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 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
brian bean, "Their End Is Our Beginning: Cops, Capitalism, and Abolition" (Haymarket, 2025)
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.
Nov 4, 2025 • 41min
James Scorer, "Latin American Comics in the Twenty-First Century: Transgressing the Frame" (U Texas Press, 2024)
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.
Nov 3, 2025 • 28min
Rebecca van Laer, "Cat" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
Rebecca van Laer, an author and former academic with a PhD from Brown, dives into the world of cats in her book, Cat, mixing memoir and cultural criticism. She discusses the labels of 'cat person' versus 'dog person' and how they reflect identity. Sharing quirky anecdotes about her own senior cats, Toby and Gus, she explores cats’ emotional labor and their role as symbols of resistance to productivity norms. Van Laer challenges the notion of pet parenting, advocating for a more nuanced view as 'custodians' rather than 'parents'.
Nov 1, 2025 • 57min
Natasha Piano, "Democratic Elitism: The Founding Myth of American Political Science" (Harvard UP, 2025)
Natasha Piano, an Assistant Professor of Political Theory at UCLA and a historian of political thought, discusses her new book, 'Democratic Elitism.' She challenges the traditional view that equates democracy solely with elections, highlighting critiques from the Italian School of Elitism. Piano explains how thinkers like Pareto and Mosca warned against the pitfalls of competitive elections leading to disillusionment. She advocates for a broader understanding of democracy that values good governance and counters the threats of plutocracy and demagoguery.
Oct 31, 2025 • 52min
Aria Fani, "Reading Across Borders: Afghans, Iranians, and Literary Nationalism" (U Texas Press, 2024)
Aria Fani, an associate professor and expert in Persian literary history, explores the interconnected literary identities of Afghans and Iranians. He reveals how modern nationalism emerged not solely through European influence but through a rich shared Persian heritage. Fani discusses the evolution of 'adab' into modern 'literature,' the impact of early periodicals, and the complex relationship between language policies in both nations. He emphasizes the need for ethical discourse around Afghan displacement in Iran and advocates for literature as a tool for justice.
Oct 30, 2025 • 33min
Gavin Flood, "The Concept of Mind in Hindu Tantra" (Routledge, 2024)
Gavin Flood, a leading expert in Hindu Studies at the University of Oxford, delves into the intricate concept of mind in Hindu Tantra. He explores the influence of dualism versus non-dualism, highlighting how Shaiva traditions view the self in relation to Shiva. Flood also identifies a unique blend of mentalistic and physicalist vocabularies, examining the implications for social engagement and activism. Additionally, he shares insights on microcosm-macrocosm connections and anticipates future projects on ascent symbolism and comparative personhood.
Oct 30, 2025 • 58min
Elif Kalaycioglu, "The Politics of World Heritage: Visions, Custodians, and Futures of Humanity" (Oxford UP, 2025)
Elif Kalaycioglu, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Alabama, sheds light on her groundbreaking work, The Politics of World Heritage. She explores how UNESCO constructs a cultural history of humanity through various political lenses. Kalaycioglu discusses the evolution from viewing humanity as a rarefied subject to recognizing its diversity, highlighting the tensions between state power and expert judgment. She also addresses the challenges within contested memory sites and shares insights on her upcoming research on Silk Roads cultural diplomacy.
Oct 26, 2025 • 1h 7min
Michael Lazarus, "Absolute Ethical Life: Aristotle, Hegel and Marx" (Stanford UP, 2025)
Michael Lazarus, a Lecturer in political theory at King's College London and author of Absolute Ethical Life, explores the intertwining of ethics and capitalism through the lenses of Marx, Aristotle, and Hegel. He critiques the impoverished ethical landscape under capitalism and reinterprets Marx as an ethical thinker. Lazarus discusses how capitalist structures shape freedom, critiques Hannah Arendt’s separation of action and production, and emphasizes the need for systemic solutions to foster human flourishing in modern society.
Oct 26, 2025 • 1h 40min
Gilles Deleuze, "On Painting" (U Minnesota Press, 2025)
Charles J. Stivale, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, and Dan Smith, Professor of Philosophy, dive into Deleuze's groundbreaking seminars on painting. They discuss the nuances of translating Deleuze's seminars, revealing rich material often overlooked in his published works. The duo explores Deleuze's pedagogy, highlighting the dynamic interactions with students that shaped his ideas. They also debate the interplay between philosophy and art, using Francis Bacon as a lens to examine concepts and affects, all while intertwining themes across Deleuze's broader oeuvre.
12 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 42min
Tim Beasley-Murray, "Critical Games: On Play and Seriousness in Academia, Literature and Life" (Manchester UP, 2025)
Tim Beasley-Murray is an Associate Professor of European Thought and Culture at University College London and author of Critical Games. He explores the interplay between play and seriousness in literature and academia. Tim discusses how different modes of play enhance our understanding of ethical storytelling and creative expression. He emphasizes the importance of the humanities and shares insights on Emmanuel Carrère's blurring of fiction and reality. Ultimately, Tim advocates for a more playful and embodied approach to academic writing.
