A Vast Accumulation of Corpses: Necropolitics

A Vast Accumulation of Corpses: Necropolitics

August 18, 2026 · 28 min · Episode 49

About this episode

The episode explores Achille Mbembe's essay on necropolitics and its implications in contemporary politics.

This is a preview. To hear the entire episode and help Blood Work to survive and thrive, become a supporter on Patreon. We take another dive into the Blood Work theory zone, looking at Cameroonian postcolonial thinker Achille Mbembe’s seminal 2003 essay on the production of death as the crowning political activity of our era. Image: Achille Mbembe, Necropolitics (2019), Duke University Press Blood Work is a Scam Goldin ProductionThis episode was produced by Thomas O’MahonyOur theme song is ‘Dream Weapon’ by Genghis TronOur artwork is provided courtesy of KT KobelIf you enjoyed this episode:– Support Blood Work via Patreon– Leave a rating or review on your podcast app– Follow us on Bluesky / Instagram / Twitter THIS WEEK IN VIOLENCE: Time to Hedge ALSO AVAILABLE IN AUDIO Last week, three countries across the Middle East and South Asia signed a new defence pact which has several potential ramifications for the region, and indeed security arrangements around the world. This week, we’re going to discuss that announcement and why we should hope it never has to be worth more than the paper it’s printed on. Because if it does, things could get silly.

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Organizations: Duke University Press

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