New Books in Political Science

New Books Network

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Jan 11, 2026 • 58min

Heather Smith-Cannoy et al., "Sex Trafficking and Human Rights: The Status of Women and State Responses" (Georgetown UP, 2022)

In a compelling discussion, Heather Smith-Cannoy, a professor focused on social justice and human rights, Patricia Rodda, who specializes in vulnerable populations, and Charles 'Tony' Smith, an expert in law and rights, tackle the complex issues of sex trafficking. They delve into how state responses vary based on women's rights and how cultural and economic contexts shape vulnerability to trafficking. The guests also discuss the implications of criminalizing victims and stress the importance of enhancing women's economic and political rights to combat trafficking effectively.
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Jan 10, 2026 • 1h 15min

David Broder, "Mussolini's Grandchildren: Fascism in Contemporary Italy" (Pluto Press, 2023)

David Broder, a historian focused on Italy's far right, discusses his book on the legacy of fascism in contemporary Italian politics. He delves into Giorgia Meloni's Fratelli d'Italia party's direct lineage from Mussolini and its impact on modern political discourse. Broder highlights how the party manipulates historical narratives, especially regarding WWII, to gain support. He also examines the complexities of mainstreaming far-right ideologies and their connections to militant neo-fascist groups, revealing the alarming rise of these movements in Italy today.
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Jan 9, 2026 • 45min

Thomas Albert Howard, "Broken Altars: Secularist Violence in Modern History" (Yale UP, 2025)

Thomas Albert Howard, a professor at Valparaiso University and author of "Broken Altars," dives into the dark side of secularism in modern history. He argues that extreme forms of secularism have led to violence as severe as, or worse than, religious conflicts. Howard breaks down three types of secularism—passive, combative, and eliminationist—and explores their implications across various countries. He also emphasizes the need for legal protections for religious pluralism to safeguard against authoritarianism and advocates for a nuanced understanding of secularism's impact on society.
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Jan 8, 2026 • 57min

Charles G. Thomas, "Ujamaa's Army: The Creation and Evolution of the Tanzania People's Defence Force, 1964-1979" (Ohio UP, 2024)

Dr. Charles G. Thomas, a Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, dives into the evolution of the Tanzania People's Defence Force in his new book, Ujamaa's Army. He shares insights into Tanzania's unique postcolonial military development compared to other African nations. The discussion highlights the military's initial low priority, the impact of regional instability, and how international partnerships, especially with China, shaped the force. Thomas also reveals surprising aspects of special forces training and offers a glimpse into his future work on the Uganda-Tanzania War.
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Jan 8, 2026 • 42min

Mary E. Stuckey, "Remembering Jefferson: Who He Was, Who We Are" (UP of Kansas, 2025)

Mary E. Stuckey, an esteemed professor at Pennsylvania State University, explores the complex legacy of Thomas Jefferson in her thought-provoking new book. She unpacks how Jefferson’s iconic status shapes American national identity and reveals the intricacies of our historical narrative. Delving into presidential rhetoric, she highlights how leaders invoke Jefferson, often simplifying his legacy to fit modern agendas. Stuckey also critiques cultural portrayals and children's literature, emphasizing how these narratives influence our understanding of citizenship and race.
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Jan 7, 2026 • 34min

Dylan Loh, "China's Rising Foreign Ministry: Practices and Representations of Assertive Diplomacy" (Stanford UP, 2025)

Dylan Loh, an Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University and author of China's Rising Foreign Ministry, explores the evolution of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs into a powerful global player. He discusses the emergence of 'wolf warrior' diplomacy, the intricacies of institutional loyalty among diplomats, and how social media reshapes diplomatic practices. Loh also shares insights from his extensive interviews with Chinese diplomats, reflecting on Beijing's strategic communications and its quest for influence in ASEAN. Expect fascinating perspectives on the future of international relations.
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Jan 5, 2026 • 43min

Florentine Koppenborg, "Japan's Nuclear Disaster and the Politics of Safety Governance" (Cornell UP, 2023)

Florentine Koppenborg, a political scientist and author, explores the intricate landscape of Japan's nuclear safety governance post-Fukushima disaster. She delves into the creation of an independent nuclear safety regulator and its struggles against political pressure. Koppenborg highlights the challenges of local protests and the regulatory reforms that emerged after the crisis. She also examines the unintended consequences of stringent safety regulations on energy costs and the slow progress of renewable energy development, providing valuable insights into global nuclear policy.
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Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 26min

What happens when liberalism stops feeling like a victory and starts feeling like an exhaustion?

Alexandre Lefebvre, a Professor of Politics and Philosophy at the University of Sydney and author of 'Liberalism as a Way of Life,' delves into the exhaustion of liberalism amidst rising populism. He explores the moral foundations of liberalism, emphasizing freedom and generosity. Lefebvre discusses John Rawls's views on fairness and the tension between liberalism and non-liberal values. He also considers the implications of secular shifts and criticizes the potential imperialism of liberal universalism, while advocating for a deeper understanding of pluralism in today's context.
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Jan 4, 2026 • 1h 14min

James Greenwood-Reeves, "Justifying Violent Protest: Law and Morality in Democratic States" (Routledge, 2023)

James Greenwood-Reeves, a law lecturer at the University of Leeds and author of 'Justifying Violent Protest,' dives into the complex morality behind protest violence. He tackles pressing questions surrounding events like January 6th and movements such as Extinction Rebellion and Black Lives Matter, arguing that in cases of unjust laws, violence can serve as a legitimate form of civil disobedience. He explores how constitutional morality and state legitimacy interact with citizens' rights to protest, sparking a vital discourse on the role of violence in liberal democracies.
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Dec 31, 2025 • 54min

Bernard Forjwuor, "Critique of Political Decolonization" (Oxford UP, 2023)

Bernard Forjwuor, Assistant Professor of Africana Studies at Notre Dame, explores the complexities of political independence and colonialism in his book Critique of Political Decolonization. He examines Ghana as a pivotal case to challenge conventional notions of decolonization. Forjwuor discusses how IMF policies contribute to political instability and redefines colonial structures in various contexts. He also critiques liberal democracy in Africa, advocating for deeper interdisciplinary analysis of colonial legacies and their current implications.

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