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: Paperback / softback
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, contending that a radical reevaluation of what constitutes witnessing is essential in constructing frameworks for justice in an era marked by endless wars, ecological catastrophes, and technological advancements. Richardson challenges the traditional notion of human-based witnessing by highlighting the significance of ecological, mechanical, and algorithmic forms of witnessing in understanding contemporary crises. 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 sheds light on the media-specificity of nonhuman witnessing.

Throughout his work, Richardson delves into the ethical and political implications of witnessing in a time of profound instability. He prompts readers to reexamine their understanding of witnessing, testimony, and trauma within the context of interconnected crises. By unveiling the intricate entanglements between witnessing and violence, as well as the human and the nonhuman, Richardson unveils the complexities of this realm.

In conclusion, Nonhuman Witnessing offers a thought-provoking and transformative perspective on witnessing, challenging us to expand our understanding of the role of nonhuman agents in shaping our world. Through Richardson's meticulous research and insightful analysis, he provides a valuable contribution to the field of inquiry, offering a roadmap for building more just and equitable societies in a time of unprecedented challenges.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478025641