Nonhuman Witnessing: War, Data, and Ecology after the End of the World

In Nonhuman Witnessing, Michael Richardson suggests that a radical rethinking of witnessing is necessary to build frameworks for justice in an era of endless war, ecological catastrophe, and technological capture. He examines the ethical and political implications of nonhuman witnessing across various sites, including nuclear testing, autonomous drone warfare, deepfakes, artificial intelligence, and algorithmic investigative tools, and challenges readers to rethink their understanding of witnessing, testimony, and trauma in the context of interconnected crises.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2024
Publisher: Duke University Press

In the realm of Nonhuman Witnessing, Michael Richardson delves into a profound exploration, advocating for a radical reevaluation of what constitutes witnessing in our contemporary world. In the face of ongoing conflicts, ecological crises, and the pervasive influence of technology, Richardson argues that a shift in our perspective is essential to establish frameworks for justice that can effectively address these complex challenges.

By dismantling the traditional notion of human-based witnessing, Richardson unveils the potential of ecological, mechanical, and algorithmic forms of witnessing to enhance our understanding of the contemporary crises we face. Through a comprehensive examination of various sites, including nuclear testing on First Nations land, autonomous drone warfare, deepfakes, artificial intelligence, and algorithmic investigative tools, Richardson highlights the media-specificity of nonhuman witnessing.

Throughout his work, Richardson sheds light on the ethical and political implications of witnessing in an age of profound instability. He challenges readers to reexamine their understanding of witnessing, testimony, and trauma within the context of interconnected crises. By doing so, Richardson unveils the intricate entanglements between witnessing and violence, as well as the complex interplay between the human and the nonhuman.

Through his thought-provoking analysis, Richardson invites us to expand our horizons and embrace a more inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the world. He encourages us to recognize the value of nonhuman witnesses and to explore the ways in which they can contribute to our collective efforts toward justice and sustainability. Nonhuman Witnessing serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to embrace a broader perspective and work together to create a more compassionate and just world for all.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478020905