New Books in Political Science

New Books Network

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 34min

Kate Epstein on How Twentieth-Century Technology Theft Built the National-Security State" (U Chicago Press, 2024)

Join Kate Epstein, an associate professor at Rutgers University-Camden and author of Analog Superpowers, as she dives into the intriguing links between technology theft and the rise of the national-security state. She reveals how historical legal breaches drove innovation, the tensions between defense contractors and civil liberties, and the pivotal roles of battleships in military strategy. Their discussion highlights the complex dynamics of intellectual property and secrecy that shaped modern defense contracting and U.S.-British technology exchanges.
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Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 15min

Garrett Hardin’s Tragic Environmentalism

Peter Staudenmaier, a historian of environmental and political movements, dives into the controversial legacy of Garrett Hardin. They explore how Hardin's grim view on population and resources prompted drastic measures against capitalism and overconsumption. The conversation touches on Hardin's connections to eugenics, his anti-immigrant rhetoric, and how his theories, especially the 'Tragedy of the Commons,' influenced environmentalism across the political spectrum. Staudenmaier warns that Hardin's ideas still resonate with today's eco-right movements.
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Oct 26, 2025 • 1h 7min

Michael Lazarus, "Absolute Ethical Life: Aristotle, Hegel and Marx" (Stanford UP, 2025)

Michael Lazarus, a Lecturer in Political Theory and author of Absolute Ethical Life, explores the intersections of Marx, Aristotle, and Hegel. He argues that Marx's critique of capitalism isn't just economic but fundamentally ethical, reshaping our understanding of freedom and agency. Lazarus highlights the limitations of thinkers like Arendt and MacIntyre, advocating for a broader framework of political action connected to contemporary social issues like climate change. His insights challenge us to rethink ethics as deeply embedded in our historical and social contexts.
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Oct 24, 2025 • 44min

Taru Salmenkari, "Global Ideas, Local Adaptations: Chinese Activism and the Will to Make Civil Society" (Edward Elgar, 2025)

Taru Salmenkari, a senior researcher at the University of Helsinki, dives into the complex world of Chinese civil society and NGOs. She discusses how globalization has influenced local activism and highlights the significant role of Confucian values in NGO operations. Salmenkari contrasts examples like Shanghai Pride with grassroots gatherings, showing the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ activism in China. She also challenges Western definitions of politics, illustrating how local community actions are vital political expressions. Plus, she hints at her work on climate policy and its implications for civil society.
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Oct 24, 2025 • 20min

Hindutva and Anti-Christian Violence in Contemporary India

Kenneth Bo Nielsen, a social anthropologist, and M. Sudhir Selvaraj, a political scientist, dive into the troubling rise of anti-Christian violence in India. They discuss historical roots linked to colonial attitudes and the evolution of contemporary violence fueled by social media. The guests explore how state dynamics influence strategies, with case studies from Orissa and Karnataka. They also critique anti-conversion laws that disguise discrimination under a secular facade, emphasizing the need for further research into this pressing issue.
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Oct 23, 2025 • 44min

Nathan E. Sanders and Bruce Schneier, "Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship" (MIT Press, 2025)

Nathan E. Sanders, an astrophysicist and data science expert, joins forces with renowned security technologist Bruce Schneier to unpack how AI is reshaping politics and governance. They discuss the dual nature of AI as both a tool for democracy and a risk to it, emphasizing the need for informed regulation. Sanders reveals how AI can enhance voter engagement and government efficiency while cautioning against its biases. He also highlights the geopolitical implications of AI in the U.S. and China, outlining paths for a decentralized and fair AI future.
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Oct 23, 2025 • 47min

Matthew D. Nelsen, "The Color of Civics: Civic Education for a Multiracial Democracy" (Oxford UP, 2023)

Matthew D. Nelsen, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, dives into the intricate world of civic education in his latest book. He reveals how urban classrooms can transform historical narratives about marginalized figures, shaping students' political engagement. Nelsen's research shows that teaching inclusive history significantly increases political participation, especially among diverse racial groups. He advocates for schools as community hubs, emphasizing a discussion-based approach to empower future citizens in a multiracial democracy.
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Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 3min

Yong-Shik Lee, "Sustainable Peace in Northeast Asia" (Anthem Press, 2023)

Yong-Shik Lee, a noted professor and author of "Sustainable Peace in Northeast Asia," dives into the complex dynamics of East Asia's political landscape. He explores how nations must embrace collective defense to mitigate U.S.-China rivalry, much as France and Germany did post-war. Lee tackles North Korea's nuclear ambitions linked to its regime security and contrasts Japan’s war legacy with Germany’s reconciliation efforts. He also discusses Mongolia's potential role in fostering reform and emphasizes the necessity of integrating economic, political, and military cooperation for lasting peace.
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Oct 22, 2025 • 55min

Aileen Teague, "Policing on Drugs: The United States, Mexico, and the Origins of the Modern Drug War, 1969-2000" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Aileen Teague, an assistant professor at Texas A&M and author of 'Policing on Drugs,' explores the origins of the U.S.-Mexico drug war. She discusses operational strategies like Nixon's Operation Intercept and how increased U.S. enforcement complicates Mexican sovereignty. Teague reveals how Cold War dynamics shaped drug policies and led to militarization, alongside the negative impacts of U.S. programs like Operation Condor. She emphasizes the need for historical awareness in current U.S.-Mexico cooperation and suggests alternatives to reduce violence and improve outcomes.
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Oct 21, 2025 • 32min

José Marichal, "You Must Become an Algorithmic Problem: Renegotiating the Socio-Technical Contract" (Policy Press, 2025)

José Marichal, a Professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University, delves into the complex relationship between democracy and algorithms in his thought-provoking discussion. He argues that we are trapped in a socio-technical contract, trading autonomy for algorithmic predictability. Marichal warns against the dangers of engagement-driven algorithms, which stifle public discourse and amplify extreme content. He advocates for reshaping our interaction with technology to encourage creativity and serendipity, urging us to embrace our role as 'algorithmic problems' for a healthier democracy.

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