Out of Line, Out of Place: A Global and Local History of World War I Internments

Out of Line, Out of Place explores how the internment camp became a universal and global tool of governance during the Great War, with more than eight million soldiers becoming prisoners of war, one million civilians becoming internees, and several millions more displaced.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Out of Line, Out of Place, a groundbreaking work of scholarship, delves into the intricate and often overlooked history of internment camps. Written by expert scholars with a keen sensitivity to the subject matter, this book offers a comprehensive analysis of how these camps emerged as a powerful biopolitical tool of governance.

While the internment camp had its origins in the late 19th century, primarily in colonial contexts, it gained universal and global significance during the Great War. The scale and scope of mass internment during these two world conflicts were unprecedented, with millions of soldiers, civilians, and displaced individuals being subjected to confinement and separation.

Mass internment has long been recognized as a defining aspect of World War II, but it was also a fundamental experience of World War I. Over eight million soldiers became prisoners of war, one million civilians were interned, and several million more were forced to flee their homes, many of whom were placed in securitized refugee camps. Out of Line, Out of Place is the first book to bring these diverse camps into conversation, highlighting the similarities and differences in their operations during the Great War.

Rotem Kowner and Iris Rachamimov, the authors of this work, emphasize that while there were variations among individual camps and different logics of internment in different countries, there were also striking similarities in how camps functioned during the Great War. The authors draw on a wide range of sources, including archival research, historical analysis, and personal narratives, to shed light on the experiences of those interned and the broader political and social implications of these camps.

One of the key themes explored in Out of Line, Out of Place is the role of internment camps in shaping the course of the war. Camps were used not only as a means of containment and control but also as a tool of propaganda and psychological warfare. By incarcerating enemy populations and separating them from their families and communities, the warring parties sought to undermine the moral and psychological resilience of their opponents.

Furthermore, internment camps played a significant role in the perpetration of human rights abuses. The conditions in these camps were often harsh and inhumane, with inadequate food, water, and medical care. Thousands of individuals died as a result of disease, malnutrition, and violence, and many more were subjected to torture and other forms of abuse.

Out of Line, Out of Place also examines the long-term consequences of internment camps on the individuals and communities affected. The trauma and displacement experienced by those interned have had a lasting impact on their mental and physical health, as well as their social and economic well-being. The legacy of internment camps continues to be felt today, with many individuals and communities still grappling with the emotional and psychological scars of their past.

In conclusion, Out of Line, Out of Place is a groundbreaking work of scholarship that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the history of internment camps. Written by expert scholars with a deep understanding of the subject matter, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of how these camps emerged as a powerful biopolitical tool of governance, their impact on the course of the war, and the long-term consequences of their existence. Out of Line, Out of Place is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human rights, war, and the history of the 20th century.

Weight: 28g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501765421