New Books Network

Ambika Kamath is a behavioral ecologist and evolutionary biologist, while Melina Packer is an Assistant Professor specializing in feminist science and animal studies. They explore how biases in human societies shape scientific understanding of animal behavior. The conversation covers territoriality in lizards, critiques of biological determinism, and the importance of intersectional feminism in science. They emphasize the value of marginalized perspectives for uncovering systemic biases and advocate for recognizing animal agency and freedom.

Dagmar Herzog, a distinguished historian at CUNY, explores the chilling dynamics of modern fascism. She argues that the allure of aggression and 'sexy racism' fuels far-right movements, exemplified by Germany's AfD party. Herzog links eroticized racism to fears surrounding migration, while unpacking how historical fascism intertwined sexuality and eugenics. Delving into disability, she reveals how societal hierarchies and myths about perfection justify cruelty. Herzog stresses the urgency of solidarity with vulnerable populations in today's political climate.

Richard Fine, Professor emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University, explores Edward Kennedy's bold journalism during World War II. Fine reveals how Kennedy defied military censorship to break the news of Nazi Germany's surrender, igniting a fierce debate about press freedom and ethics. He discusses the intense backdrop of negotiations at Reims, the fallout from Kennedy's scoop, and how this pivotal moment reshaped media-military relations. Fine challenges long-held notions of wartime reporting, showing the complexities and conflicts of truth in times of war.

Mercedes Valmisa, a philosopher and professor at Gettysburg College, delves into the collective nature of agency in her work, All Things Act. She challenges the view of agency as an individual capacity, arguing instead that it arises from networks of both human and nonhuman actors. Valmisa discusses the emergent nature of intentions and powers, emphasizing their contextual dependence. Her insights on Wu Wei highlight non-coercive self-organization, while the concept of non-cruel optimism advocates for shared responsibility in collective actions.

In this discussion, Alvin K. Wong, a comparative literature scholar and chair of the Society of Sinophone Studies, delves into his groundbreaking work on queerness in Hong Kong. He challenges traditional comparative methodologies, proposing the concept of 'unruly comparison' to explore transnational queer solidarities. Wong examines the influence of Hong Kong's cultural landscape through various media, including cinema and visual art, while connecting queer narratives to broader social movements and historical contexts.

Dr. Steven J. Brady, a history professor at George Washington University and author, dives deep into how the Vietnam War shaped American Catholics and vice versa. He reveals the complex moral debates within the Catholic community, contrasting views on war's moral implications. Brady highlights early dissenters like Dorothy Day, the proactive involvement in civil disobedience, and the connection between anti-war sentiments and the abortion debate. He also touches on the lasting impacts on Catholic peace activism, hinting at his next project on Adlai Stevenson.

Dagomar Degroot, an Associate Professor of Environmental History at Georgetown University, reveals how cosmic events influence Earth. He discusses the links between planetary environments and human history, such as how Martian dust storms impacted the Cold War. Degroot explores ethical questions around altering other worlds, back-contamination risks from Apollo missions, and the threats of asteroids. He advocates for democratic governance in managing cosmic risks and highlights the lessons Earth can learn from Venus’s climate trajectory.

Fernando Luiz Lara, Professor of architecture at the Weitzman School of Design, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about his book, emphasizing a critical reevaluation of Eurocentrism in architectural theory. He explores the link between modernization and colonization, highlighting how pre-colonial histories are often overlooked. Lara also introduces the concept of relational urbanism, critiques Western abstraction, and repositions favelas as sites of resistance. His insights challenge listeners to rethink American spaces through diverse cultural lenses.

Thomas Schlich, a historian of medicine with a background in medical training, joins the discussion on his co-authored work, diving into the history of masks and their cultural significance. He and Bruno J. Strasser explore fascinating stories about masks from various historical contexts, revealing how societal beliefs shape mask-wearing. They debunk myths about plague-doctor masks, investigate the genderization of masks, and trace the evolution of surgical and gas masks through pivotal moments like World War I, all while reflecting on lessons for today's world.

Sarah Dowling, a literary critic and poet from the University of Toronto, dives into her new book, exploring the prevalence of recumbent figures in contemporary literature and art. She discusses how these prone characters challenge our understanding of subjectivity and activism. Dowling highlights connections to feminist and decolonial thought, emphasizing the political weight of lying-down figures. Her conversation touches on the importance of grounded scholarship, interdisciplinary approaches, and the role of criticism as advocacy in cultural discourse.