New Books Network

C. Yamini Krishna is an author and scholar blending film studies with urban history, focusing on Hyderabad's transformation from a princely city to a global hub. She dives into the symbiotic relationship between cinema and the city's socio-political landscape. Topics include how cinema influenced modern Hyderabad's modernization, the impact of linguistic shifts from Urdu to Telugu, and the evolution of Hyderabad into a Telugu production center. Yamini also discusses contemporary trends in labor representation and her future work on Urdu intellectual history.

Stéphen Huard, an anthropologist at the French Institute of Research for Development, delves into village leadership in Myanmar's central dry zone. He introduces the concept of 'calibrated engagement' to highlight how local leaders interact and negotiate power dynamics. Stéphen contrasts two villages to explore differing narratives of identity and hierarchy. He critiques global models of hierarchy, discusses the masculine nature of leadership roles, and connects his findings to the emergence of new local movements post-2021 coup. A fascinating exploration of local politics!

Maxim Sytch, an author and scholar of professional services, dives into the concept of supplier-induced demand in his latest work. He reveals how consulting, legal, and banking industries generate demand for unnecessary services, often leading to detrimental effects on organizations. Sytch discusses the role of uncertainty in elevating supplier influence and how AI may shift demand for elite services. He also shares practical advice for leaders to combat these dynamics, emphasizing the importance of in-house expertise and ethical practices.

Rachel Myrick, a Duke University political science professor, discusses her book on polarization's impact on international politics. She reveals how extreme partisanship threatens democratic advantages in foreign affairs. Myrick outlines the methodologies used in her research, including innovative data collection and analysis. Surprisingly, she shares non-ideological pathways that polarization affects global stability. She also emphasizes practical strategies for mitigating polarization's harmful effects on policy, making her insights timely and essential.

Dr. Muhammad Atique, an expert in digital governance and author based in Auckland, delves into the multi-faceted influence of digital media and AI on society. He highlights how algorithms shape our choices and the dangers of reduced critical thinking due to reliance on AI recommendations. Atique discusses the pressing issues of privacy risks and the evolving job landscape driven by technology. He also explores the cultural shifts brought by digital media and emphasizes the importance of finding harmony between technology and personal well-being.

Natasha Piano, an Assistant Professor at UCLA and author of Democratic Elitism, discusses the Italian School of Elitism's insights into democracy. She argues that elections alone can't secure democracy, potentially breeding disillusionment among the masses. Piano explores how Vilfredo Pareto's elite circulation theory highlights the risks of elite corruption, while Gaetano Mosca’s institutional solutions aim to renew democratic impulses. She emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and warns against equating elections with actual democratic practices.

Nancy Neiman, a Professor at Scripps College and author, dives into the complexities of markets and social justice. She discusses her motivation to empower students and critiques conventional market ideologies. The chat explores how cultural and political infrastructures influence market outcomes, revealing injustices like racism and labor exploitation. Neiman highlights case studies from Cuba and Uganda, emphasizing community values over individual utility. They also examine the implications of globalization on local economies, stressing the need for equitable market design.

Martin Moore, a political communication specialist and director at King's College London, and Thomas Colley, a senior lecturer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, delve into how authoritarian regimes manipulate news to solidify power. They discuss the alarming spread of biased media control from China to Hungary, examining strategies like censorship, propaganda, and the role of social media. The conversation highlights the global risks of losing objective information and the emergence of truth-seekers trying to combat these challenges.

Dr. Jessica Campbell, a literature scholar and author of "The Brontës and the Fairy Tale," dives into the intricate relationship between the Brontë sisters' works and fairy tales. She reveals how fairy tales alter plot and character dynamics and comments on gender in Victorian literature. The conversation covers the Brontës' youthful imaginings, the supernatural elements in their poetry, and how folklore shapes character complexities, especially in stories like "Wuthering Heights" and "Jane Eyre." Campbell also hints at her future projects in queer studies.

Louise Nyholm Kallestrup, a historian specializing in witchcraft and early modern Scandinavian history, discusses her new book on witchcraft in Denmark from 1536 to 1617. She explains how witchcraft evolved from a biblical offense to a representation of divine mockery, especially highlighted by the 1617 Witchcraft Act. The conversation covers the royal bridal journey of 1589, linked to witch accusations, and examines how Reformation-era apocalyptic beliefs fueled fears of witchcraft. Kallestrup also delves into the cultural construction of 'evil women' and the political implications of witch trials, revealing a complex intersection of religion and power.