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: Paperback / softback
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 played a significant role in shaping the US military's approach to 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 that can be used as a blueprint for modern warfare. Aune delves into the historical, cultural, and political factors that have shaped these wars and their impact on the Native peoples who have been affected by them.

One of the key themes of the book is the ways in which the US military has appropriated Native American culture and imagery for its own purposes. From the use of Native American symbols and motifs in military uniforms to the adoption of Native American tactics and strategies, the military has sought to exploit the cultural knowledge and expertise of Native Americans to enhance its own capabilities.

However, Aune also highlights the resistance and resilience of Native peoples in the face of colonialism and warfare. He explores the ways in which Native communities have adapted to the changing circumstances and fought back against the US military's attempts to dominate and control them.

Indian Wars Everywhere is a thought-provoking and important book that sheds light on a critical aspect of American military history. It challenges the conventional narratives that have dominated the discussion of these wars and provides a more nuanced and complex understanding of their impact on Native peoples and the broader society.

In conclusion, the Indian Wars have played a significant role in shaping American military history, and Stefan Aune's book, Indian Wars Everywhere, offers a valuable perspective on these conflicts. By exploring the resonances between the Indian Wars and US military violence, Aune provides a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural factors that have contributed to this relationship. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, American history, or the ongoing struggles of Native peoples for justice and equality.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520395404