New Books in Political Science

New Books Network

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Jan 17, 2026 • 56min

A. Mechele Dickerson, "The Middle-Class New Deal: Restoring Upward Mobility and the American Dream" (U California Press, 2026)

A. Mechele Dickerson is a renowned law professor specializing in bankruptcy and economic disparities. She reveals how policies since the 1980s have eroded middle-class stability, proposing a comprehensive agenda to revive upward mobility. Dickerson emphasizes the crucial roles of education and housing affordability, pinpointing how tax changes and labor market shifts have further marginalized lower-income families. She shares personal stories and bold ideas, like repurposing public assets, to create a 21st-century Middle-Class New Deal.
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4 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 42min

Michael J. Illuzzi, "Mending the Nation: Reclaiming We The People in a Populist Age" (UP of Kansas, 2025)

In this engaging discussion, Michael J. Illuzzi, an assistant professor and author, dives into his book on American peoplehood. He explores the contrasting narratives of 'mending' vs. 'bleaching' stories, illustrating how historical perspectives influence modern identity. Key case studies include Abraham Lincoln's refounding of American identity and Fred Hampton's coalition-building efforts. Illuzzi emphasizes the urgency of embracing inclusive narratives to counter current political divides, shedding light on the importance of storytelling in shaping national identity.
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Jan 14, 2026 • 57min

Vanessa Díaz and Petra R. Rivera-Rideau, "P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance" (Duke UP, 2026)

Vanessa Díaz and Petra R. Rivera-Rideau, scholars of Puerto Rican culture and music, delve into Bad Bunny's rise as a symbol of resistance. They discuss the cultural impact of colonialism on his life and music, illustrating how he merges joy with protest. The duo explores the evolution of reggaeton and Latin trap, and Bad Bunny's strategic choices in music distribution through streaming platforms. They also highlight his role in pivotal political moments, including Hurricane Maria and the 2019 protests, emphasizing his commitment to Puerto Rican identity and activism.
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Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 15min

Moritz Föllmer, "The Quest for Individual Freedom: A Twentieth-Century European History" (Cambridge UP, 2025)

Moritz Föllmer, an Associate Professor at the University of Amsterdam and an expert on Weimar and Nazi Germany, dives deep into the concept of individual freedom in the 20th century. He discusses the complex nature of freedom amid two world wars and evolving societal norms. Föllmer critiques simplistic narratives about individuality, explores the paradox of war creating new avenues for independence, and highlights tensions between personal freedoms and state control. He also connects modern populism to historical perceptions of freedom, making the topic as relevant today as ever.
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Jan 13, 2026 • 51min

Keidrick Roy, "American Dark Age: Racial Feudalism and the Rise of Black Liberalism" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Keidrick Roy, Assistant Professor of Government at Dartmouth College and author of "American Dark Age," explores the intersections of racial feudalism and Black liberalism. He dives into how medieval imagery has influenced modern extremism, linking events like Charlottesville to historical perceptions of racial hierarchy. Roy highlights the powerful critiques made by Black abolitionists using feudal language and discusses the profound principles of antebellum Black liberalism, suggesting its relevance in today’s multi-racial reform efforts.
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Jan 12, 2026 • 57min

Amitav Acharya, "The Once and Future World Order: Why Global Civilization Will Survive the Decline of the West" (Hachette UK, 2025)

Amitav Acharya, a distinguished professor in international relations and UNESCO Chair, delves into 5,000 years of global history to challenge Eurocentric views. He argues that world order existed long before the West and discusses how non-Western civilizations have influenced cooperation and peace. Acharya critiques the dominance of Western narratives in international relations, emphasizing the role of cross-civilizational ideas. He advocates for learning from history to forge a more equitable future, framing the decline of the West as an opportunity, not a crisis.
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Jan 12, 2026 • 53min

Eve Warburton, "Resource Nationalism in Indonesia: Booms, Big Business, and the State" (Cornell UP, 2023)

Eve Warburton, Director of the ANU Indonesia Institute and expert in Indonesian political economy, discusses her book on resource nationalism. She reveals how Indonesia's major commodity booms led to intensified nationalist policies, particularly after the 21st-century boom ended. Warburton explains the rise of domestic businesses and their influence on these policies, highlighting disparities in nationalism between sectors like mining and palm oil. She also addresses the complexities of competition between firms and state interests, and previews her upcoming research on businesspeople in politics.
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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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