New Books in Political Science
Science & Ideas
About
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field. Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/ Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science
Episodes
- Mark Peterson, "The Making and Breaking of the American Constitution: A Thousand-Year History" (Princeton UP, 2026)
Mark Peterson
- Julia Bowes, "Every Man's Home a Castle: Parental Rights and the Makings of Modern Conservatism" (Princeton UP, 2026)
In "Every Man's Home a Castle," Dr. Julia Bowes details the historical emergence of the parental rights movement, showing how opposition to state control over children in the 19th century shaped modern conservative ideology and movements.
- Steffen Mau et al., "The Trigger Points: Inequality and Political Polarization in Contemporary Society" (Policy Press, 2026)
In this episode, Dr. Hannah Pool discusses the book "The Trigger Points: Inequality and Political Polarization in Contemporary Society" with authors including Steffen Mau. The work examines how social inequality fuels polarization and how…
- J. Michael Cole, "The Taiwan Tinderbox: The Island-Nation at the Centre of the New Cold War" (Polity, 2025)
J. Michael Cole discusses his book, "The Taiwan Tinderbox," which explores Taiwan's political and security landscape and the potential for conflict with China. The book examines the tactics used by the People's Republic of China to destabi…
- What Does the American Presidency Mean?
Richard Holtzman's book, "What Does the American Presidency Mean? The Need for Interpretation in Presidency Studies," is discussed. The book focuses on interpretive methods in presidency research and how understanding presidential words an…
- Siniša Malešević, "Nationalism as a Way of Life: The Rise and Transformation of Modern Subjectivities" (Cambridge UP, 2025)
Siniša Malešević discusses his book, "Nationalism as a Way of Life: The Rise and Transformation of Modern Subjectivities" (Cambridge UP, 2025). The book examines nationalism beyond its violent associations, focusing on its influence in eco…
- Arely M. Zimmerman, "Contentious Citizenship: Salvadoran Activism and Belonging Across Borders" (U Arizona Press, 2026)
This episode features Arely M. Zimmerman discussing her book, "Contentious Citizenship: Salvadoran Activism and Belonging Across Borders." The book explores decades of Salvadoran activism, migration, and how migrants redefine citizenship a…
- Caroline Kuzemko, "Climate Politics: Can't Live with It, Can't Mitigate without It" (Cambridge UP, 2026)
This episode discusses Caroline Kuzemko's book, "Climate Politics: Can't Live with It, Can't Mitigate without It." The book examines why climate change mitigation is highly political and how politics are essential for enacting change. It h…
- Miranda Yaver, "Coverage Denied: How Health Insurers Drive Inequality in the United States" (Cambridge UP, 2026)
Miranda Yaver's book, "Coverage Denied," explores how health insurers contribute to inequality in the United States. The book investigates the reasons behind coverage denials and their impact on different demographic groups, highlighting t…
- Who Is Democracy Actually For? People, Power, and the Fight Against Democratic Decline
Shandana Khan Mohmand and Marjoke Oosterom discuss their report "Where’s the Dēmos in Democracy?" which argues that the democratic crisis is a crisis of exclusion, not just an institutional one. They present eight building blocks for recen…
- Assessing Global Democratic Health Amidst a Growing Shadow of Autocracy
This episode discusses global democratic health and the ongoing trend of autocratization. It compares findings from Freedom House and Varieties of Democracy reports regarding global democratic decline.
- The British General Election of 2024: A Conversation with Robert Ford and Paula Surridge
This episode features a discussion with Robert Ford and Paula Surridge on the 2024 British General Election. They provide an analysis of the election's context, campaign, and results, based on a comprehensive study.
- Caste and Race: Ambedkar and King with the Ambedkar King Study Circle
This episode features a discussion with S. Karthikeyan and S. Subbulakshmi from the Ambedkar King Study Circle. They discuss the organization's focus on the works of B. R. Ambedkar and Martin Luther King Jr., its structure, and its involve…
- Oil and Militancy in Nigeria: A Conversation with Noo Saro-Wiwa
Noo Saro-Wiwa discusses her book, "The Burning Ground: Oil and Militancy in Nigeria," which examines the social and environmental effects of militancy in the Niger Delta. She highlights the role of women and individuals working towards sus…
- How Bolsonaro was Convicted: The Role of the Judiciary During and After Autocratization
This episode discusses the conviction of former Brazilian president Bolsonaro after the 2022 elections. It examines the role of the judiciary when an elected leader attempts to concentrate power and exceed constitutional constraints, as hi…
- Nikki Luke, "Electric Life: Utility Regulation and the Fight for Energy Democracy" (MIT Press, 2026)
Dr. Nikki Luke’s book, "Electric Life," examines the history of electricity use in Atlanta, its infrastructure, and how it shapes daily life and influences organizing for energy democracy. The book investigates utility regulation and calls…
- Shameem Black, "Flexible India: Yoga's Cultural and Political Tensions" (Columbia UP, 2023)
Shameem Black discusses her book "Flexible India: Yoga's Cultural and Political Tensions." The book examines yoga's political and cultural significance in India, exploring how it is used by the state and its diverse interpretations in popu…
- The Crisis of American Political Economy: On the New Conservative Policy Agenda with Chris Griswold
Chris Griswold, Policy Director for American Compass, discusses the crisis of America’s political economy. Topics include AI, automation, free trade, political instability, populism, and economic policy that serves American workers and fam…
- The Information State: How is the State Surveilling and Manipulating us These Days?
