current complexity of geopolitics and neoliberalism, Billé demonstrates that corporeality and bodily metaphors remain viscerally powerful because they offer a seemingly simple way to apprehend the abstract nature of the nation-state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

Nat Dyer, a writer and researcher in global political economy and a fellow of the Schumacher Institute, explores the evolution of economic thought. He delves into David Ricardo’s pivotal role in shaping economic theories that often detach from reality, emphasizing the influence of power and empire. Dyer critiques mainstream economic models, linking them to modern issues like trade dynamics and environmental crises. By challenging traditional views, he advocates for a more grounded approach to economics that addresses inequality and climate change.

Philip V. McHarris, an assistant professor and author, reimagines a world without policing in his compelling insights. He explores the deep-rooted issues of American policing, arguing that safety can thrive through community support rather than law enforcement. McHarris discusses innovative models like community mediators and non-police crisis teams, emphasizing that responses to conflict should focus on care over control. He challenges us to envision a society free from inequality where justice is a collaborative effort.