Indian Wars Everywhere: Colonial Violence and the Shadow Doctrines of Empire

Stefan Aune's book "Indian Wars Everywhere" explores how the Indian Wars, conflicts that accompanied US continental expansion, have influenced US military violence. He shows how these resonances signal a deeper history, in which the Indian Wars function as a shadow doctrine that influences US military actions. The book considers what it means for the conquest of Native peoples to be deemed a success and a blueprint for modern warfare, spanning centuries and continents.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

The Indian Wars, those conflicts that accompanied US continental expansion, have left an indelible mark on American military history. From the iconic Black Hawk helicopters to the exclamation "Geronimo" used by paratroopers jumping from airplanes, words and images referring to Indians have been inseparably linked with warfare. In his book, Indian Wars Everywhere, Stefan Aune explores how these resonances signal a deeper history, one in which the Indian Wars function as a shadow doctrine that influences US military violence.

The United States' formative acts of colonial violence continue to shape the actions, imaginations, and stories that have contributed to the spread of American empire. From the "savage wars" of the nineteenth century to the counterinsurgencies of the Global War on Terror, these wars have shaped the way the US approaches warfare.

Indian Wars Everywhere takes a comprehensive look at these wars, spanning centuries and continents. It examines what it means for the conquest of Native peoples to be deemed a success, and how this blueprint can be applied to modern warfare. Aune delves into the historical context of these wars, exploring the political, economic, and cultural factors that drove them. He also examines the impact of these wars on Native communities, highlighting the devastating loss of land, resources, and cultural practices.

One of the key themes of the book is the ways in which the US military has perpetuated the legacy of the Indian Wars. Aune argues that the military has often used the lessons learned from these wars to justify its actions in other conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. He highlights the use of surveillance, drone strikes, and other forms of targeted violence as examples of how the military has continued to rely on the tactics and strategies used in the Indian Wars.

Another important aspect of the book is the way in which the Indian Wars have influenced the broader cultural landscape of the US. Aune explores how the image of the Native American has been perpetuated in popular culture, from movies and television shows to video games and comic books. He argues that the Native American has often been portrayed as a victim, a noble savage, or a threat, which has contributed to the ongoing marginalization and discrimination of Native communities.

In conclusion, Indian Wars Everywhere is a thought-provoking and important book that sheds light on a critical aspect of American military history. Stefan Aune's exploration of the resonances between the Indian Wars and US military violence provides a valuable perspective on the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggles of Native communities. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between war, power, and culture in the United States.
The Indian Wars, those conflicts that accompanied US continental expansion, have left an indelible mark on American military history. From the iconic Black Hawk helicopters to the exclamation "Geronimo" used by paratroopers jumping from airplanes, words and images referring to Indians have been inseparably linked with warfare. In his book, Indian Wars Everywhere, Stefan Aune explores how these resonances signal a deeper history, one in which the Indian Wars function as a shadow doctrine that influences US military violence.

The United States' formative acts of colonial violence continue to shape the actions, imaginations, and stories that have contributed to the spread of American empire. From the "savage wars" of the nineteenth century to the counterinsurgencies of the Global War on Terror, these wars have shaped the way the US approaches warfare.

Indian Wars Everywhere takes a comprehensive look at these wars, spanning centuries and continents. It examines what it means for the conquest of Native peoples to be deemed a success, and how this blueprint can be applied to modern warfare. Aune delves into the historical context of these wars, exploring the political, economic, and cultural factors that drove them. He also examines the impact of these wars on Native communities, highlighting the devastating loss of land, resources, and cultural practices.

One of the key themes of the book is the ways in which the US military has perpetuated the legacy of the Indian Wars. Aune argues that the military has often used the lessons learned from these wars to justify its actions in other conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. He highlights the use of surveillance, drone strikes, and other forms of targeted violence as examples of how the military has continued to rely on the tactics and strategies used in the Indian Wars.

Another important aspect of the book is the way in which the Indian Wars have influenced the broader cultural landscape of the US. Aune explores how the image of the Native American has been perpetuated in popular culture, from movies and television shows to video games and comic books. He argues that the Native American has often been portrayed as a victim, a noble savage, or a threat, which has contributed to the ongoing marginalization and discrimination of Native communities.

In conclusion, Indian Wars Everywhere is a thought-provoking and important book that sheds light on a critical aspect of American military history. Stefan Aune's exploration of the resonances between the Indian Wars and US military violence provides a valuable perspective on the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggles of Native communities. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between war, power, and culture in the United States.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520395398