Work

‘Playing war’: Norwegian soldiers’ experiences of fun and responsibility in Afghanistan

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This article discusses Norwegian soldiers' experiences of fun in Afghanistan and probes the meaning of this experience and its condition of possibility. Challenging Western moralities of war, it shows that 'fun in war' can be experienced and represented as ordinary and commonsensical, but also ephemeral and immature. Moving beyond normative and functionalist approaches, it specifically highlights the importance of context, temporality, and soldiers' sense of responsibility and innocence.

Source: War & Society

DOI: 10.1080/07292473.2024.2409539

Author: Heidi Mogstad

Institution: Chr. Michelsen Institute

Language: English

Topic: Politics and Conflicts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Middle East

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: H2020 European Research Council