New Books in Critical Theory

Mick Lynch, a small union leader, became a 'working-class hero' by providing workers with an authentic voice. This podcast explores Lynch's background and rise to the top of the RMT union. It discusses his effective leadership, the concept of a working-class hero, and the criticism and praise he received. The podcast also highlights Lynch's political views, the Labour Party's shift to the right, and the need for a new form of political organization.

Caleb Wellum, author of Energizing Neoliberalism, discusses how the 1970s energy crisis facilitated a neoliberal shift in US political culture. He explores the cultural construction of the crisis and its meanings, tracing its roots to the consumption practices of Cold War capitalism. Wellum examines the consolidation of a neoliberal capitalist order through energy politics marked by anxious futurity and financialized energy markets.

Beth Driscoll and Claire Squires discuss "The Frankfurt Kabuff Critical Edition," a collection of scholarly and creative responses to the original novella. They explore the intersection of fiction and research, critiquing the idea of a critical edition. The book offers insights on the publishing industry and showcases how fiction can be research, art, satire, and a political project. Topics include the Frankfurt Bookfair, the structure of the scholarly edition, themes and politics explored in the novella, and plans for sequels and prequels. Overall, it's an entertaining and thought-provoking discussion.

Kareem R. Muhammad, author of a book focusing on the role of Black voters in the United States, discusses the sustained electoral power of Black voters and the impact of their policies. The research highlights the historical significance of the Black vote, from Reconstruction to the Civil Rights agenda. The podcast also explores the impact of family structure on the political dynamics of Black men, gender divides and patriarchy in hip hop culture, the importance of achieving granular goals, the impact of policies on Black Americans, and the political implications of the Black Panther series.

Guido Parietti, author of 'On the Concept of Power: Possibility, Necessity, Politics', explores the definition of power and its implications for politics. The podcast discusses the limitations of current political science and philosophy in conceptualizing power and highlights the importance of incorporating the category of possibility. It challenges conventional views on power's relationship with intentionality and freedom, and explores the connection between power and representation. The guest also shares plans for a future project on the evolution of the concept of power in history.

Susie Linfield, an author and cultural critic, discusses Zionism and its contentious relationship with the Left. She examines the perspectives of prominent figures like Isaac Deutscher, I.F. Stone, and Fred Halliday. The podcast delves into the complexities of the Jewish question, Trotsky's views on pogroms, the concept of diasporism, I.F. Stone's changing perspective on Israel, the importance of Fred Halliday's analysis, and intellectual perspectives on personal responsibility for violence.

Scott Gac, author of Born in Blood: Violence and the Making of America, discusses the interconnectedness of violence with US history from the American Revolution to the Civil War. He explores the role of violence in the formation of the liberal state, the racialization of democracy, and the transformation of violence after the Civil War. He also delves into the use of violence to control labor and its impact on African Americans in America.

Dr. Michael P. Jeffries discusses his book 'Black and Queer on Campus' and the challenges faced by LGBTQ college students. He explores the lack of attention given to Black LGBTQ students on campuses, the impact of stereotypes and threats to their safety, and the ways they build queer identities. The podcast highlights the importance of centering young queer black individuals, learning from the black queer radical tradition, and creating inclusive spaces for these students.

Paul Gowder, author of 'The Networked Leviathan: For Democratic Platforms', discusses the failures of internet platform governance, the need for institutional solutions, global democracy in the digital age, the value of democratic knowledge, dispersed governance institutions for the internet age, offshore contract workers in content moderation, and ethical challenges in academic research and book writing.

Aimee Loiselle, author of a book on the labor history and portrayal of working-class women in Hollywood films, discusses the fight for better work conditions and cultural representations by Puerto Rican and Southern White Women in the American working class during the 1970s. The podcast explores the experiences of these women in the textile industry, the influence of gender and culture on their labor, and the challenges faced by Puerto Rican women in the workplace. It also delves into the activism of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union in Puerto Rico and the history of union breaking in mill towns.