Beyond the can(n)on: what is ‘war through other stuff’?

ABSTRACT

The term ‘War Through Other Stuff’ (WTOS) captures the diverse range of themes and experiences that arise when considering the non-military history of conflict. It pertains not only to physical ‘stuff’ but to the tangible and intangible legacies of war. This introduction to the special issue identifies the central tenants of WTOS and illustrates the value of considering the unexpected consequences of militarization: the activity of war and its repercussions in everyday life. We explore the key works that have been essential in the progression of this field, as well as some that have been particularly influential in the formation of this special issue, which draws from many academic fields, including social history, archaeology, memory studies, dress history, material culture and archival studies. We then introduce the articles, which showcase emerging research across various conflicts and tackle subjects as diverse as shoes, souvenir postcards and naming conventions. Overall, the special issue shows that traces of war can be found even in the most unexpected places.

KEYWORDS:

• Social history
• military history
• memory studies
• material culture
• dress history

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank our War Through Other Stuff co-founder Catherine Bateson and current colleagues Mark Butterfield, Matilda Greig, Hanna Smyth and Catherine Baker, all of whom have helped to shape WTOS with their energy, enthusiasm and expertise. Our thanks also go to the amazing network of speakers, supporters, colleagues and friends who engage with the WTOS society in person and online.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).