New Books in Political Science

Political Theorist Fernanda Gallo (Homerton College, University of Cambridge) has a fascinating new book, Hegel and Italian Political Thought: The Practice of Ideas, 1832-1900 (Cambridge UP, 2024), about how Georg Hegel’s philosophical thought made its way to Italy and how it was integrated into the various schools of thought within Italy. This is a fascinating exploration of the history of ideas, especially more recent thinking, tracing not only the ideas themselves, but the ways in which they were adapted by different theorists and cultural approaches. Gallo provides the reader with deep historical insights alongside the explication of complex theoretical understandings, noting how ideas travel across language, time, geography, and cultures. Gallo’s project here is to weave together history, politics, and ideas more fully to understand ideas in different spaces, providing a transnational perspective of Hegel’s thinking and how it evolved in other places, with other thinkers.Italy often finds itself the “forgotten stepchild” in political theory, even though it sits at the intersection of the global North and South, as well as the global East and global West, where ideas from different parts of the world intertwine with each other. The physical space where Italy is located provides this connectivity not only between geographical regions and ideas, but it is also where goods are exchanged alongside intellectual ideas. One of the key lines of interrogation in Hegel and Italian Political Thought is how Hegelian ideas were put into practice in different parts of Italy and what those ideas looked like in practice. For Italy, given the regional distinctions and the seven different states within the peninsula in the early 1800s, Hegel’s ideas contributed to a variety of paths towards nation and state building. Gallo examines the ways in which many of the Italian intellectuals during this period were also politicians involved in their respective states, and many of them looked towards Hegel’s considerations, mixing them with Italian culture, to rethink how Italy should be structured to function as a modern nation-state, or an array of states within the nation.Gallo and I have a great conversation about the interweaving of Hegel with Italian political thought. We also discuss the rise of the mafia in southern Italy during this period, and how this is connected to these broader ideas of the state’s monopoly on violence, issues of freedom and liberty, and how power and power vacuums contribute to the form of the state. This is a lively discussion of the history of ideas, the particular dimensions of Italy and Italian political thought and praxis, Hegel’s concepts that apply to the state, and what we can learn from how all of these components were woven together during the 19th century in the Mediterranean.Lilly J. Goren is a professor of political science at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. She is co-editor of The Politics of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (University Press of Kansas, 2022), as well as co-editor of the award winning book, Women and the White House: Gender, Popular Culture, and Presidential Politics (University Press of Kentucky, 2012), Email her comments at lgoren@carrollu.edu or find her at Bluesky @gorenlj.bsky.social. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Agnieszka Pasieka, an assistant professor at the University of Montreal and author of "Living Right," delves into the rise of far-right youth activism in Europe. She shares her fieldwork experiences with young activists from various backgrounds, revealing how they find camaraderie and purpose in radical nationalism. Topics include evolving gender roles within these movements, the importance of transnational ties, and the complexities of morality and community. Her insights provoke a deeper understanding of contemporary extremist ideologies and their impact on society.

How and why do local political processes in rural Nepal become an arena for political mythmaking? And, how do political myths obscure their own historical construction, thereby making hierarchical power structures appear inevitable? In this episode we discuss these questions with Ankita Shrestha whose ethnographic explorations into these issues foreground the persistent centrality of caste, gender and indigeneity to everyday forms of domination and hierarchy in contemporary rural Nepal.Ankita Shrestha holds a PhD in human geography from the University of Oslo.Kenneth Bo Nielsen, a social anthropologist based in Oslo, and the leader of the centre for South Asian Democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

In this engaging discussion, Claire Smith, a Senior Lecturer at the University of York, dives into Myanmar's ongoing civil conflict and the bleak prospects for peace. She unpacks the challenges posed by various opposition forces and the crucial role of international actors like China. The conversation touches on ASEAN's efforts amid internal divisions and geopolitical complexities involving major powers. Additionally, Claire highlights innovative research initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness and understanding of Myanmar's tumultuous situation.

Join Gabriel Gatehouse, an award-winning BBC journalist, and Connor Tomlinson, a commentator who contributes to Ayaan Hirsi Ali's Courage Media, as they delve into the precarious state of liberal democracy. They discuss the rise of authoritarianism and the impact of misinformation on political engagement. The conversation also tackles how unchecked capitalism fuels social inequality and the role of AI in governance. Exploring identity and immigration, they question if democracy can endure amidst systemic challenges and societal divides.

In this engaging discussion, Asad L. Asad, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Stanford University and author of the illuminating book 'Engage and Evade,' dives into the intricate lives of Latino immigrant families in America. He shares how these families navigate surveillance and engage with government systems to optimize their immigration outcomes. Through personal narratives, he debunks myths about immigrants, highlighting their resilience amid changing policies. Asad advocates for understanding the complex motivations behind migration and the importance of supporting immigrant rights.

Join Christa Craven, an expert in anthropology and women's studies, and Dána-Ain Davis, a professor in urban studies, as they delve into the dynamic world of feminist ethnography. They explore how this approach reshapes our understanding of knowledge and research methodologies. Discussing the intersection of art, community, and activism, they share insights on collaborative projects and the importance of including marginalized voices. Their conversation advocates for critical engagement and self-awareness in research, making a compelling case for a more inclusive academic landscape.

David Wiles, Emeritus Professor of Drama at the University of Exeter, explores how democracy resembles theatre in its performative aspects. He argues that historical orators shaped political realities, while politicians often wear the mask of hypocrisy for the greater good. Wiles delves into the influences of ancient Athens and revolutionary movements, linking culture with politics. He provocatively suggests that calls for authenticity can't effectively counter modern populism, encouraging a reflection on the role of theatricality in both historical and contemporary democracy.

Muriel Blaive, a socio-political historian specializing in post-communist Europe, joins for a deep dive into her latest book on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on democracy. She discusses how emergencies can erode democratic norms and suppress dissent, revealing parallels with past authoritarian regimes. Blaive critiques the role of liberal intellectuals in straying from their values, while highlighting the disparities caused by pandemic policies. The conversation is a call for critical debate and greater accountability in governance and media.

James Davison Hunter, LeBras Levinson Distinguished Professor of Religion, Culture, and Social Theory at the University of Virginia, dives into the disintegration of America’s cultural solidarity. He discusses how historical ideals of freedom and justice have remained unrealized, leading to deepening political polarization. Hunter addresses the shift from economic issues to cultural conflicts, emphasizing the rise of nihilism and challenges to democracy. With a thought-provoking focus on the need for new cultural resources, he ponders the future viability of liberal democracy in a fractured society.