New Books Network

In this engaging discussion, Andrew W. Bernstein, a historian and author, delves into the complex narrative of Mount Fuji. He reveals its tumultuous history, marked by eruptions and transformed cultural symbolism. Bernstein explores Fuji's agency, portraying it as a living entity that shapes human experiences. He discusses its significance in literature, art, and religion while highlighting the tensions of state responses to natural disasters. The conversation also touches on the mountain's commercialization and its modern identity in the Anthropocene, blending nature with human impact.

Elizabeth Suhay, a political scientist and professor at American University, dives into the evolving landscape of the American Dream. She reveals how belief in this ideal intertwines with political identity, showing that skepticism has surged, especially among Democrats. Suhay discusses demographic influences on views of economic mobility and contrasts how parties defend or question the fairness of the economy. Her research uncovers the widening partisan divide over decades, highlighting the role of political culture and narratives in shaping beliefs about inequality.

Joel S. Wit, distinguished fellow in Asian security studies and former U.S. State Department official, delivers insights from his book on America's failed North Korea disarmament efforts. He discusses the crises and negotiations that nearly spiraled into war and critiques the leadership of Obama and Trump during pivotal moments. Wit highlights the intelligence of North Korean negotiators and warns of rising tensions in Northeast Asia. He concludes with a grim assessment of the likelihood of denuclearization and the future risks involved.

Gillian Adler, a scholar of medieval literature and assistant professor at Sarah Lawrence College, delves into how medieval people experienced time in diverse dimensions—continuous, cyclical, and even cosmic. She contrasts this nuanced understanding with today's clock-driven approach, exploring how medieval rhythms were closely tied to religion and nature. From the development of mechanical clocks to communal rituals, Adler reveals insights on reclaiming a qualitative sense of time, encouraging listeners to embrace cyclical experiences to counter modern exhaustion.

Nicholas L. Caverly, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at UMass Amherst and author, delves into the complexities of urban demolition in Detroit. He discusses residents' support for demolitions due to safety concerns and the hope for change, contrasting this with the persistence of structural racism. Caverly shares his ethnographic insights on demolition processes and the emotional responses they evoke. He emphasizes that simply tearing down buildings won't achieve justice, advocating for a shift towards infrastructural repair and equitable solutions.

In this engaging discussion, Paul Kelly, a Professor of Political Theory at the London School of Economics, critiques post-liberalism's rise. He identifies three main strands—populism, communitarianism, and authoritarianism—that threaten progress. Kelly argues that nostalgia for the past obscures the necessary evolution of society. He emphasizes the risks of false consciousness and authoritarianism echoing past political movements. The conversation also explores liberalism's role in shaping a fair future amidst deep moral disputes.

Jonathan Sumption, a former UK Supreme Court Justice and historian, delves into the current crisis of democracy across the globe. He discusses how Brexit and shifting public sentiments have weakened democratic faith in the UK. Notably, he highlights the suppression of pro-democracy activism in Hong Kong and critiques the limitations of judge-made law in political contexts. Sumption also warns about the vulnerabilities of presidential systems and stresses the importance of freedom of speech, drawing on principles from Aristotle and John Stuart Mill.

Anna Hájková, a historian and director at the University of Warwick, sheds light on often-ignored queer narratives from the Holocaust in her new book. She discusses how archival silence and survivor testimonies have marginalized same-sex desire. Key figures like Gad Beck and Margot Heuman highlight the complexities of survival, while Anne Frank's diary faces censorship for its queer content. Hájková argues that understanding these stories is crucial for both historical awareness and contemporary identity, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in our narratives.

In this engaging conversation, Martin Herskovitz, a second-generation Holocaust survivor and poet, discusses his powerful collection, *Son of the Shoah*. He reveals how poetry helps him process inherited trauma and connect with family memory. Martin shares insights from his workshops, explores the meaning of second-generation identity, and confronts the challenges of having children as a descendant of survivors. The discussion also delves into the importance of individual mourning and shifting Holocaust remembrance towards personal narratives.

In a compelling discussion, Robin F. Hansen, an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Saskatchewan, dives into her work on the intersections of incarceration and motherhood, particularly for Indigenous women in Canada. She recalls how a pregnant inmate's call sparked her project, highlighting the horrific practice of automatic mother-infant separation post-birth. Hansen critiques the colonial biases in legal systems that dehumanize both mothers and their children, emphasizing the need for reforms to protect their rights and ensure better practices in the justice system.