******************************************************
* http://www.anthropologymatters.com *
* A postgraduate project comprising online journal, *
* online discussions, teaching and research resources *
* and international contacts directory. *
******************************************************
Below is the Network of Concerned Anthropologists’ International version of
the pledge of non-participation in counterinsurgency.
This pledge has been discussed on the ASA Blog recently at
http://blog.theasa.org/. Do please give your feedback there. Th pledge is
being proposed as a resolution at the forthcoming ASA AGM on 17 March 2008.
Those who share the views put forward by the pledge please show your
solidarity by circulating, signing and submitting the pledge below:
Network of Concerned Anthropologists Pledge of Non-participation in
Counterinsurgency (International Version)
We, the undersigned, believe that anthropologists should not engage in
research and other activities that contribute to counter-insurgency
operations in Iraq or in related theaters in the “war on terror.”
Furthermore, we believe that anthropologists should refrain from directly
assisting military in combat, be it through torture, interrogation, or
tactical advice.
Military and intelligence agencies and military contractors have identified
“cultural knowledge,” “ethnographic intelligence,” and “human terrain
mapping” as essential to military intervention in Iraq and other parts of
the Middle East. Consequently, these agencies have mounted a drive to
recruit professional anthropologists as employees and consultants. While
often presented by its proponents as work that builds a more secure world,
protects soldiers on the battlefield, or promotes cross-cultural
understanding, at base it contributes instead to brutal wars of occupation
which entail massive casualties. By so doing, such work breaches relations
of openness and trust with the people anthropologists work with around the
world and, directly or indirectly, enables the occupation of one country by
another. In addition, much of this work is covert. Anthropological support
for such an enterprise is at odds with the humane ideals of our discipline
as well as professional standards.
We are not all necessarily opposed to other forms of anthropological
consulting for the state, or for the military, especially when such
cooperation contributes to generally accepted humanitarian objectives. A
variety of views exists among us, and the ethical issues are complex. Some
feel that anthropologists can effectively brief diplomats or work with
peacekeeping forces without compromising professional values. However, work
that is covert, work that breaches relations of openness and trust with
studied populations, and work that enables the occupation of one country by
another violates professional standards.
Consequently, we pledge not to undertake research or other activities in
support of counter-insurgency work in Iraq or in related theatres in the
“war on terror,” and we appeal to colleagues everywhere to make the same
commitment.
SIGNATURE NAME TITLE INSTITUTION
-------------
The Network of Concerned Anthropologists invites all who are interested in
signing this pledge to do so by either collecting signatures (listing names,
signature, titles, and institutional affiliations) and mailing them to:
Network of Concerned Anthropologists,c/o Dept. of Anthropology, George Mason
University, 4400 University Drive, MS 3G5, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
Or by electronically sending this information to:
[log in to unmask]
Thanks,
Nayanika Mookherjee
Ethics Officer, ASA
http://www.theasa.org/
*************************************************************
* Anthropology-Matters Mailing List *
* To join this list or to look at the archived previous *
* messages visit: *
* http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/Anthropology-Matters.HTML *
* If you have ALREADY subscribed: to send a message to all *
* those currently subscribed to the list,just send mail to: *
* [log in to unmask] *
* *
* Enjoyed the mailing list? Why not join the new *
* CONTACTS SECTION @ www.anthropologymatters.com *
* an international directory of anthropology researchers *
***************************************************************
|