In September 2019, Dr Wyatt Moss-Wellington from the School of International Communications published two new books: the monograph Narrative Humanism:  Kindness and Complexity in Fiction and Film (Edinburgh University Press), which examines the narrative conditions of humanism and the politics of human kindness; and ReFocus: The Films of Spike Jonze (Edinburgh University Press) with co-editor Kim Wilkins (University of Oslo), the first collection of essays on this contemporary filmmaker. In addition to co-editing the volume, Wyatt also contributed two chapters: “Adaptation in Adaptation in Adaptation in Adaptation,” and “Spike Jonze’s Screenwriting: The Screenplay.”   

Dr Mary J. Ainslie from the School of International Communications has also published a new book with Palgrave Macmillan entitled Anti-Semitism in Contemporary Malaysia: Malay Nationalism, Philosemitism and Pro-Israel Expressions. Offering an empirical study into anti-Semitism and anti-Israel attitudes in Malaysia, this book examines the complicated nature and function of such beliefs within the contemporary context, mapping these discourses onto different ethnic and economic divisions. Based largely upon qualitative interviews with thirty Malaysian participants who detail their own experiences with and perceptions of this phenomenon, the project reveals how political actors and organisations in Malaysia achieve political success and maintain political power through investing in the Palestinian cause, simultaneously demonising Israel and Jews to an astounding degree. However, the book also reveals how, in contrast to this state-led agenda, challenging anti-Semitism and pushing for dialogue with Israel has become a means by which progressive citizens can critique authorities and reassert their desire for a liberal and heterogenic Malaysia. The book therefore argues that both interest in and even support for Judaism and Israel may be more prominent than the official Malaysian position may suggest, with citizens holding far more complex opinions and views upon this subject matter.