This collection of essays explores the intimate politics of war, identifying with and against the military and its norms through aesthetics, embodiment, and the everyday, offering a new conceptual framework for understanding militarism's pervasive influence and potential for re-appropriation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2020
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This captivating collection of essays delves into the intricate dynamics of how individuals with diverse connections to war navigate their relationships with the military and its deeply ingrained gendered and racialized norms. By integrating recent developments in the study of international politics, including aesthetics, embodiment, and the everyday, the authors present a novel conceptual framework that sheds light on the pervasive nature of militarism and its potential for subversion or resistance. Through a series of thought-provoking essays, the book explores the ways in which militarism permeates various aspects of society, from popular culture to political discourse, and how it shapes individuals' perceptions and experiences. It challenges the notion of the military as a monolithic institution and reveals the diverse and complex ways in which people engage with it, both positively and negatively. By highlighting the intimate politics of war and its impact on individuals and communities, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of international relations and encourages us to rethink our assumptions about the role of the military in shaping our world.

The Intimate Politics of War and Its Impact on Individuals and Communities

This vibrant collection of essays reveals the intimate politics of how people with a wide range of relationships to war identify with, and against, the military and its gendered and racialised norms. It synthesises three recent turns in the study of international politics: aesthetics, embodiment, and the everyday, into a new conceptual framework. This helps us to understand how militarism permeates society and how far its practices can be re-appropriated or even turned against it.

Aesthetics and the Military

One of the key themes explored in this collection is the relationship between aesthetics and the military. The authors argue that the military is not just a physical entity but also a cultural and aesthetic phenomenon. They highlight the ways in which the military uses aesthetics to shape public perception and to justify its actions. For example, the use of uniforms, insignia, and symbols can create a sense of identity and belonging among soldiers and can also be used to intimidate and control civilians. The authors also explore the ways in which the military uses art and music to promote its values and to connect with the public. However, they also point out that the military's use of aesthetics can be problematic, particularly when it is used to promote violence or to justify human rights abuses.

Embodiment and the Military

Another key theme explored in this collection is the relationship between embodiment and the military. The authors argue that the military is not just a physical entity but also a psychological and emotional phenomenon. They highlight the ways in which the military uses embodiment to shape soldiers' identities and to prepare them for combat. For example, the use of physical training and drills can help soldiers develop their strength, endurance, and coordination, while the use of psychological training can help them cope with the stress and trauma of combat. However, the authors also point out that the military's use of embodiment can be problematic, particularly when it is used to promote gendered and racialized norms.

The Everyday and the Military

The final theme explored in this collection is the relationship between the everyday and the military. The authors argue that the military is not just a phenomenon that occurs during times of war but also a part of everyday life. They highlight the ways in which the military's presence can impact individuals' daily lives, from the way they dress to the way they interact with others. The authors also explore the ways in which the military's presence can be resisted or re-appropriated. For example, the use of public protests and demonstrations can be a powerful way to challenge the military's policies and practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this vibrant collection of essays reveals the intimate politics of how people with a wide range of relationships to war identify with, and against, the military and its gendered and racialised norms. It synthesises three recent turns in the study of international politics: aesthetics, embodiment, and the everyday, into a new conceptual framework. This helps us to understand how militarism permeates society and how far its practices can be re-appropriated or even turned against it. By highlighting the diverse and complex ways in which people engage with the military, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of international relations and encourages us to rethink our assumptions about the role of the military in shaping our world.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 358 x 341 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474446181