An Introduction to ‘Peace, Conflicts and Security in the Anthropocene: Ruptures and Limits’

Throughout the last two decades, numerous disciplines across natural and social sciences have witnessed increasing influence of an emerging set contemporary theoretical trends that delve into entanglements between human its material milieu (see Haraway, 2016; Latour, 2005). Beyond rigid attributed labels, including new materialisms, Actor-Network theory, speculative realisms object-oriented ontology, amongst others, genealogy these movements arguably traces back to confluence mutually reinforcing processes. On one hand, current unprecedented techno-scientific progress in areas such as Earth System Sciences Science Technology Studies has led compelling narratives on unsettling events, potential effects global warming well uncertain future implications developments fields as, for instance, Artificial Intelligence. As a result challenges speculations, hypothetical finitude being planet, far from abstract apocalyptic discourses, become strikingly perceptible experience. In other words, stories about distinctive, superior masterful character increasingly seem fade, seems unquestionably inextricable broader beyond-the-human phenomena Tsing, 2015). The present age which compromised own existence, or at least position dominance, anthropogenic processes surpass sphere control been defined by many scholars Anthropocene Crutzen & Stoermer, 2000). tenets this growing rubric claim exhaustion incapacity post-positivist paradigm, dominant register within critical theory over forty years, unable provide analytical tools enhance comprehensive understanding repositioning era Bryant, Srnicek Harman, 2011). To be precise, limits textual, discursive semiotic methodological techniques are exposed insufficient capture examine how Anthropocenic transformation reconfiguring role let alone relations with environment.