Jacob Siegel discusses his book, "The Information State," explaining how military information operations, post-9/11 surveillance programs, and the rise of Silicon Valley created a new system of information control. He also examines how thi…
- Stephen F. Jones, "The First Social Democracy: The Democratic Republic of Georgia, 1918–1921" (Harvard UP, 2026)
Stephen F. Jones discusses his book "The First Social Democracy: The Democratic Republic of Georgia, 1918–1921." The book chronicles Georgia's establishment as the first social democratic state after the collapse of the Russian Empire, nav…
- Rebecca Buxton and Samuel Ritholtz, "The Way Out: Justice in the Queer Search for Refuge" (U California Press, 2026)
This episode discusses "The Way Out: Justice in the Queer Search for Refuge" by Rebecca Buxton and Samuel Ritholtz. The book examines the complexities of queer and trans displacement globally, focusing on personal narratives of LGBTIQ refu…
- Ladder or Lottery? Gary Hoover on the Consequences of Broken Economic Promises
Gary Hoover discusses his book exploring the concept of economic promises and differing views on achieving success. He examines whether economic conditions are more like a ladder, where effort leads to advancement, or a lottery, where luck…
- Jane Vaynman, "Enemies in Agreement: Political Volatility and the Design of Arms Control" (Cambridge UP, 2026)
This episode discusses Jane Vaynman's book, "Enemies in Agreement: Political Volatility and the Design of Arms Control," which investigates why adversaries cooperate to restrain military competition and how uncertainty from domestic politi…
- 169* Hannah Arendt on Oases (JP)
This episode explores Hannah Arendt's work on oases, the concept of invisibilized monetary systems, and discussions on wealth, charity, and managerial bishops in early Christianity. It features contributions from Christine Desan, Peter Bro…
- Alisa Kessel, "Rape Fantasies: Rape Culture and the Persistence of Sexual Violence" (Oxford UP, 2025)
Alisa Kessel
- Victor Li, "Supreme Pressure: The Rejection of John J. Parker and the Birth of the Modern Supreme Court Confirmation Process" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2025)
Victor Li's book, "Supreme Pressure," explores the 1930 Supreme Court nomination of John J. Parker. The book examines how the rejection of Parker, due to a campaign by labor and civil rights groups, became a turning point in American judic…
- Larry M. Bartels and Katherine J. Cramer, "The Politics of Social Change: From the Sixties to the Present Through the Eyes of a Generation" (U Chicago Press, 2026)
Drs. Larry M. Bartels and Katherine J. Cramer discuss their book, "The Politics of Social Change: From the Sixties to the Present Through the Eyes of a Generation." The book analyzes individual Americans' political attitudes and behavior f…
- Daniel A. Bell, "Why Ancient Chinese Political Thought Matters: Four Dialogues on China’s Past, Present, and Future" (Princeton UP, 2026)
Daniel A. Bell
- Lisa Siraganian, "The Problem of Personhood: Giving Rights to Trees, Corporations, and Robots" (Verso, 2026)
Lisa Siraganian, author of "The Problem of Personhood: Giving Rights to Trees, Corporations, and Robots" (Verso, 2026), explores the contentious concept of personhood. She examines how granting rights to nonhuman entities can have unsettli…
- Radio ReOrient 14.2: State of the Ummah: Authoritarianism and Resistance: Bangladesh and Pakistan, Hosted by SherAli Tahreen and Shehla Khan, with Tanzeen Doha and Salman Sayyid
This episode of Radio ReOrient examines authoritarianism and resistance in Bangladesh and Pakistan. It compares Bangladesh's experience in overthrowing authoritarian rule with Pakistan's ongoing challenges under a Khaki-Kleptocratic regime.
- The Green Transition and the Politics of Lithium Extraction
This episode explores the politics of lithium extraction for the green transition, focusing on the environmental and social impacts. The conversation covers how understanding these issues can lead to a more just green transition.
