Cold War Legacies: Systems, Theory, Aesthetics

This book explores how Cold War material and conceptual technologies have influenced 21st-century arts, society, and culture. It connects Cold War-era technologies such as futures research, pattern recognition algorithms, nuclear waste disposal, and surveillance technologies to contemporary fiction, art, and culture. The contributors include leading humanities and critical military studies scholars, as well as practicing artists, writers, curators, and broadcasters.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2018
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book explores the profound impact of the Cold War on contemporary arts, society, and culture. It demonstrates how the material and conceptual technologies developed during this era continue to shape our world in unexpected ways. From futures research and pattern recognition algorithms to nuclear waste disposal and surveillance technologies, the book shows how these innovations have permeated various aspects of our lives.

Furthermore, it highlights how these technologies have been appropriated by artists, writers, and thinkers to create new forms of expression and commentary on the ongoing consequences of the Cold War. The contributors to this book are leading humanities and critical military studies scholars, as well as practicing artists, writers, curators, and broadcasters. They offer insightful perspectives on the ways in which the Cold War has influenced contemporary art, literature, politics, and society.

One of the key themes of the book is the relationship between technology and power. The contributors argue that the Cold War was a period of intense technological innovation, driven by the need for military superiority and surveillance. However, these technologies have also been used to control and manipulate individuals and societies, perpetuating the power structures that were established during the era.

Another theme is the impact of the Cold War on the imagination and the construction of reality. The contributors explore how the fear of nuclear war and the proliferation of propaganda have shaped our understanding of the world and influenced the way we perceive and interpret information. They also discuss how the Cold War has influenced the development of science fiction and fantasy literature, as well as the emergence of new forms of media and entertainment.

The book also explores the ways in which the Cold War has influenced the development of new technologies and their ethical implications. The contributors discuss the challenges of managing nuclear waste and the risks associated with surveillance technologies, as well as the potential benefits and drawbacks of smart weapons systems. They also consider the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and the growing role of technology in shaping our future.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the enduring legacy of the Cold War on contemporary arts, society, and culture. It demonstrates how the material and conceptual technologies developed during this era continue to shape our world in unexpected ways, and how they have been appropriated by artists, writers, and thinkers to create new forms of expression and commentary on the ongoing consequences of the Cold War. The contributors offer insightful perspectives on the ways in which the Cold War has influenced contemporary art, literature, politics, and society, and provide a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between technology, power, and the imagination.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474432245