Music in Conflict: Palestine, Israel and the Politics of Aesthetic Production

Music in Conflict explores the complex relationship between musical culture and political life in Palestine-Israel, where conflict has shaped and claimed the lives of Palestinians and Jews. It examines the politics of sound to show how music-making reflects and forms identities, and shapes communities. The ethnography is based on fieldwork conducted in Israel and the West Bank in 2011–2012 and other excursions since then, and is thematically and theoretically underpinned by the ways in which music is used to culturally assert or reterritorialize spatial and social boundaries in a situation of conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Music in Conflict delves into the intricate interplay between musical culture and political life in the region of Palestine-Israel, where conflict has profoundly impacted the lives of both Palestinians and Jews. Within the context of the geography of violence that defines this conflict, borders and boundaries emerge as tangible and social manifestations of the ways in which political and structural violence shape the production of knowledge. Ethical and aesthetic stances that shape artistic production in this milieu are informed by deep power imbalances and contingent exposure to violence. By examining expressive culture as a powerful lens for understanding these dynamics, the book explores the politics of sound to demonstrate how music-making reflects and shapes identities, ultimately shaping communities.

The ethnography is grounded in fieldwork conducted in Israel and the West Bank between 2011 and 2012, as well as subsequent excursions. The author has closely followed the conflict by tracing the music, from concert halls to demonstrations, mixed-city community centers to children's clubs in Palestinian refugee camps, alternative urban scenes, and even a checkpoint. Throughout these diverse contexts, the monograph is thematically and theoretically underpinned by the ways in which music is employed to culturally assert or reterritorialize spatial and social boundaries in the context of conflict.

The book begins by situating the study within the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has lasted for over seven decades and continues to shape the region's political landscape. It explores the historical roots of the conflict, including the rise of Zionism, the establishment of the State of Israel, and the subsequent displacement and dispossession of Palestinian communities. The book also examines the role of music in shaping the collective memory and identity of both Israelis and Palestinians, highlighting the ways in which music has been used as a tool for resistance, resilience, and cultural preservation.

In the subsequent chapters, the book delves into the complex relationship between music and politics in the context of Palestine-Israel. It explores how music is used as a tool for political mobilization, propaganda, and resistance, as well as how it is appropriated and transformed by different groups and individuals for their own purposes. The book also examines the ways in which music is used to promote intercultural understanding and dialogue, particularly in the context of peace-building efforts.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of music in shaping identities and communities. The author argues that music is a powerful medium for expressing cultural identity and heritage, and that it can play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among different groups. The book explores how music is used to create and reinforce social divisions and boundaries, as well as how it can be used to bridge these divisions and promote intercultural understanding.

Another important theme of the book is the impact of conflict on music-making and performance. The author argues that conflict can have a profound impact on the creative process and the performance of music, both in terms of the content and the style of music produced. The book explores how musicians navigate the challenges of performing in conflict zones
Another important theme of the book is the impact of conflict on music-making and performance. The author argues that conflict can have a profound impact on the creative process and the performance of music, both in terms of the content and the style of music produced. The book explores how musicians navigate the challenges of performing in conflict zones

In conclusion, Music in Conflict offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the complex relationship between musical culture and political life in the region of Palestine-Israel. By examining the politics of sound, the book provides a valuable insight into the ways in which music-making reflects and shapes identities, and in the process, shapes communities. The ethnography is grounded in extensive fieldwork and is thematically and theoretically underpinned by the ways in which music is used to culturally assert or reterritorialize spatial and social boundaries in a situation of conflict. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the role
In conclusion, Music in Conflict offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the complex relationship between musical culture and political life in the region of Palestine-Israel. By examining the politics of sound, the book provides a valuable insight into the ways in which music-making reflects and shapes identities, and in the process, shapes communities. The ethnography is grounded in extensive fieldwork and is thematically and theoretically underpinned by the ways in which music is used to culturally assert or reterritorialize spatial and social boundaries in a situation of conflict. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the role of music in shaping the dynamics of conflict and promoting peace-building efforts in the Middle East.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367563271