New Books Network

Alice Echols, a historian and Barbra Streisand Chair at USC, explores the transformative power of disco in 1970s New York. She discusses how disco shaped racial, gender, and sexual revolutions, while examining its complex history within the Black and queer communities. Echols critiques the idea of disco as 'politically empty,' highlighting its cultural significance. She delves into figures like Nile Rodgers and the impact of artists on the genre, shedding light on the artistic divisions in the Black music community and disco's enduring legacy.

Hilary Allen, a law professor at American University and author of *FinTech Dystopia*, critiques the financial system's transformation by tech elites. She reveals how fintech and crypto often fail to deliver promised benefits, leading to greater inequality. Allen discusses the repetitive tech hype cycle and how venture capital influences regulations to favor quick exits. She argues that instead of democratizing finance, these innovations often create predatory outcomes, calling for reforms to protect consumers and ensure financial stability.

Dag Nikolaus Hasse, a philosophy professor at the University of Würzburg, delves into the complexities of European identity in his thought-provoking discourse. He challenges traditional views of Europe, arguing they often exclude key cultural traditions and promote colonial arrogance. Hasse highlights historic multiethnic cities like Cordoba and Constantinople, advocating for an inclusive, decolonized vision of Europe. He emphasizes emotional detachment from elitist cultural definitions and calls for a civic obligation-based unity over cultural loyalty. Aiming for a broader understanding, he critiques the mythic foundations of European thought.

Eduardo Mercado III, a bioacoustician and cognitive scientist, captivates with his insights on why whales sing. He proposes a revolutionary theory suggesting that humpback whales may not be singing to attract mates, but utilizing sonar-like echolocation to perceive their underwater environment. Mercado shares his journey from electrical engineering to studying whale acoustics, and delves into how this vocal behavior helps whales maintain social connections over vast distances. He challenges long-held beliefs and highlights the implications for understanding whale communication.

Eric Lee, a historian and labor activist, dives into the tumultuous history of Georgia in 1924, where a brave revolt against Soviet oppression emerged. He shares how democratic socialism clashed with Bolshevism during this period and discusses the reasons behind the uprising's delay. Lee highlights the brutal Soviet response, shedding light on mass executions and the legacy of the uprising, which shaped socialist international views. With the resurgence of nationalism today, Lee's insights draw parallels between past and present struggles for democracy.

Maya Arad, an Israeli author and literary scholar at Stanford, discusses her novel Happy New Years. She explores the life of Leah, an immigrant grappling with the duality of public triumphs and private turmoil over five decades. The conversation delves into themes of loneliness, social standing, and the complexities of human connection. Arad reflects on women's roles in the 1960s, the influence of key relationships, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Through Leah's journey, Arad contrasts optimism with her own realist outlook.

Robert de la Chevrotiere, an Afro-Caribbean author and educator, dives deep into his novel, Tall Is Her Body, exploring themes of multiculturalism, trauma, and identity. He shares how childhood moments in France inspired his writing and emphasizes the balance between tenderness and violence through the eyes of his protagonist, Fidel. The conversation highlights the influence of Obeah traditions, the complexities of Caribbean identity in Canada, and the poignant lessons from Fidel’s journey. De la Chevrotiere also teases his upcoming work, hinting at ghosts and colonial history.

Judith L. Pearson, an award-winning biographer, shares insights from her book about trailblazing women Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner, and Evelyn Lauder, who transformed breast cancer advocacy. Pearson discusses her own cancer journey that inspired her research. She highlights the pivotal role of 1980s media, like the Phil Donahue show, in initiating public conversations about breast cancer. The women’s relentless activism led to critical changes in healthcare policies, creating a legacy that empowers today's advocates.

Phillips Payson O'Brien, a military historian and Professor at the University of St. Andrews, challenges traditional notions of military power in his latest work. He argues that true military victories hinge on diverse factors, such as economic strength and political stability, rather than just large armies. O'Brien emphasizes the crucial roles of logistics and leadership, while debunking the myth that population size alone determines outcomes. He also draws insights from current conflicts, cautioning about the unpredictability of war and the need for strategic industrial reassessment.

Lars Cornelissen, a historian specializing in neoliberalism, discusses his groundbreaking book, Neoliberalism and Race. He reveals how race serves as a central element of neoliberal ideology, examining overlooked racial constructs in theories from figures like Mises and Hayek. Cornelissen critiques the depiction of racial dynamics in developmental policies and highlights the troubling ties between neoliberal think tanks and eugenics. He emphasizes the need for anti-neoliberal movements to prioritize racial justice, asserting that race and neoliberalism are fundamentally intertwined.