New Books in Political Science

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

To achieve legitimate self-government in America's extended Republic, the U.S. Constitution depends on Congress harmonizing the country's factions through a process of conflict and accommodation. Why Congress (Oxford University Press, 2023) demonstrates the value of this activity by showing the legislature's distinctive contributions in two crucial moments in the mid-twentieth century: during World War II, when congressional deliberation contributed to national cohesion by balancing interests and ensuring fairness, and during the push to end racial segregation, when a prolonged debate in Congress focused the nation's attention and delivered a decisive victory for the broad coalition united around civil rights. The second part of the book traces the evolution of Congress, which first experimented with radical decentralization in the 1970s and then, beginning in the 1980s, embraced powerful leadership and ideological caucuses that prioritized partisan unity and electoral confrontation. This transformed institution has been unable to work through the country's deep divisions on contemporary issues like immigration or the COVID-19 pandemic. Contemporary policymaking often circumvents Congress entirely. In other instances, Congress is engaged, but it proceeds without any bipartisan cooperation or through leader-broken compromises generated by crises. Each of these patterns creates serious difficulties for legitimating American policy. The book concludes with three scenarios for Congress's future. Without significant change, the institution will sink into decrepitude. But it could still be transformed, either by progressive constitutional reform empowering the president at the legislature's expense, or by a revival of meaningful deliberation and debate facilitated by the renewal of the committee system.Philip A. Wallach is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he studies America's separation of powers, with a focus on regulatory policy issues and the relationship between Congress and the administrative state.Caleb Zakarin is the Assistant Editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science