Mushroom Clouds: Ecocritical Approaches to Militarization and the Environment in East Asia

Mushroom Clouds: Ecocritical Approaches to Militarization and the Environment in East Asia explores the eco-implications of East Asia's increasing militarism, focusing on the metaphor of mushroom clouds as a symbol of anthropogenic violence and destruction. The book responds to the dangerous developments since the 2016 presidential election, highlighting the legacy of the Cold War and the militarization of East Asia. It gathers ecocritics from the region to examine issues such as militarization, militarized islands, military tourism, military villages, post-war environments, nuclear accidents, and the demilitarized zone (DMZ) wildlife.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Mushroom clouds, as a transcultural image and metaphor, hold profound significance in East Asia, representing human-caused violence and destruction, exemplified by wars and nuclear bombings. These clouds evoke memories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with their deep roots and implications in the region. This volume explores these roots and implications from the perspectives of scholars and artists across East Asia, shedding light on the increasingly dangerous developments that have unfolded since the 2016 presidential election of Donald Trump. These developments pose a threat to regional and global stability.

In the context of the 70th anniversary of the division of Korea, there has been increased attention paid to the legacy of the Cold War and the ongoing militarization of East Asia. After the nuclear bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the truce across the 38th parallel, the shelling of Kinmen and Matsu, East Asia became one of the most heavily militarized regions globally. However, amidst the shadow of war, concerns about environmental impacts have grown, not only in social discourse but also in literature and the visual arts.

Mushroom Clouds: Ecocritical Approaches to Militarization and the Environment in East Asia is a groundbreaking work that brings together ecocritics from East Asia to examine a range of issues related to militarization, militarized islands, military tourism, military villages, post-war environments, nuclear accidents, and the demilitarized zone (DMZ) wildlife. This volume is the first of its kind, offering a comprehensive exploration of these critical topics in the region.

The chapters in Mushroom Clouds address these issues from various perspectives, drawing on the expertise of scholars and artists from different parts of East Asia. They explore the environmental consequences of militarization, including the impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. They also examine the social and cultural implications of militarization, such as the displacement of communities, the erosion of traditional values, and the construction of military infrastructure.

Furthermore, the chapters delve into the topic of militarized islands, which are often seen as symbols of power and dominance. They explore the ecological challenges posed by these islands, including the impact on marine life, the pollution of the environment, and the displacement of indigenous populations. They also examine the political and economic implications of militarization, such as the competition for resources, the reinforcement of military alliances, and the potential for conflict.

Military tourism is another area of focus in Mushroom Clouds, as it reflects the growing interest in military history and culture. The chapters explore the environmental and cultural impacts of military tourism, including the impact on local communities, the commodification of military heritage, and the potential for conflict. They also examine the ethical considerations surrounding military tourism, such as the responsibility of tourists to respect the local culture and environment and the potential for exploitation.

Military villages are also explored in the volume, as they represent a unique form of militarization in East Asia. The chapters examine the social and cultural dynamics of these villages, including the impact on local communities, the integration of military personnel into civilian life, and the potential for conflict. They also examine the environmental implications of military villages, such as the impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health.

Post-war environments are another critical topic addressed in Mushroom Clouds, as they reflect the legacy of war and the ongoing efforts to rebuild and restore ecosystems. The chapters explore the environmental challenges posed by post-war environments, including the impact of landmines, the pollution of the environment, and the displacement of communities. They also examine the political and economic implications of post-war environments, such as the reconstruction of infrastructure, the promotion of sustainable development, and the potential for conflict.

Nuclear accidents are another significant issue explored in Mushroom Clouds, as they have had profound environmental and social consequences. The chapters examine the environmental impacts of nuclear accidents, including the release of radiation, the contamination of soil and water, and the displacement of communities. They also examine the social and cultural implications of nuclear accidents, such as the trauma experienced by survivors, the fear of nuclear proliferation, and the potential for conflict.

Finally, the chapters in Mushroom Clouds also explore the demilitarized zone (DMZ) wildlife, which is a unique and vulnerable ecosystem located in the Korean Peninsula. The chapters examine the ecological challenges posed by the DMZ, including the impact of military activities, the pollution of the environment, and the displacement of wildlife. They also examine the political and economic implications of the DMZ wildlife, such as the potential for conflict and the value of wildlife tourism.

In conclusion, Mushroom Clouds: Ecocritical Approaches to Militarization and the Environment in East Asia is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive exploration of the eco-implications of militarization in East Asia. The chapters in this volume shed light on the environmental, social, and cultural challenges posed by militarization, and they provide valuable insights into the potential for conflict and sustainable development in the region. By bringing together ecocritics from East Asia, this volume contributes to the growing body of literature on the environmental consequences of militarization and offers a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists working to promote peace and sustainability in the region.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367694890