New Books in Critical Theory

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

undefined
4 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 58min

Mary Bridges, "Dollars and Dominion: US Bankers and the Making of a Superpower" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Mary Bridges, an expert in the history of US finance capitalism, delves into her book about the rise of US banking as an imperial force. She reveals how banking began as a side project for Gilded Age tycoons, evolving into a pivotal tool for projecting US power abroad. Bridges discusses the interplay of local communities with branch banking and how these institutions perpetuated social hierarchies. The conversation also touches on the transition from personal relationships to data-driven credit practices, reflecting on the enduring influence of financial systems on global dynamics.
undefined
Sep 29, 2024 • 1h 1min

Inés Valdez, "Democracy and Empire: Labor, Nature, and the Reproduction of Capitalism" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

Inés Valdez, an Associate Professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University, challenges conventional views on democracy and imperialism. She introduces the concept of 'self-and-other determination,' revealing how popular sovereignty in the Global North is tied to the exploitation of racialized labor. Valdez discusses the complexities of migration, labor dynamics, and the political alienation from nature, advocating for an anti-imperial sovereignty grounded in transnational movements. She critiques traditional migration narratives, emphasizing the systemic inequities faced by marginalized communities.
undefined
12 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 3min

Jack A. Goldstone, "Revolutions: A Very Short Introduction" (Oxford UP, 2023)

Jack A. Goldstone, a noted scholar and author of 'Revolutions: A Very Short Introduction', delves into the history and evolution of revolutions. He discusses how the age structure of societies impacts revolutionary dynamics, with younger populations often more prone to violence. Goldstone draws parallels between revolutions and earthquakes, emphasizing their unpredictability. He also explores the significance of recent non-violent movements, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from revolution to stable democracy in contexts like the Arab Spring.
undefined
Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 7min

Jeff Schuhrke, "Blue Collar Empire: The Untold Story of U.S. Labor’s Global Anticommunist Crusade" (Verso, 2024)

Jeff Schuhrke, a labor historian and union activist, delves into the shocking use of American unions by the CIA to undermine labor movements during the Cold War. He reveals the AFL-CIO's betrayal in blocking revolutionary ideologies, reshaping global labor dynamics. Schuhrke discusses the internal conflicts of the CIO, the historical roots of free trade unionism, and the missed opportunities for labor in the 1960s civil rights movements. He also highlights the legacies of key figures like Walter Ruther and the ongoing implications for modern worker rights.
undefined
Sep 26, 2024 • 58min

Caterina Fugazzola, "Words Like Water: Queer Mobilization and Social Change in China" (Temple UP, 2023)

Caterina Fugazzola, an expert on queer mobilization in China, discusses her book that highlights strategies for social change post-decriminalization of same-sex behavior. She contrasts local approaches with Western tactics, emphasizing community narratives over confrontation. Fugazzola shares her academic journey and the metaphor of 'Words Like Water' to illustrate adaptability in activism. Personal stories reveal the resilience of China's queer community, navigating cultural expectations and a complex relationship with the government, all while fostering hope for the future.
undefined
Sep 25, 2024 • 57min

Andrew W. Kahrl, "The Black Tax: 150 Years of Theft, Exploitation, and Dispossession in America" (U Chicago Press, 2024)

Andrew W. Kahrl, an author and historian, delves into the deeply rooted issues of inequitable tax laws affecting Black Americans. He discusses the historical context of systemic exploitation that has persisted for 150 years, revealing how tax policies have reinforced racial inequality. Kahrl also examines the connection between taxation and housing markets, highlighting past injustices like redlining that have disproportionately burdened Black communities. His insights challenge listeners to rethink the implications of tax systems and advocate for meaningful reform.
undefined
Sep 25, 2024 • 42min

Aaron Reeves and Sam Friedman, "Born to Rule: The Making and Remaking of the British Elite" (Harvard UP, 2024)

Aaron Reeves and Sam Friedman, both Professors of Sociology at the London School of Economics, dive into the dynamics of the British elite in their new book. They reveal how the elite, primarily affluent older white men, navigate their identities while grappling with societal perceptions of wealth. The conversation also highlights gender disparities in elite education and the complex roles of elites of color shaped by colonial legacies. They even discuss the pressing social issues and responsibilities of today's elites, proposing reforms to bridge the disconnect with the public.
undefined
Sep 22, 2024 • 1h 8min

Ilias Alami and Adam D. Dixon, "The Spectre of State Capitalism" (Oxford UP, 2024)

Ilias Alami, a scholar on state capitalism, and Adam D. Dixon, an expert on state-owned enterprises, dive deep into the resurgence of state involvement in global economies. They explore how the 2008 financial crisis sparked this shift, with countries like China leading the charge. The duo challenges traditional views of capitalism by highlighting similar traits in Western economies. They dissect the competitive dynamics among nations, especially in green technology, and discuss the critical link between state investment and decarbonization efforts.
undefined
Sep 21, 2024 • 43min

Sarah Lewis, "The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America" (Harvard UP, 2024)

In this engaging discussion, author and historian Sarah Lewis delves into her groundbreaking work on race and visual culture. She uncovers the historical myths surrounding racial superiority, particularly through the lens of the Caucasus region. Lewis highlights how the misrepresentation in maps and geography has reinforced racial hierarchies while showcasing influential figures like Frederick Douglass who challenged these narratives. The conversation also touches on the resilience of African Americans amidst systemic injustices and the ongoing efforts to reevaluate Black contributions to visual culture.
undefined
Sep 21, 2024 • 1h 8min

Shane Burley and Ben Lorber, "Safety through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism" (Melville House, 2024)

Shane Burley, an author and activist focused on anti-fascism, joins Ben Lorber, a researcher specializing in antisemitism and far-right movements, to tackle the complexities of rising antisemitism. They discuss the urgency of building solidarity among marginalized groups to confront hate. Exploring historical roots and modern conspiracy theories, they highlight Trump’s impact on far-right ideologies. With a focus on nuanced discourse, they advocate for coalition-building that respects both Jewish safety and Palestinian rights.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
 Get the app