New Books Network

Professor Michelle Henning, an expert in photography and media, discusses her book, which delves into the environmental history of chemical photography tied to imperialism. She reveals how early photographic practices were dependent on coal and influenced by industrial advancements. Henning highlights the toxic byproducts of photography and their lasting impact on the environment. She examines London's fog and its symbolic connection to industrial power, and intriguingly links photographic innovations to military technology and chemical warfare.

Laura Chinchilla, the first woman president of Costa Rica and a political scientist, shares her insights on the pressing issue of global democratic backsliding. She discusses how leaders exploit public dissatisfaction to erode democratic norms and emphasizes the vital role of civic engagement and judicial independence as defenses against this trend. Chinchilla passionately advocates for youth activism, urging young people to participate in their democracies and remain informed. She also underscores the importance of education in fostering democratic values and expresses hope in the commitment of younger generations to civic causes.

Jason Burke, a veteran foreign correspondent and expert on international terrorism, delves into his new book, The Revolutionists. He vividly recounts the rise of revolutionary extremism in the 1970s, revealing the diverse motivations behind notorious figures like Leila Khaled and Carlos the Jackal. Burke discusses the interconnectedness of leftist and Islamist movements, how hijackings shifted from publicity stunts to deadly attacks, and the misconceptions surrounding infamous events like Munich and Entebbe. His insights draw from extensive research, declassifications, and personal interviews with key players.

Colin Mayer, Emeritus Professor of Management Studies at Oxford, shares insights from his book on how capitalism can be reformed to better address global crises. He discusses how corporate purpose became superficial and challenges big tech's dual role in creating and solving problems. Mayer emphasizes the need for profit to come from resolving issues, not causing them. He advocates for using public procurement to enforce accountability and highlights long-term ownership structures as essential for sustainable business practices. An inspiring call for systemic change!

Hans von Sponeck, a former UN Assistant Secretary-General with extensive experience in humanitarian coordination, and Richard A. Falk, Professor Emeritus of International Law, dive into the complexities of the UN's role in global governance. They discuss the historical failures stemming from the Yalta consensus and the detrimental effects of geopolitical influences like the veto power. The pair advocate for a revitalized UN that prioritizes human security and emphasizes engaging civil society as a check on powerful states, while critically examining the challenges posed by contemporary nationalism.

In this engaging conversation, Canadian novelist Katie Welch reflects on her latest work, Ladder to Heaven. She shares how a devastating earthquake in 2045 transforms communication between humans and animals, and discusses the complex themes of addiction and stigma through her protagonist Del’s journey. Katie reveals personal inspirations for Del's character and chats about the societal pressures of motherhood. With insights on her lyrical writing style and worldbuilding, she also teases her next project set in a tree-planting camp.

Namit Arora, a writer and social critic known for his works on India's history, joins the conversation alongside esteemed historian Romila Thapar. They explore the complexities of being a historian in a politically charged environment, discussing the distortions in public history around topics like caste and religion. Namit emphasizes the need for rigorous academic methods while engaging with the public, highlighting the challenges posed by misinformation in India's historical narrative. Their insights reveal pressing issues in balancing scholarly integrity with societal discourse.

Dr. Marlene Gerber Fried, a legal scholar and advocate for reproductive rights, joins Dr. Loretta J. Ross, a human rights activist and co-creator of the reproductive justice framework. They discuss the urgent need for a broader understanding of reproductive justice beyond mere choice, emphasizing rights to have, not have, and raise children. The conversation weaves through historical oppression, the impact of the Hyde Amendment, and contemporary challenges in detention systems. They inspire resistance and highlight the importance of integrating social justice into the reproductive rights movement.

Dr. Lauren D. Sawyer, a Professor of theology and culture and author of Growing Up Pure, discusses the complexities of purity culture, highlighting its ties to white supremacy. She challenges the notion of white youth as mere victims, arguing they benefit from privileges that perpetuate harmful behaviors. Lauren explores the historical roots of purity movements, the racial dynamics at play, and how teens navigate and subvert these norms. Her work prompts a reexamination of adolescent agency, accountability, and the lingering impacts of these cultural constructs.

Knut A. Jacobsen, a Professor of religious studies at the University of Bergen, delves into the fascinating global presence of Hinduism in this discussion. He explores how Hindu traditions have transformed across various cultures and the concept of sacralizing new spaces. Jacobsen shares intriguing case studies like Tamil diasporas and temples abroad, highlighting the role of 'spiritual migrants' in spreading Hindu spirituality. The conversation offers insights into the diversity of Hindu identities and the future trajectories of Hindu practices worldwide.