New Books in Critical Theory

Todd McGowan discusses the relevance of Hegel's dialectical method to contemporary theory and politics, highlighting the subversive nature of contradiction. He challenges the familiar thesis-antithesis-synthesis schema and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing contradiction over 'difference'. McGowan combines philosophical discussions with playful references to films like Casablanca and Bridge on the River Kwai.

Hamza Hamouchene and Katie Sandwell discuss their book "Dismantling Green Colonialism: Energy and Climate Justice in the Arab Region." They explore the concept of a just transition, the challenges faced during publication, and the need to address issues of poverty, exploitation, and war alongside energy. They also delve into environmental orientalism and its connection to just transition, as well as the concepts of green colonialism and green grabbing. The speakers analyze the impact of green colonialism in the Arab region, including settler colonial projects in Palestine and Morocco. They also highlight the negative consequences of export-oriented projects driven by foreign agendas and the dangers of privatization and commodification of essential resources.

Matt Seybold, host of the American Vandal Podcast at the Center for Mark Twain Studies, investigates the state of criticism in the academy and the public sphere. Topics include Twain's views on critics, Derrida's defense of deconstruction, the role of podcasts as scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the unnoticed work of critics in addressing climate catastrophes.

Kareem Khubchandani discusses his book 'Decolonize Drag', exploring gender, colonialism, and drag performance. He critiques RuPaul's Drag Race for its white supremacy and capitalism. The discussion delves into the lack of support and transphobia on a reality show, as well as the influence of race, location, and disability on drag performances.

Josh Fernandez, a community college professor, discusses his memoir about his life as an antifascist. He reflects on his childhood, the rise of Nazi boneheads in the early '90s music scene, his experiences living in his car and fighting Nazis. Fernandez shares how running and fighting Nazis became outlets for his rage. He also talks about his work as a writing professor, a facilitator of a self-defense collective, and a boots-on-the-ground participant in Antifa work.

Lehasa Moloi, author of Developing Africa?: New Horizons with Afrocentricity, discusses decolonizing African development discourses, exploring Afrocentricity and its critiques, and the importance of reflection and reclaiming African history.

Political scientists James L. Gibson and Michael J. Nelson analyze how state high courts shape American inequality through policy decisions and rulings favoring privileged litigants. They discuss the challenges of data collection, the influence of state Supreme Court decisions on abortion laws, the relevance and impact of state courts in the United States, and the consequences of a consistently conservative Supreme Court. They emphasize the need to study state Supreme Courts and for citizens to stay informed about their actions.

Devin Griffiths and Deanna Kreisel, two experts in literature, theory, and criticism in the 21st century, discuss their edited collection of essays on Darwin's impact on literature, philosophy, and various interdisciplinary fields. They explore Darwin's storytelling approach, his contributions to race and gender theories, and his use of aesthetics in conveying scientific ideas. The podcast also delves into the intersection of literature and science throughout history and highlights the concept of struggle for existence in Darwin's work.

Steven High, author of Deindustrializing Montreal: Entangled Histories of Race, Residence, and Class, explores the impact of deindustrialization on Montreal's neighborhoods and the interconnected processes of urban revival, gentrification, and neighborhood displacement. They discuss the construction of race and class identities, partnership with community organizations, the preservation of historical sites, and the affordability of the book.

Calvin John Smiley, Associate Professor of Sociology at Hunter College, City University of New York, discusses the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals in reentry. Topics include the cyclical pattern of reentry, earning trust in the re-entry center, critical reentry studies, underdevelopment in Newark, 'purgatory citizenship,' and rethinking justice in the criminal system.