New Books in Critical Theory

A three-part series on Indian and Israeli ethnonationalism. Professor Balmurli Natrajan, Lori Allen, and Ajantha Subramanian discuss the ideological bases of Indian ethnonationalism, historical links to European fascism, the role of caste, similarities between Hindu Right in India and the US, and countering India's slide towards fascism.

Angela Hume discusses the radical political movement of gynecological self-help. They explore the underground work of feminist self-help groups and menstrual extraction. The power of non-sexualized feminist body sharing and non-hierarchical underground group work is emphasized. The concept of self-help beyond individualism and its potential for collective change is explored. The availability of medications for abortions and the importance of alternative options are discussed.

Shelly Kagan, a prominent philosopher in contemporary ethical discussions, discusses his book 'How to Count Animals, More Or Less' and explores the moral status of animals. He introduces a hierarchical approach to morality, examines different perspectives on animal ethics, explores the concept of speciesism, and delves into the distinctions between humans and animals. The episode also touches on objections to the hierarchical view, rule-based approaches in moral philosophy, and the moral treatment of animals.

James A. Chamberlain challenges the belief that community is built through work, exploring the potential of flexibility and unconditional basic income to increase freedom and justice. The podcast discusses the marginalization of the labor movement, the constraints of work on freedom, the construction of flexible workers, and the impact of neoliberalism on society. It also touches upon the potential of Universal Basic Income (UBI) to challenge work ideology.

Dr. Simon Joyce, an expert on nineteenth-century archives, explores the rethinking of Victorian sexuality and gender identity. The podcast focuses on topics such as the lives of lesbians in the nineteenth century, the advocacy for tolerance and gender identity by Ulrichs, historical instances of transgender identity, cultural anxiety surrounding male effeminacy, a Victorian man's struggle with homosexuality, and the contrasting perspectives on gender and sexuality debates in England and Ireland. This podcast provides a fresh understanding of the Victorian period and its relevance to LGBTQ+ issues today.

The podcast explores the relationship between photography, property, and racial capitalism in the late 19th century. It delves into the concept of the legal unconscious and the optical unconscious in photography. It also discusses the influence of American del Sartism on photography and the connection between trans luminosity and the soul. The podcast reflects on the disconnect between politics, life, and individual rights, and the use of memory and images to reconnect with the past.

Chhaya Kolavalli, author of 'Well-Intentioned Whiteness: Green Urban Development and Black Resistance in Kansas City', discusses how whiteness occupies urban spaces. The podcast explores topics such as the impact of green urbanism on marginalized communities, historical perspectives on local food production, displacement and violence in green spaces, and the concept of white public space and its effects on historically black neighborhoods.

"Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World" features winning strategies, history, and theory for activists. The book explores strategies used by successful organizations and movements and offers insights on adapting to new challenges. The podcast covers topics like base building, disruptive movements, collective care in social movements, the lasting impact of the AIDS movement, and the need for strategy hubs in social change movements.

Russ Castronovo, Author of American Insecurity and the Origins of Vulnerability, examines the origins of American ideas regarding surveillance, terrorism, and white supremacy. Castronovo challenges conventional approaches to security, turning to literature, philosophy, and political theory to reveal how security both enhances and limits freedom. He explores the racial dynamics shaping the American obsession with security, while also discussing the contradictions and impact of security on democracy. The podcast also delves into the influence of the black population on American power, the role of population counting, and the overwhelming impact of information influx on security and vulnerability.

Jürgen Zimmerer, editor of a provocative volume on German memory, discusses the diverse landscape of German memory, the shift in Germany's historical consciousness after unification, the need for a new German historical consciousness that includes migrant experiences, the concept of Stadts-Rison and its impact on public discourse, and the tensions surrounding historical consciousness and anti-Semitism in Germany.