Drone Imaginaries: The Power of Remote Vision

Drones are used for rescue, surveillance, transport, and leisure, and have radically changed the way wars are fought. This book investigates the representation of civilian and military drones in visual arts, literature, and architecture to explore their impact on our identity and the communities around us. It offers diverse approaches to the interdisciplinary field of aesthetic drone imaginaries, providing new insights into how drones are changing our societies.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 08 June 2021
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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Drones have become an integral part of our lives, serving various purposes in civil society, military operations, and leisure activities. Their ability to provide remote protection and surgical precision has revolutionized the way wars are fought. However, their impact on our identity and the communities around us is a topic that requires careful consideration.

This book aims to explore these questions by examining the representation of civilian and military drones in visual arts, literature, and architecture. The contributors argue that a new aesthetic, known as the "drone imaginary," has emerged as a prism through which we can understand the complex interplay between drone technology and human communities.

Through essays on the aesthetic configurations of drone swarming, historical perspectives on early unmanned aviation, and current debates on how drone technology alters the human body and creates new political imaginaries, this book provides valuable insights into the rapidly evolving field of drone studies.

The contributors to this book come from diverse backgrounds, including art history, literature, photography, feminism, postcolonialism, and cultural studies. Their approaches offer a rich and interdisciplinary perspective on the topic, providing new insights into how drones are changing our societies.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the impact of drones on surveillance and privacy. The contributors argue that drones have enabled unprecedented levels of surveillance and monitoring, raising concerns about the erosion of individual rights and freedoms. They also discuss the ways in which drone technology has been used to target and surveil marginalized communities, perpetuating social inequalities and discrimination.

Another important theme is the ethical implications of drone use. The contributors raise questions about the responsibility of drone operators, the impact of drone strikes on civilian populations, and the potential for drone technology to be used for malicious purposes. They argue that the ethical considerations surrounding drone use must be carefully considered to ensure that they are used in a responsible and sustainable manner.

The book also explores the cultural and political dimensions of drone use. The contributors argue that drones have the potential to reshape our understanding of space, time, and power, and to create new political imaginaries. They discuss the ways in which drones have been used to promote national security and surveillance, as well as the ways in which they have been used to challenge traditional power structures and promote social change.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the impact of drones on our identity, communities, and society. It offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between drone technology and human communities, and provides a framework for understanding the ethical, cultural, and political dimensions of drone use. By examining the representation of drones in visual arts, literature, and architecture, this book contributes to the growing body of knowledge on this important topic.

\n Weight: 534g\n
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526145932\n \n