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
Oct 23, 2025 • 40min
Joanna Woronkowicz, "Artists at Work: Rethinking Policy for Artistic Careers" (Stanford UP, 2025)
Joanna Woronkowicz, an economist and creative labor scholar, dives into the intricate world of artistic careers and cultural policy. She uncovers what defines a contemporary artist, analyzing the diverse demographics and challenges faced by the arts workforce today. With a focus on the impact of education and training, she highlights the realities of nonstandard employment and project-based work. Woronkowicz also discusses how location influences artistic success and shares key principles for effective arts workforce policy to support a vibrant creative economy.
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 5min
What Do You Want Out of Life? A Philosophical Guide to Figuring Out What Matters
Valerie Tiberius, a professor of philosophy at the University of Minnesota, discusses her book on navigating life’s conflicting values. She blends personal anecdotes with philosophical insights, emphasizing the importance of understanding what truly matters to us. Tiberius explores hidden goals and values, illustrating them through relatable examples. She also reflects on the impact of community, relationships, and societal challenges, particularly around issues like sexism and racial justice, urging us to embrace conflict while prioritizing our true aspirations.
Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 5min
Eva Meijer, "Multispecies Assemblies" (Vine Press, 2025)
In this discussion, Eva Meijer, a renowned philosopher and visual artist, delves into the revolutionary idea of multispecies assemblies, where nonhuman beings engage as political actors. She argues for the necessity of incorporating diverse life forms into political discourse to combat ecological crises. Topics include the ethics of representation, the cognitive capacities of plants, and how gardens can serve as democratic thought experiments. Meijer emphasizes learning from and listening to all species to foster truly inclusive communities.
Oct 20, 2025 • 43min
Massimo Modonesi, "The Antagonistic Principle: Marxism and Political Action" (Haymarket, 2019)
Massimo Modonesi is a professor at the Autonomous National University of Mexico, focusing on Marxist theory and social movements. Joining him is Maria Vignau, a researcher and educator pursuing her PhD. Together, they delve into the concepts of subalternity, antagonism, and autonomy in political subjectivation. They discuss the complexities of class struggle, the dynamics of resistance versus rebellion, and the challenges facing Latin American social movements today. The conversation also touches on Gramsci's ideas about subalterns and how movements can regain their momentum.
10 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 60min
Bill V. Mullen, "James Baldwin: Living in Fire" (Pluto Press, 2019)
Bill V. Mullen, a Professor of English and American Studies at Purdue University, explores the life of James Baldwin, a pivotal figure in African American literature and activism. Mullen discusses Baldwin's impoverished childhood, his break from religion, and his exiles in Paris and Istanbul, highlighting their impact on his creativity. He delves into Baldwin's views on Palestine and capitalism, and draws parallels between Baldwin and fellow dissident Ghassan Kanafani. Mullen also reflects on Baldwin's enduring legacy, particularly in light of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Oct 15, 2025 • 37min
Hamid Dabashi, "After Savagery: Gaza, Genocide, and the Illusion of Western Civilization" (Haymarket, 2025)
Hamid Dabashi, an academic and author, presents his insights on Gaza in relation to Western moral philosophy. He argues that the chaos in Gaza forces a reevaluation of colonial legacies within Western thought. Dabashi critiques Eurocentric views, exposing how they obscure historical atrocities. He also highlights the power of Palestinian art and literature as vehicles for humanizing marginalized voices. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of digital testimonies in shaping global consciousness about the conflict.
6 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 13min
Gianna Englert, "Democracy Tamed: French Liberalism and the Politics of Suffrage" (Oxford UP, 2024)
Gianna Englert, Associate Professor at the University of Florida, delves into the tension between liberalism and democracy in 19th-century France. She intriguingly argues that the concept of 'political capacity' was aimed at preserving democracy while limiting voting rights. The discussion features key thinkers like Benjamin Constant and François Guizot, examining their views on meritocracy versus hereditary privilege. Englert also contemplates lessons from historical debates for today's challenges in liberalism and democracy.
Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 1min
Mahboob Qirvanian and Behnaz Mirzai, "Life of an Enslaved African in the Ottoman Empire and Iran" (U Toronto Press, 2025)
Behnaz A. Mirzai, a renowned professor of Middle Eastern history and expert on the African diaspora in Iran, unveils the extraordinary autobiography of Mahboob Qirvanian. They discuss Mahboob's childhood enslavement in North Africa, his journey through different cultures, and his ultimate transformation into a free man in Iran. Mirzai highlights the significance of this memoir as the only known slave autobiography from Iran, explores themes of identity and displacement, and shares glimpses into Mahboob's literacy, religious conversions, and motivations for writing.
Oct 10, 2025 • 41min
Will Kitchen, "Culture, Capital and Carnival: Modern Media and the Representation of Work" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
Will Kitchen, an Associate Lecturer at Arts University Bournemouth, dives into how modern media shapes our perception of work. He explores Bakhtin's carnivalesque framework to assess representations in literature and film, revealing how narratives like 'Keep the Aspidistra Flying' and shows like 'The Office' critique and reinforce capitalist values. Kitchen discusses how hostage dramas like 'Captain Phillips' critique authority dynamics, while 'Boiling Point' addresses labor hierarchies through a unique filming style. His insights on media's role in work representation are both critical and revealing.
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 27min
Kevin M. Schultz, "Why Everyone Hates White Liberals (Including White Liberals): A History" (U Chicago Press, 2025)
Kevin M. Schultz, a history professor at UIC, dives into his provocative book on the complexities surrounding white liberals in America. He explores the myriad of views on this group, revealing how their identity has morphed over time and become a mirror for societal anxieties. Schultz discusses the historical attacks on liberalism and the pressing need for political fragmentation to pave the way for a multiparty system. With sharp insights on civil rights critiques and the interplay between liberals and socialists, he offers a refreshing take on the state of American politics.
