Podcast: What Have These Concepts Ever Done for Us?

Securalism, liberalism, post-modernity, difference. Using abstract political concepts such as these is the bread and butter of every academic and serve as invaluable shorthands. At the same time, however, these concepts can be very vague and even intimidating to those unfamiliar with them. Depending on how they are used political concepts can obscure as well as shed light on important issues. Are they worth the trouble and how do they help us understand actual politics? What actually have these concepts ever done for us?

Each episode of this new podcast series invites a different CISRUL-related researcher to present their work and to ask him that very question: what has this political concept ever done for you? Created by Dikaia Gavala and Jorg Meurkes, the podcast offers a sneak peek at on-going research. Academics from philosophy, history, sociology, literature, and beyond present their work and explain how and why they use their favorite political concept.

Check out the latest episode below and subscribe to the podcast at anchor.fm/whathavetheseconcepts

Gramsci in Ethiopia with Bisrat Kabeta [Part 2] – What Have These Concepts Ever Done for Us?

Bisrat Kabeta, Dikaia Gavala and Jorg Meurkes, with a special appearance of Graham, talk about Gramsci, Ethiopia, NGO'S, hegemony, civil society, organic intellectuals, ideology, climate change, capitalism, giving a voice to the voiceless, socialist strategy and so on and so on.

1. Gramsci in Ethiopia with Bisrat Kabeta [Part 2] 44:00
2. Gramsci in Ethiopia with Bisrat Kabeta [Part 1] 33:32
3. Civil Disobedience with Maxim van Asseldonk [Part 2] 46:28
4. Civil Disobedience with Maxim van Asseldonk [Part 1] 31:36