New Books Network

Killian Clarke, an academic at Georgetown University, explores the dynamics of counterrevolutions, particularly in Egypt. He shares insights from his book, highlighting why some revolutions succumb to counterrevolution while others endure. Clarke discusses the critical role of elite coalitions and popular support in preventing counterrevolutions. He explains how violent movements can resist but often lead to new autocracies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of foreign support for democratic transitions and outlines future research on protest data and autocracy.

Margaret Grace Myers, a writer and historian, dives deep into the century-long battle over sex education in the U.S. She explores how early efforts from religious leaders aimed to combat STIs but were thwarted by the rise of the religious right. Key moments include World War I's influence on public health and the shift in curricula through the decades. Myers critiques the ongoing promotion of abstinence-only education, highlighting its failure and the need for comprehensive programs to address real public health concerns.

Thomas Morel, a historian of mathematics from the University of Wuppertal, dives into subterranean geometry, a neglected field that thrived in the silver mines of early modern Europe. He explores how miners blended practical mathematics with artisanal skill, illustrating the significance of geometry in their daily work and conflicts over resources. Morel highlights fascinating case studies, including the rapid urban growth of mining centers and how innovative cartography transformed mine mapping. His insights shed light on the interplay of craftsmanship and scientific knowledge during this pivotal era.

Eli Clare, a talented writer and activist, discusses their new book, blending poetry and creative nonfiction to explore the intersections of queerness, disability, and ecology. They delve into the idea of survivals and sorrows, reflecting on personal trauma and the fierce connections between humans and nature. Eli emphasizes the importance of non-linear time, critiques institutional categorization, and introduces concepts like access intimacy. The conversation becomes an invitation to embrace rebellion, joy, and the beautiful multiplicity of identities.

Carol Lilly, a historian and author, explores the intricate dynamics of cemetery culture in the Balkans, particularly during and after the Yugoslav conflict. She highlights how burial sites became politicized and weaponized in nationalist movements, further entrenching ethnic divisions. Lilly shares her personal experiences with Yugoslav burial traditions and contrasts religious customs across communities. She reveals the impact of communist policies on grave markers, illustrating how these spaces transformed into battlegrounds for ideological expression and conflict.

Janice M. McCabe, a sociologist and Dartmouth faculty member, delves into the intricate world of college friendships shaped by campus structures in her latest research. She explores the concept of 'friendship markets,' discussing how initial openness influences social ties. McCabe categorizes friendship dynamics into types like 'Tight Knitters' and 'Compartmentalizers' while examining the role of identity in forming connections. She emphasizes the importance of creating collaborative spaces to combat loneliness and foster meaningful relationships among students.

Joel Rubin, a veteran diplomat and foreign policy strategist, dives into the current state of U.S. foreign policy amidst political divisions. He discusses the absence of a unifying vision and the instability caused by partisanship, warning against recent military actions in Venezuela. Rubin critiques both past regime-change strategies and the U.S.'s incoherent approach to China. He also highlights the challenges Democrats face in balancing base expectations with broader appeal, emphasizing the need for clear communication and bipartisan cooperation to navigate complex global issues.

Simon Appleford, an Associate Professor of History at Creighton University, dives into the world of Herbert Block, famously known as Herblock, who defined political cartooning in postwar America. Appleford discusses how Herblock's anti-communism influenced the Democratic Party and introduced the term 'McCarthyism' to the lexicon. He critiques Herblock's portrayal of civil rights, noting its limitations, and explores his evolving relationship with Richard Nixon amidst political upheaval. The power of Herblock's visual narratives, Appleford argues, shaped public perception far beyond words.

Yanqiu Zheng, an author and historian focusing on modern Chinese cultural diplomacy, discusses his new book, which explores China's quest for admiration in the U.S. from 1875 to 1974. He highlights the role of institutions like the China Institute in shaping cultural narratives amid geopolitical challenges. Zheng emphasizes the importance of material infrastructure over mere politeness in cultural exchanges. He also contrasts historical and contemporary approaches to cultural outreach, including the impact of the PRC's exhibitions in the U.S. and the legacy of funding dynamics during the Cold War.

Jasbeer Musthafa Mamalipurath, a media studies lecturer at Queen's University Belfast, explores the intersection of Islam and modern storytelling in TED Talks. He discusses how personal experiences with Islamophobia fueled his research. Mamalipurath reveals TED's role as a platform that reshapes religious narratives, emphasizing storytelling over theological authority. He also highlights how both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences react differently to these narratives, with concerns about representation and the impact of secular interpretations of Islam. His insights challenge us to reconsider what we think we know about TED Talks.