War & Periphery

Space and Power: Politics, War, and Architecture by Paul Hirst

Chapter 4

war |wôr|

noun

“War existed before recorded history and organized states. Almost all societies have engaged in some form of combat against others. This does not imply that war is ‘natural,’ whatever that means…” p.51

• a state of armed conflict between different nations or states or different groups within a nation or state

• a state of competition, conflict, or hostility between different people or groups.

• a sustained effort to deal with or end a particular unpleasant or undesirable situation or condition

• Is an organized pursuit of interest by means of force

• Involves violence, but nor necessarily anger

• Is a conduct

• Is not a game

• Is a constant in human affairs

“Fighting may be episodic, but the possibility of conflict is constant.” P.51

“Space is not just a ‘container’ for war, an abstract coordinate system in which conflict just happens. Space is shaped in complex and qualitative ways by circumstances, and in turn its specific features condition and shape war.” P.52

periphery |pəˈrifərē|

noun ( pl. -eries)

• the outer limits or edge of an area or object

• a marginal or secondary position in, or part or aspect of, a group, subject, or sphere of activity