New Books in Critical Theory

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.

How has the rise of digital platforms changed domestic labour? In The Return of the Housewife: Why Women Are Still Cleaning Up (Manchester UP, 2025), Emma Casey, a Reader in Sociology at the University of York, explores the rise of the ‘cleanfluencer’. Situating the way specific online discourses now valorise and glamourise housework, the book gets under the false promise of happiness that hides the reality of gendered labour inequalities. Linking housework, digital and platform society, self-help, and feminist theory, the book is a wide-ranging critical blueprint for a new domestic revolution. It is essential reading across the humanities and social sciences, as well as for anyone interested in understanding the gendered and racialised division of labour in contemporary society.Let's face it, most of the popular podcasts out there are dumb. NBN features scholars (like you!), providing an enriching alternative to students. We partner with presses like Oxford, Princeton, and Cambridge to make academic research accessible to all. Please consider sharing the New Books Network with your students. Download this poster here to spread the word.Please share this interview on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Bluesky. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack here to receive our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

Russell Blackford, a philosopher and legal scholar from Australia, discusses his book on the decline of liberalism and toleration. He examines how liberal values are often misused or dismissed in today’s political landscape. Blackford traces liberalism’s historical roots, including its ties to Christianity, and analyzes contemporary challenges like the balance between free speech and respect for religious beliefs. He highlights key events, such as the Charlie Hebdo attack, to illustrate the urgent need for open discourse amidst rising authoritarianism and polarization.