Episode 1114: Martin van Creveld's 'War and Migration' w/ John Fieldhouse
Oct 1, 2024
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John Fieldhouse returns to discuss the provocative insights of Martin van Creveld, a renowned military historian. They delve into the controversial notion that migration can be equated with war, exploring historical connections between the two. The conversation touches on significant migrations driven by conflict, the complexities of cultural assimilation, and the impact of modern migration on society. Fieldhouse highlights how historical events shape current perceptions of identity and state power, making for a compelling discussion on migration dynamics.
Martin van Creveld articulates that migration and war are interconnected phenomena that have influenced human history, challenging traditional views on migration patterns.
The podcast highlights historical examples showing how military conflicts often cause significant demographic changes through both voluntary and forced migration.
Van Creveld discusses the ramifications of ethnic cleansing in warfare, linking historical events to contemporary displacement crises in regions like Syria and Iraq.
Deep dives
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Introduction to Martin Van Creveld
Martin Van Creveld is introduced as a prominent Israeli historian known for his expertise in military history, particularly regarding insurgency and non-state conflicts. His background is highlighted, noting that he was born in the Netherlands and emigrated to Israel, which gives him a unique perspective on war and migration. His scholarly contributions span various topics, including the development of military command and the role of logistics in warfare. Van Creveld’s reputation is bolstered by his academic involvement with prestigious military institutions and his willingness to challenge mainstream narratives on military history.
War and Migration: A Fundamental Connection
Van Creveld argues that war and migration are intrinsically linked phenomena that have shaped human history since ancient times. He illustrates this with historical examples, citing the exodus of the Israelites as an early instance of mass migration closely tied to warfare. The central thesis posits that significant migration, especially that which lacks intent to assimilate, mirrors the dynamics of conflict and invasion. This perspective prompts listeners to reconsider contemporary migration patterns as potentially equivalent to warfare, highlighting the impact of cultural and national identities on societal structures.
Military and Civilian Migration Dynamics
The podcast discusses how military conflicts often incite both voluntary and involuntary migration. Historical references illustrate how soldiers' interactions with local populations during conflicts can result in longstanding demographic changes through the establishment of new families and communities. Furthermore, Van Creveld underscores the challenges faced by migrants seeking to integrate into new societies, particularly when cultural values diverge significantly from those of their host countries. This conversation draws parallels to modern contexts where migration continues to create social tensions and questions of identity.
Ethnic Cleansing and Post-War Displacement
The discussion extends to the concept of ethnic cleansing as a consequence of warfare, detailing historical instances where communities were forcibly removed from their homelands. Van Creveld references the Assyrian and Babylonian conquests as early examples of such actions, setting the stage for understanding the ramifications of forced migration throughout history. The narrative connects to modern crises, demonstrating how war exacerbates displacement issues such as those witnessed in Syria and Iraq. This ongoing cycle reveals a complex relationship between conflict, migration, and state dynamics that continues to evolve today.
John Fieldhouse joins Pete once more to read and comment on Martin van Creveld's article, "War and Migration." In it, van Creveld explains and demonstrates how migration is equivalent to war.
