This podcast explores the use of military jargon and cliches to sanitize violence. It discusses the ongoing Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza and questions the effectiveness of deterrence strategy. The speakers emphasize the need for clear and accurate language when discussing state violence and highlight the manipulative nature of certain terms. They also delve into how language is used to justify actions and dehumanize certain groups. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the importance of using accurate language to describe acts of violence.
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Quick takeaways
The use of euphemistic terms like 'deterrence' and 'power projection' sanitizes military aggression and avoids accountability.
The term 'lethal aid' disguises the violent nature of war and normalizes the shipment of weapons to other countries.
Deep dives
The Language of War: Deterrence and Power Projection
The terms 'deterrence' and 'power projection' are used to sanitize military aggression by the US, but in reality, they convey a threatening message. These terms are part of the elitist language used by the US government and media to shut down debates and avoid accountability. The deployment of US military bases and forces abroad under the guise of deterrence and power projection often leads to increased military tensions and escalates the cycle of violence. The evidence for the effectiveness of these strategies is scarce, and it is crucial to challenge the military industrial complex that benefits from such language and perpetuates endless wars.
The Sanitization of Military Aid as 'Lethal Aid'
The term 'lethal aid' is a euphemism used to disguise the deadly nature of war. It masks the fact that the US is shipping weapons and military supplies to other countries or groups. The term 'aid' usually conveys a humanitarian context, but in this case, it is used to justify and normalize the violence of war. We need to be honest about the true nature of war and avoid using euphemistic language that covers up its destructive consequences.
The War in Israel-Palestine: The Distorted Language of 'War'
Describing the ongoing conflict in Israel-Palestine as a 'war' misrepresents the asymmetric power dynamics at play. It gives the impression of two equal military forces battling each other, when in reality, it is a war of Israel against the Palestinians. The term 'war' obscures the overwhelming violence and suffering experienced by the Palestinians under Israeli occupation and apartheid. Using more accurate and truthful language is essential to convey the realities of state violence and oppression.
The Manipulation of 'National Security' as an Excuse for State Violence
The phrase 'national security' is often used as a catch-all term to justify state violence and deny people their rights. It positions the state as the victim and evades accountability for its actions. The rhetoric of national security is employed to marginalize and target certain groups, including torture survivors and protesters challenging police brutality. It is crucial to challenge this language and demand a foreign policy based on evidence rather than fear-mongering and manipulation.
“U.S. shipment of 'lethal aid' reaches Ukraine amid Russia tensions,” NBC News reported in January 2022. “U.S. adopting 'deterrence posture' as aircraft carrier heads towards Israel,” France 24 announced in October 2023. The same month, The Hill warned about “Nutrition: The national security threat no one is talking about.” This is part two of our two-part episode on the language of war. Last week, we discussed terms like “boots on the ground” and “military footprint;” “precision” or “targeted airstrikes;” “terrorism” and the very Orwellian phrase “enemy noncombatant.” If you haven’t listened to that episode, we definitely encourage you to do so. On this episode, we examine more of the most insidious terms that U.S. media and government officials use to sanitize military aggression worldwide, how this is affecting coverage of Israel’s nonstop murderous bombing of Gaza, and discuss how we all can and should use clearer, more accurate terms to describe the real human stakes of state violence. Our guests are Maha Hilal and David Vine.
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