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
Nov 26, 2025 • 45min
Joe Greenwood-Hau," Capital, Privilege and Political Participation" (Liverpool UP, 2025)
In this engaging discussion, Joe Greenwood-Hau, a Lecturer at the John Smith Centre, University of Glasgow, delves into his book on how economic, social, and cultural capital influence political participation. He defines participation beyond voting, highlighting various engagement types. Joe uncovers patterns showing that privilege shapes activism and explains the contradictions in how individuals perceive inequality. He emphasizes practical steps like civic education to enhance engagement and advocates for structural changes to bridge participation gaps.
8 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 40min
Joanna Merwood-Salisbury, "Barbarian Architecture: Thorstein Veblen’s Chicago" (MIT Press, 2024)
Joanna Merwood-Salisbury, an architectural historian and author, delves into Thorstein Veblen’s critical views on modernity as seen through the lens of Chicago architecture. She discusses Veblen's concept of 'barbarian regression' and critiques of the Gothic revival at the University of Chicago. The conversation spans topics like the impact of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, urban theory related to skyscrapers, and Veblen's connections to reform movements. Merwood-Salisbury's unique insights breathe new life into Veblen's influence on architectural history.
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 7min
Piotr Nowak, "After Jews: Essays on Political Theology, Shoah and the End of Man" (Anthem Press, 2025)
In this discussion, Piotr Nowak, a philosophy professor at Białystok University, dives into his thought-provoking book on the impact of the Holocaust on modern identity. He argues that conditions enabling such atrocities persist in late capitalism. Nowak explores the meaning behind 'After Jews,' critiques the tensions within Jewish tradition, and examines the uncomfortable truths of fascism. He provocatively links the roots of the Shoah to a resistance against secular modernity while warning of the potential for future violence against marginalized groups.
7 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 31min
Elizabeth Anne Davis, "The Time of the Cannibals: On Conspiracy Theory and Context" (Fordham UP, 2024)
In this engaging discussion, Elizabeth Anne Davis, a Princeton anthropology professor and author of The Time of the Cannibals, explores the complex web of conspiracy theories surrounding the 2009 grave theft of Cyprus's former president, Tassos Papadopoulos. She examines how public speculation reveals deeper political and historical tensions, linking local narratives to broader imperial histories. Davis critiques existing scholarly approaches, proposing 'conspiracy attunement' to better understand the discourse. Expect provocative insights on the politics of the dead body and future projects on body doubles and burial practices.
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 4min
Amy Hughes, "An Actor's Tale: Theater, Culture, and Everyday Life in the Nineteenth-Century United States" (U Michigan Press, 2025)
Dr. Amy Hughes, theater historian and author of *An Actor's Tale*, dives into the life of Harry Watkins, a nondescript 19th-century actor. She uncovers the forgotten narratives of ordinary performers, questioning how white mediocrity has shaped American culture. The discussion highlights how myths like meritocracy and the American Dream influenced both Watkins and modern entertainment. Amy also reflects on gender dynamics, the value of labor in marriage, and her next project exploring 19th-century dog dramas, shedding light on our cultural love for dogs.
Nov 24, 2025 • 58min
Sebastian Truskolaski, "Adorno and the Ban on Images" (Bloomsbury, 2022)
Sebastian Truskolaski, Assistant Professor in German Cultural Studies, dives into Adorno's complex views on images and politics, shedding light on the Old Testament's ban on images. He compellingly links Adorno with contemporary thinkers, critiques Lenin’s imageless materialism, and emphasizes the importance of aesthetics as a pathway to envisioning a better world. Truskolaski also explores how theological motifs in Adorno's work critique capitalist modernity while portraying art as a means to a utopian ideal.
Nov 23, 2025 • 1h 1min
Heather Davis, "Plastic Matter" (Duke UP, 2022)
Heather Davis, an Assistant Professor of Culture and Media at the New School and author of Plastic Matter, dives into the pervasive influence of plastic in our lives. She discusses the industrial motives behind plastic proliferation and the colonial legacies of pollution. Davis brilliantly connects queerness to ecological thinking and critiques societal narratives around children as symbols of future hope. She exposes how plastics’ paradoxical nature perpetuates harm across generations and highlights the racial injustices tied to plastic production.
Nov 23, 2025 • 1h 48min
Mary Edwards, "Sartre’s Existential Psychoanalysis: Knowing Others" (Bloomsbury, 2022)
In this discussion, Mary Edwards, a Philosophy lecturer at Cardiff University, explores the lesser-known aspects of Jean-Paul Sartre's work. She delves into Sartre’s views on the self, the intersection of existentialism and psychoanalysis, and how understanding others can reveal deeper truths about ourselves. Edwards discusses Sartre's `Look` concept, where external perceptions offer insights often missed by self-reflection. She also highlights Sartre’s unique method of grasping individual identities, especially through his examination of Gustave Flaubert and the implications for therapeutic practice.
Nov 20, 2025 • 34min
Can Feminism be African?: A Conversation with Minna Salami
Minna Salami, a writer and social critic focused on African feminism and political philosophy, shares insights from her new book, Can Feminism Be African?. She challenges the notion that African feminism solely stems from suffering and examines the historical ties between nationalism and patriarchy. Salami discusses the need for a new feminist language to transform societal ideas and critiques colonial education models. She also explores the complexities of masculinities in African contexts and encourages engagement with political philosophy for feminism's evolution.
Nov 20, 2025 • 21min
160* Hannah Arendt's Refugee Politics (JP)
The podcast dives into Hannah Arendt's insightful critique of identity politics and cosmopolitan universalism, emphasizing individuality. It explores her 1943 essay "We Refugees," addressing the complexities of identity amidst militant Zionism. John contrasts Arendt's ideas on social parvenus and conscious pariahs, highlighting pluralism and natality as essential for recognizing differences. The conversation also touches on the dangers of assimilation and redefines the political identity of refugees, showcasing Arendt's call for independent thought against conformity.
