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: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2021
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 have crafted a novel conceptual framework that sheds light on the pervasive nature of militarism and its potential for subversion. 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 our understanding of gender, race, and power. By challenging dominant narratives and offering alternative perspectives, the authors encourage us to rethink our assumptions about the military and its role in shaping our world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and multifaceted nature of militarism and its impact on our lives.

The Intimate Politics of War: Essays on Gender, Race, and Militarism

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 Militarism

One of the key themes in this collection is the relationship between aesthetics and militarism. The authors argue that militarism is not just about violence and destruction, but also about the way that it is represented and consumed. They explore how militarism is used to create a sense of identity and belonging, and how it is used to justify and promote certain political and social agendas. For example, the authors discuss the use of military imagery in popular culture, such as movies, video games, and music, and how it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce gender roles. They also explore the ways in which militarism is used to promote nationalism and patriotism, and how it can be used to justify military intervention in other countries.

Embodiment and Militarism

Another key theme in this collection is the relationship between embodiment and militarism. The authors argue that militarism is not just about the physical body, but also about the way that it is experienced and embodied. They explore how militarism can affect the physical and mental health of individuals, and how it can shape their sense of self and identity. For example, the authors discuss the impact of military training on the physical body, and how it can lead to physical injuries and mental health problems. They also explore the ways in which militarism can affect the way that individuals interact with others, and how it can create a sense of isolation and disconnection.

The Everyday and Militarism

The final theme in this collection is the relationship between the everyday and militarism. The authors argue that militarism is not just about the military, but also about the way that it is embedded in everyday life. They explore how militarism can affect the way that individuals interact with their environment, and how it can shape their sense of belonging and identity. For example, the authors discuss the impact of military recruitment on local communities, and how it can lead to social and economic inequality. They also explore the ways in which militarism can affect the way that individuals think about the world, and how it can create a sense of fear and anxiety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this 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 challenging dominant narratives and offering alternative perspectives, the authors encourage us to rethink our assumptions about the military and its role in shaping our world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and multifaceted nature of militarism and its impact on our lives.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474446198