Dispossession: Anthropological Perspectives on Russia’s War Against Ukraine

Dispossession is a mechanism through which violence is enacted, and those in a disadvantaged position may devise novel forms of resistance that utilize spectacle, satire, humor, and other rhetorical devices. State-sponsored violence, full-scale war, and the internet's ability to bring war and destruction into individual homes are all examples of this.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Dispossession is a mechanism through which violence is enacted, and it is particularly relevant to those in disadvantaged positions. This essay will explore why those in a disadvantaged position might devise novel forms of resistance that utilize spectacle, satire, humor, and other rhetorical devices as a means of offense and resistance. It will also show how state-sponsored violence, full-scale war, and the ability of the internet to bring war and destruction into individual homes around the globe have contributed to the rise of dispossession.

Dispossession is a powerful force that can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. It occurs when people are stripped of their land, resources, and livelihoods, often due to political, economic, or social factors. This can lead to poverty, inequality, and social unrest, as people struggle to survive and maintain their dignity.

One of the most significant ways in which dispossession is enacted is through state-sponsored violence. Governments and other powerful institutions use violence to assert their control over land and resources, often targeting marginalized communities and ethnic groups. This can take the form of military occupations, massacres, and forced displacement.

Full-scale war is another form of dispossession that has had a profound impact on individuals and communities. War destroys homes, livelihoods, and infrastructure, leaving people in desperate need of assistance. It also creates a climate of fear and insecurity, as people struggle to protect themselves and their families from harm.

The ability of the internet to bring war and destruction into individual homes around the globe is a recent development that has further exacerbated the consequences of dispossession. The internet has made it easier for governments and other powerful institutions to target individuals and communities with violence, often using social media and other digital platforms to spread propaganda and incite hatred.

In addition to state-sponsored violence and full-scale war, dispossession can also occur through economic and social policies that favor the wealthy and powerful. This can take the form of privatization, deregulation, and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. This can lead to inequality and poverty, as people are unable to access the resources and opportunities that they need to thrive.

Despite the devastating consequences of dispossession, there are also examples of resistance and resilience in the face of this force. Individuals and communities have devised novel forms of resistance that utilize spectacle, satire, humor, and other rhetorical devices as a means of offense and resistance. These forms of resistance can be powerful tools for challenging power and promoting social change.

One example of this is the Occupy Movement, which began in 2011 in response to the economic crisis and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. The Occupy Movement used a variety of tactics, including protests, occupations, and social media, to challenge the power of the financial industry and promote social justice.

Another example of resistance is the Black Lives Matter movement, which emerged in response to the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. The Black Lives Matter movement has used a variety of tactics, including protests, social media campaigns, and political activism, to challenge systemic racism and promote police reform.

In addition to these examples, there are many other forms of resistance that have been used by individuals and communities to challenge dispossession. These include art, literature, music, and activism, which can be powerful tools for promoting social change and challenging power.

State-sponsored violence, full-scale war, and the ability of the internet to bring war and destruction into individual homes around the globe have contributed to the rise of dispossession. However, there are also examples of resistance and resilience in the face of this force. By recognizing the power of dispossession and developing novel forms of resistance, individuals and communities can work towards creating a more just and equitable world.

In conclusion, dispossession is a powerful force that can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. It occurs when people are stripped of their land, resources, and livelihoods, often due to political, economic, or social factors. This can lead to poverty, inequality, and social unrest, as people struggle to survive and maintain their dignity.

However, there are also examples of resistance and resilience in the face of this force. By recognizing the power of dispossession and developing novel forms of resistance, individuals and communities can work towards creating a more just and equitable world. It is important to remember that dispossession is not inevitable, and that we have the power to create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032466224