Abstract

For the past fifteen years I have written almost exclusively about American warfare in some capacity. As a Communication Studies scholar, my interest in war stems from its exemplary failure. War is communication through force; it is a last resort. As I continue to think, write, and reflect on the subject, I recognize that at the heart of my fascination with war is its inducement. How do we arrive at a warlike mind? On top of that, knowing what we know about war’s horror and trauma, why do we keep doing it? I’m not sure I will ever arrive at a satisfying answer to the latter question but speaking with colleagues in the field of hate studies is helping me understand the first. A historical survey of the zeitgeists surrounding America’s most prominent wars highlights the conspicuous role of hatred. Hate is a response to a perceived threat and is linked to feelings of fear and a loss of control. Thus, war might be conceived of as an international expression of hate.

Recommended Citation

Silvestri, Lisa (2021) "Editorial Introduction," Journal of Hate Studies: Vol. 17: Iss. 1, Article 1.
DOI: 10.33972/jhs.213
Available at: https://repository.gonzaga.edu/jhs/vol17/iss1/1