New Books Network

Zeenath Khan, a debut novelist and journalist based between Hyderabad and New York, delves into her historical coming-of-age novel, The Sirens of September. She shares the inspiration behind exploring Hyderabad’s 1948 annexation and its impact on identity. The conversation highlights her meticulous archival research and the duality of aristocratic life against political upheaval. Zeenath also delves into her characters, like the perceptive Farishteh and the complex General El Edroos, weaving themes of longing and nostalgia throughout her narrative.

Yoram Hazony, a notable political theorist and author, advocates for a rediscovered conservatism rooted in religion, nationalism, and economic growth. He emphasizes the importance of hierarchy in society and family, and critiques the post-Cold War liberalism's shortcomings. Hazony discusses the National Conservatism movement, highlighting key figures and its historical foundations. He also reflects on the influence of past thinkers like John Fortescue and John Selden, and calls for a revival of conservative values in community life, especially among young men.

Nicholas Gamso, a writer and academic with expertise in theory and visual culture, dives into the failures of liberalism and its impact on art. He discusses Kara Walker's provocative installations that challenge gentrification and the role of public art in political movements. Gamso highlights the connections between museums and state power while framing art as a tool for diagnosing societal issues and imagining alternatives. He also touches on the importance of aesthetics in activism and the need to engage disenfranchised populations in the creative process.

Historian and military strategist James Lacey, a former U.S. Army officer and author of "Rome: Strategy of Empire," dives into the complexities of Roman grand strategy. He challenges Edward Luttwak's military-centric thesis, exploring how Romans understood strategy through ancient philosophy and operational planning. Lacey emphasizes the significance of economics and the responses to barbarian threats in shaping Rome's enduring strategy. He draws modern parallels, highlighting lessons from Rome that resonate with today's strategic considerations.

Join Josh Levine, an author and media historian, as he dives into the genius of Larry David, the mastermind behind Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Levine discusses Larry's dramatic rise from a struggling comic to a titan of television. Explore the cringeworthy humor of Curb and how it divides audiences. Learn how Larry’s real-life experiences shaped his iconic characters and how his improvisational approach changed sitcoms forever. Discover the challenges he faced and his plans for future projects, including an intriguing collaboration with Barack Obama.

Nayanjot Lahiri, a history professor and archaeologist from Ashoka University, delves into the fascinating legacy of Emperor Ashoka. She discusses his unique moral transformation and the way he communicated with his subjects. Lahiri explores how Ashoka's identity evolved, with his Buddhist persona outlasting his administrative role. The podcast blends travelogue and scholarship, highlighting themes of memory and the reinvention of historical figures. Lahiri also shares insights into her upcoming project on forests and archaeology, showcasing her passion for accessible scholarship.

Jacob Bloomfield, a cultural and gender historian, dives into the rich history of male drag performance in Britain. He uncovers how drag has evolved from Victorian scandals to a staple of modern entertainment. Bloomfield discusses the significance of the term 'drag,' its origins, and the impact of censorship on its portrayal. He challenges the notion of drag as solely queer, revealing its diverse audience. Finally, he contextualizes today's backlash against drag within its long-standing cultural legacy and hints at his upcoming project on Little Richard.

Elisabetta Ferrari, an interdisciplinary scholar of digital technologies and social movements, discusses her latest book on activist imaginaries. She delves into how activists creatively appropriate and challenge Silicon Valley’s narratives around technology. Ferrari highlights significant movements from Hungary, Italy, and the U.S., revealing how they merge mainstream tech with their political goals. She emphasizes that while appropriation and negotiation thrive, genuine challenges to the dominant technocratic vision are rare. Plus, she shares insights on her upcoming research on mutual aid in the digital age.

Thomas Princen, an associate professor at the University of Michigan, focuses on sustainability and the ethics of resource use. He discusses how personal experiences, like the Sonoma fires, inspired his research on extreme events. Princen differentiates resilience from climate adaptation and highlights local signals that inspire societal change. He explores the challenges of rebuilding in disaster-prone areas, the need for broader policy links, and advocates for a proactive fire ethic to encourage adaptive living with natural hazards.

Isabelle Guérin, a senior researcher specializing in political economy and gender, delves into her latest work on debt and women in rural India. She explores how capitalist systems specifically target Dalit women for credit, revealing the intricate relationship between debt, kinship, and sexuality. The concept of the sexual division of debt highlights how differing access and repayment strategies shape women's experiences. Guérin also discusses ethical challenges related to transactional sex in debt negotiations, emphasizing women's active roles in financial capitalism.