Bodies of War,the Past Continuous,and (Ar)rhythmic Experiences

Abstract

In recent years, International Relations scholars have shown a growing interest in the body. Yet, the body often remains rather abstract. In this article, we engage with the lived body and personal histories, claim that the international is not only personal but also corporeal with bodily dimension, and explore the body as a complex intersection that characterizes and shapes the relations between the singular, social, and international. To illustrate our argument, we discuss a sensuous experience of war that defies simplistic categorization and interpretation. The aim is to introduce an alternative onto-epistemological angle on International Relations in order to overcome the separation of the discipline from ordinary people and local everyday practices. The body is shown to be a site of the political, a place of intersection that both enacts practices and fosters relations with others and toward the world, and engages in practices that disrupt the normal rhythm of international politics and its governing logic.