New Books Network

Helen Graham, an Associate Professor at the University of Leeds, dives into the transformative future of museums. She examines the museum constitution as a battleground for participation and governance. Graham highlights the tensions between conservation and accessibility, arguing for a shift towards self-representation. She introduces the concept of 'participatory worlding' and advocates for restorative practices within museum spaces, aiming to create environments that acknowledge conflict and trauma while encouraging meaningful engagement.

Nate Schenkkan, a researcher focused on authoritarianism and transnational repression, discusses the alarming rise of global threats against exiled critics of oppressive regimes. He defines transnational repression and explains how shifts in power and technology contribute to this 'golden age' of repression. Schenkkan highlights the weaponization of migration systems and the misuse of international institutions like Interpol. He also emphasizes the complicity of democracies in eroding norms and offers crucial policy recommendations to protect vulnerable diasporas.

In this engaging discussion, Reena Goldthree, an Associate Professor at Princeton and author specializing in Black social movements, delves into the compelling history of Afro-Caribbean soldiers during World War I. She highlights their motivations for enlisting, from economic aspirations to seeking honor. Goldthree uncovers their critical battles for racial equality and how they used imperial patriotism to advocate for rights post-war. The podcast reveals the complex dynamics of a forgotten struggle for democracy and the enduring impact on Caribbean politics.

Lottie Whalen, an author and co-founder of Decorating Dissidents, discusses her enlightening book about women who shaped early twentieth-century New York's avant-garde scene. She explores the creative and political activism of icons like Mina Loy and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. Whalen highlights how fashion became a political statement and reveals the risks these women faced within misogynistic artistic circles. Through her research, she uncovers forgotten histories and the vibrant social networks that defined a modernizing city.

The hosts dive into the complex themes of betrayal and identity in the first three episodes of The Night Manager. They dissect Jonathan Pine's darker characterization and PTSD, contrasting it with his previous persona. The discussion brings up the series' ties to Le Carré's broader work, exploring British nostalgia and institutional betrayal. The deep-rooted trauma of characters shines, as they examine the implications of Pine's shifting identities. This analysis provides a rich exploration of motivations and moral quandaries that resonate in today's world.

The hosts reflect on themes of resistance, global Islamophobia, and the implications of ethno-nationalism. They connect contemporary issues to historical events like the Filton 24 hunger strike, examining how these struggles echo past resistances. Discussions include the criminalization of Arab identity, the construction of 'deserving' migrants, and the impact of online Islamophobia. They explore how Muslimized narratives can enhance solidarity within diverse communities, setting the stage for the future of Critical Muslim Studies.

Di Wu, an Associate Professorial Fellow at Zhejiang University, and Ed Pulford, a Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Manchester, dive into the critical need for recognizing China's role in global anthropology. They discuss how the ongoing geopolitics, especially the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlights China's significance as a context in social sciences. The conversation covers the dangers of marginalizing Chinese perspectives and explores rich ethnographic case studies, advocating for a collaborative global approach to understanding China.

Rafael Yuste, a Columbia University professor and expert in cerebral cortex function, shares insights from his book, *Lectures in Neuroscience*. He critiques the traditional neuron doctrine, advocating for a view of the brain as a predictive machine that continuously models reality. Yuste discusses the significance of neuronal ensembles in generating thoughts and emotions, as well as the implications of pruning during brain development related to conditions like schizophrenia. He underscores the need for fresh perspectives in neuroscience.

Emily Walton, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Dartmouth College, explores the dynamics of race and inclusion in rural New England. She discusses the challenges faced by educated migrants of color, highlighting the concept of misrecognition, where white residents fail to acknowledge their value in the community. Walton details the socio-economic divides in the Upper Valley, the explicit racism newcomers endure, and the resulting feelings of homesickness. She also shares insights on coping strategies and offers recommendations for fostering a more inclusive environment.

Johanna Lukáte, a research leader at the Max Planck Institute, dives into the profound connection between Black hair and identity. She explores how hair communicates social meanings tied to race, gender, and beauty. Through personal stories and ethnographic research, Johanna highlights issues like the stigma of natural hair in professional settings and the intimate rituals in family hair care. Additionally, she discusses access to swimming and the impact of dominant beauty standards on visibility and power. Every strand weaves a unique narrative.