- Thorsten Gromes, "Sustaining Peace After Civil War: Insights from 48 Recent Cases" (Springer, 2026)
Thorsten Gromes' book "Sustaining Peace After Civil War: Insights from 48 Recent Cases" is discussed in this episode. The book investigates factors that lead to lasting peace after civil wars and what causes violence to resurge, focusing o…
- Andrew Thomas Park, "Sarah Wambaugh and the Plebiscite: The Turbulent History of a Democratic Alternative to War" (Cambridge UP, 2026)
Dr. Andrew Park discusses his book "Sarah Wambaugh and the Plebiscite," focusing on the history of plebiscites as a democratic solution to international conflict. He highlights Sarah Wambaugh, a scholar who shaped how self-determination an…
- Alex Diamond, "Governing the Excluded: Rural Livelihoods Beyond Coca in Colombia's Peace Laboratory" (U Chicago Press, 2026)
This episode discusses Alex Diamond's book, "Governing the Excluded," which examines how villagers in Briceño, Colombia, navigate rural livelihoods amidst economic dispossession and the aftermath of a peace process. It explores the links b…
- Ho-fung Hung, "The China Question: Eight Centuries of Fantasy and Fear" (Cambridge UP, 2026)
Ho-fung Hung's book, "The China Question," examines the evolving Western perceptions of China across eight centuries. The study analyzes how both idealization and demonization of China have been used to serve various political and economic…
- Marta Lorimer, "Europe As Ideological Resource: European Integration and Far Right Legitimation in France and Italy" (Oxford UP, 2024)
Marta Lorimer explores how European integration served as an ideological resource for far-right parties in France and Italy to gain legitimation. Her book, "Europe As Ideological Resource," analyzes documents from the Movimento Sociale Ita…
- Stephen Onyango Ouma, "Africa Unbound: Decolonial Pathways to Sovereignty and Liberation" (Brill, 2026)
Stephen Onyango Ouma discusses his book "Africa Unbound: Decolonial Pathways to Sovereignty and Liberation." He explains how African countries still experience colonial influences despite political independence, advocating for economic ind…
- Hilary Matfess, "After Liberation: Women and the Politics of Expectations in Rebel-to-Party Transitions" (Stanford UP, 2026)
Hilary Matfess explores the roles of women in rebel groups and the challenges they encounter in maintaining their gains after conflict. Her book, "After Liberation: Women and the Politics of Expectations in Rebel-to-Party Transitions," inv…
- The Gen Z Revolution in Bangladesh and Its Fallout
The episode explores the Gen Z Revolution in Bangladesh, focusing on its role in the 2024 uprising and its impact on democratic politics. It also considers the event's broader implications for understanding autocratization and resistance.
- Mark Pennington, "Foucault and Liberal Political Economy: Power, Knowledge, and Freedom" (Oxford UP, 2025)
Mark Pennington's book "Foucault and Liberal Political Economy" examines Michel Foucault's ideas in the context of liberal political economy. The book explores commonalities between Foucault's ideas and postmodern liberal thought, and appl…
- Thomas Hegghammer and Diego Gambetta eds., "Fight, Flight, Mimic: Identity Mimicry in Conflict" (Oxford UP, 2024)
This episode discusses the book "Fight, Flight, Mimic: Identity Mimicry in Conflict." It covers the theory and game-theoretic model of mimicry, its historical use, and modern manifestations through case studies from various conflicts and c…
- Mark Hlavacik, "Willing Warriors: A New History of the Education Culture Wars" (U Chicago Press, 2025)
Mark Hlavacik's book, "Willing Warriors," explores the impact of culture wars on the politics of education in the United States. He examines how these conflicts have redefined US schooling from the 1970s to the present through various publ…
- Sarah James, "The Politics of Failed Policies" (Oxford UP, 2025)
Sarah James's book, "The Politics of Failed Policies," explores the relationship between politics, data, and the identification of failed policies. The research highlights how data and analysis serve as political tools and are shaped by po…
- Tom Wells, "The Kissinger Tapes: Inside His Secretly Recorded Phone Conversations" (Oxford UP, 2026)
Tom Wells's book, "The Kissinger Tapes," presents transcripts of Henry Kissinger's secretly recorded phone conversations from his time in the Nixon administration. The recordings cover a variety of issues, including the Vietnam War, the In…
- Maya L. Kornberg, "Stuck: How Money, Media, and Violence Prevent Change in Congress" (JHU Press, 2026)
Maya L. Kornberg's book "Stuck" analyzes why congressional reform efforts over the past fifty years have not led to meaningful change. It examines forces such as political violence, campaign costs, and the influence of social media on the…
- How Authoritarians Exploit Gender
This episode explores how authoritarians manipulate gender debates using "gender bashing" and "gender washing" to their advantage. Guests Elin Bjarnegård and Pär Zetterberg discuss their research on how these tactics reshape the fight for…
- On Trump as a “World Historical Individual” with author John B. Judis
This episode features author John B. Judis discussing his essay on Donald Trump as a “world-historical individual.” The conversation explores the forces that propelled Trump into this role and the typical destiny of such figures.
- Lucia Motolinia, "Unity through Particularism: How Electoral Reforms Influence Parties and Legislative Behavior" (Cambridge UP, 2026)
Lucia Motolinia's book, "Unity through Particularism," explores how electoral reforms influence parties and legislative behavior in young democracies. The study uses a unique electoral reform in Mexico to explain how institutional incentiv…
- A Year of Autocratization: Steep Declines in Democracy Registered in 2025 V-Dem Report
This episode discusses the 2025 V-Dem Report, "25 Years of Autocratization", with democracy experts Kenneth Roberts and Paul Friesen. The report indicates declines in democracy in the United States, India, and Indonesia, alongside improvem…
- Stephen G. Brooks, "The Political Economy of Security" (Princeton UP, 2026)
Stephen G. Brooks's book, "The Political Economy of Security," systematically examines how economic factors influence security affairs. He analyzes how economic variables affect interstate war, terrorism, and civil war, noting the complex…