Geertz, Bateson, critical theorists used my Israeli military theorists.

[wendyismyname]

Someone just posted this in the literary theory forum and I had to repost it.

Israeli army using Deleuze and Guattari to hone urban warfare styleA fascinating article is about how the Israeli Defense Forces is teaching soldiers critical theory to help navigate through urban spaces during warfare. And I thought that theory was for people who

Comments

[gaelfarce]

That is a fascinating article. Thank you for posting it.

[enamored]

let's remember that they are called the israeli DEFENSE forces for a reason.

but this anthropology community really isnt the forum to discuss this.

[gaelfarce]

This is not the study of people and how cultures including military cultures adapt and change over time? I think it's very on topic and for a change has a good deal of meat on the article for analysis. Perhaps spending some time understanding the military culture and how this is revolutionary in that culture would turn out to be some worthwhile summer reading?

[gaelfarce]

Just checked your site. Good on ya for getting out early...do you have any firsthand experience with what the article talks about?

[wendyismyname]

Well, I'd say that it's important to look at the theoretical tools used by anthropologists, and what kind of social impact they have...I wasn't looking to get into a debate about Israel necessarily, but rather share something interesting about how their military uses the writings of anthropologists in their strategizing.

[deleonjh]

Wow, that is just whacked. I guess no one can say that theory is useless now. But I agree with you, wendy, using theory to find better ways to kill people is just disturbing. I'm sure Bateson is spinning in his grave right now and probably Deleuze and Guattari as well. I think I'll forward this article to Clifford Geertz, his email has to be floating around somewhere. It's creepy how the IDF is using D&G's terms as euphemisms for various acts of violence.

[esizzle]

If you get a response from Geertz would it be okay if you post it somewhere maybe (or rather, if its okay with him)? I would like to know his reaction.

[deleonjh]

Sure, but still nothing from him. I know someone who called him once because she was writing a paper on him and I got the impression he doesn't like too much being contacted out of the blue. Oh well, still had to try.

[caatinga]

Wow, very interesting. I also found it pretty disturbing...

[esizzle]

interesting, thought provoking, yet disturbing, deploring and makes me want to burn some of my campus bookstore's textbooks a little. fascinating.