Abstract
Using the concept of Information War we explore the conditions and mediation of contemporary war. Examples from British anti-war and peace movements are then employed to better understand the importance of ‘symbolic struggles’, focusing on the importance of the internet in recent opposition to wars. These examples signify a shift away from the era where the mediation of war could be closely controlled towards one where the influences of journalists and public opinion are more ambiguous and uncertain. While there is little doubt that those who wage war remain powerful and superior, their need to seek legitimacy amongst their publics, together with the use of new media, provide an environment through which voices of dissent can more easily be amplified.
Highlights
On 15th February 2003 an estimated 1 million people took to the streets of London to protest against the imminent war with Iraq (BBC, 2003)
We argue that anti-war and peace groups have been able to take advantage of the shift towards Information War, and of communication technologies such as the Internet, in playing an important role in contesting government aims and legitimacy in waging war
What we want to highlight is the broader framework of Information War in which symbolic contestation is central, especially in liberal democracies
Summary
On 15th February 2003 an estimated 1 million people took to the streets of London to protest against the imminent war with Iraq (BBC, 2003). To understand the relation between the military battles, political consequences and anti-war dissent we employ the concept of Information War. We are interested in the role of the internet in the symbolic presence and efficacy of those groups mobilising against war and for peace. We argue that anti-war and peace groups have been able to take advantage of the shift towards Information War, and of communication technologies such as the Internet, in playing an important role in contesting government aims and legitimacy in waging war.
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