New Books Network

Dr. Alvaro Salas-Castro, President and CEO of the Reynolds Foundation, discusses the current state of democracy and freedom. He explores the challenges posed by authoritarian regimes and the philanthropic gaps in supporting democracy initiatives. Alvaro emphasizes the importance of civic education, introducing innovative projects like Freedom Academies to empower activists. He also advocates for cross-sector collaboration and highlights the need for better research to support democratic renewal. Hope lies in young activists, committed philanthropists, and scholarly partnerships.

Ilan Kelman, a Professor at University College London and an expert in disasters and health, joins the discussion about his book, Antarcticness. He articulates the concept of 'Antarcticness' and explores its interdisciplinary significance. The conversation touches on colonial legacies within Antarctic history and critiques of imperialism. Kelman also highlights the importance of gender inclusion in Antarctic research, while emphasizing a broader perspective beyond climate change. He reflects on the diverse contributions in the book and encourages ongoing exploration of Antarctic themes.

In this engaging discussion, Adrienne Domasin, an editor and scholar specializing in media and post-apocalyptic narratives, dives deep into her latest work, exploring the psychological themes in The Last of Us. She highlights how trauma, grief, and morality influence character choices, particularly in the contrasting narratives of the games and HBO adaptation. Adrienne also examines the ethics of player perspectives, especially through characters like Joel and Abby, and how these experiences reflect larger human struggles within the framework of a post-apocalyptic society.

Cultural historian Jim Cullen, known for his work on late 20th-century American culture, dives into the significance of 1980, a pivotal year in U.S. history. He explores how the political climate shifted with Reagan's rise, contrasting it with Carter's tenure. Cullen highlights the impact of media, from John Lennon's music to the cliffhanger obsession of 'Dallas,' reflecting a change in American values. He also examines how chain bookstores shaped bestseller trends and discusses the cultural implications of a new era in politics and entertainment.

Dr. Sarah Hoiland, a sociology professor and author, explores the empowering yet complex dynamics of an all-women motorcycle club in her new book. She shares her captivating fieldwork experiences, detailing initiation rituals and the quest for identity within a male-dominated culture. The conversation sheds light on the motivations for joining, which include sisterhood and rebellion, while also addressing the challenges of exclusion and political visibility faced by these women. Hoiland uncovers their unique, liberatory space amidst the broader motorcycle community.

In this discussion, Tom White dives into the catastrophic legacy of asbestos, leveraging his expertise as the author of Bad Dust: A History of the Asbestos Disaster. He shares personal insights about his family's connection to the material and reveals the surprising persistence of asbestos in many buildings today. White highlights the historical exploitation of South African mines under apartheid, the industry's impact on public health, and the limitations of current UK policies. He also emphasizes the urgent need for renewed advocacy to address ongoing risks.

Heather Davis, Assistant Professor at the New School and author of 'Plastic Matter,' dives deep into the cultural and political implications of plastic in our lives. She shares her family's connection to DuPont and how plastics have influenced domestic environments. Davis presents 'plastic matter' as a concept illustrating our relationship with manipulable materials. She argues that plastic pollution manifests colonial legacies, critiques apocalyptic narratives for evading accountability, and explores the intersections of queer theory and ecological responsibility.

Mary Edwards, a philosophy lecturer at Cardiff University, dives into the intriguing intersections between Sartre’s existentialism and psychoanalysis. She discusses Sartre's unconventional views on the self as a constructive fiction and how knowing others can sometimes reveal more truth than our self-perception. Edwards elaborates on Sartre's dialectical methods and his exploration of shame, highlighting his insights on freedom and ethics. With a focus on Flaubert, she reveals how literary critique can validate psychoanalytic theories, all while emphasizing the therapeutic implications in today's context.

Stephen D. Hopper, a conservation biologist and former botanic gardens director with five decades of research under his belt, dives into the fascinating world of eucalypts in his latest work. He shares insights on how these iconic Australian trees have influenced industries and cultures. Discussing Aboriginal knowledge, Hopper highlights their management of eucalypt ecosystems and the rich stories tied to these trees. He also explores their evolutionary origins and current conservation challenges, merging ancient wisdom with modern science.

Adam Jones, a Professor of Political Science at the University of British Columbia Okanagan and a leading genocide studies scholar, discusses his compilation *Sites of Genocide*. He highlights the ethical challenges of documenting mass violence, especially through photography. The conversation explores how visiting sites like Morambi enriches understanding of genocides. Adam reflects on his research evolution, particularly regarding gendered violence and its application in contemporary cases like the Rohingya and Uyghurs. He emphasizes students’ roles in merging scholarship with practical interventions.