Rethinking Peace in a State of Permanent War (Excerpt) - Dr. Francoise Verges - November 2022

Summary

The transcript discusses the interconnectedness of various forms of violence in today's society, including violence against women, the plight of refugees, and the role of the military in perpetuating sexual violence. It highlights the structural elements of patriarchal capitalism that contribute to this violence and the precarity faced by many. The speaker calls for a reflection on these issues and the need to imagine a post-violent society that does not naturalize or celebrate violence. The transcript also touches on the impact of neoliberalism and the concept of 'valid bodies' in perpetuating inequality and exploitation, and the geopolitical constructs of cleanliness and dirtiness that further marginalize certain populations.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Global violence is interconnected, affecting various aspects of society including women's rights, child suicide in refugee camps, and military actions.
• 🔥 The perpetuation of violence is a structural element of patriarchal capitalism, which is not just about individual men but systemic issues.
• 💡 The recent mobilization against gender-based and sexual violence presents an opportunity to challenge the capitalist system that enables such violence.
• 🏃‍♂️ The ideal of the 'efficient body' in neoliberalism is embodied by the white man, who is seen as the epitome of physical strength and success.
• 🧹 Behind this ideal is the exploitation of women and other marginalized groups, who enable the success and comfort of the 'valid bodies'.
• 🌨️ The geopolitics of cleanliness and dirtiness are evident in how certain areas are kept clean and habitable while others are polluted and deemed uninhabitable.
• 🏘️ The concept of the 'zone of non-being' is used to describe areas where people are excluded and subjected to state violence, such as refugee camps and conflict zones.
• 🌊 The dichotomy of clean and dirty is also seen in the treatment of different populations, with some being seen as deserving of cleanliness and others as inherently dirty.
• 🤝 The struggle for progress must involve a reimagining of what it means to be successful and human, moving away from the current destructive and violent paradigms.
• 🌱 There is a need to repair past and present damages and to work towards a future that is not predicated on the continued violence and exploitation of marginalized groups.
• 🛑 The ideology of neoliberalism and its focus on individual success and resilience often overlooks the systemic issues and violence that contribute to inequality and suffering.

Q & A

How does the transcript link various forms of violence to the broader state of global violence?

The transcript connects violence against women, child suicide in refugee camps, military use of rape in conflicts, and the exile of millions due to war and economic climates. It suggests that these forms of violence are mutually reinforcing and are symptoms of a larger, structural issue within a violent society and patriarchal capitalism.

What is the significance of the recent mobilization against gender-based and sexual violence mentioned in the transcript?

The recent mobilization is significant as it offers a practical opportunity to challenge capitalism. It is not just about addressing gender-based violence but also about reflecting on violence as a structural element of patriarchal capitalism, rather than attributing it solely to men.

How does the transcript describe the concept of a post-violent society?

A post-violent society, as described in the transcript, is not one without conflict or contradiction, but one that does not naturalize violence, does not celebrate it, and does not make it the central theme of its narrative of power.

What is the 'valid body' in the context of neoliberalism as explained in the transcript?

In the context of neoliberalism, the 'valid body' is that of the white man who is in full possession of physical strength, normalized as masculine. This body is efficient, works out, eats organic food, and works long hours to achieve economic success.

How does the transcript connect the exploitation of women and girls to the comfort of the 'valid body'?

The transcript explains that the comfort and success of the 'valid body' are made possible by the exploitation of women and girls. This includes cleaners, nannies, sex workers, and others whose exhausted bodies enable the 'valid body' to excel.

What is the geopolitical significance of cleanliness and dirtiness as discussed in the transcript?

The transcript discusses how cleanliness and dirtiness are geopolitically constructed to reflect state violence. It gives examples of how certain areas are kept clean and attractive for tourism, while others, like Gaza, are polluted and seen as uninhabitable. This reflects a political choice and a fabrication of what is considered safe and enjoyable versus what is deemed dangerous and dirty.

How does the transcript relate the concept of 'zone of non-being' to the proliferation of refugee camps?

The 'zone of non-being' in the transcript refers to areas and populations that are deemed unworthy of rights or humanity. The proliferation of refugee camps, where people lose all their rights and are treated as non-human, is an example of such zones. These zones are multiplying globally and are a product of political choices.

What is the impact of hyper globalization and extractive logic on life expectancy and living conditions?

While hyper globalization and extractive logic have led to fewer deaths at birth and longer life expectancy, they have also resulted in more polluted air, water, and increased vulnerability to epidemics and pandemics. This means that although people live longer, they are exposed to more health risks and premature death.

How does the transcript describe the role of capitalism in perpetuating violence?

The transcript describes capitalism as weaponizing masculinity and producing extreme brutality. It suggests that capitalism measures staying alive by the capacity to instill death on others and that it gives meaning to an existence program for premature death. Violence is a tool and a display of power in this system.

What is the critique of neoliberalism's concept of success and individual responsibility as presented in the transcript?

The critique is that neoliberalism promotes an individualistic, patriarchal form of responsibility that erodes community and social support systems. It encourages an egoistic pursuit of excellence and views any vulnerability or sign of weakness as an obstacle. This ideology also bolsters conservative nationalism and excludes those who do not fit the mold of the 'successful' individual.

How does the transcript suggest we should think about progress?

The transcript suggests that traditional European progress, which is linear and future-oriented, is insufficient. Instead, we should consider multiple temporalities and work towards repairing past damage, addressing current destruction, and creating a different future. It calls for collective experimentation and imagination beyond the confines of systemic violence.

What is the importance of the right to rest as discussed in the transcript?

The right to rest is important as it combats the fatigue and exhaustion caused by neoliberal capitalism. The transcript suggests that having a good sleep, free from the stress of survival, can significantly improve one's quality of life. It argues against the discourse of resilience that expects individuals to constantly endure hardship and instead advocates for a society where people do not have to live in survival mode.