inside higher ed – ZERO ANTHROPOLOGY

Enter the American Psychological Association: On Support for Torture

Scott Jaschik at Inside Higher Ed (July 22, 2008), has produced a great piece titled, “Torture and the Research Star.” Now the American Psychological Association (APA) is entering the debate on the role of academics in supporting the military establishment, especially when the result is the commission of violations against human rights. At the centre […]

by Maximilian C. Forte

American Anthropology & the Pentagon: Let’s Professionalize “Terrorism” Research (1.6)

Despite what initially seemed to be a flurry of protests against the involvement of anthropologists in the Pentagon’s Human Terrain System, and more recent criticisms of the Pentagon taking a very large lead in funding social science research that would be of relevance to “terrorism” and “national security,” there seems to be a quiet, professional […]

by Maximilian C. Forte

Academic Blogs: Purposes and Benefits?

In an article by Andy Guess in Inside Higher Ed titled, “Blogs and Wikis and 3D, Oh My!” (09 May, 2008), there is an interesting section featuring discussions of the nature, purposes and benefits of academic blogging, and some of the lingering suspicions that surround them. I will post a few extracts that I think […]

by Maximilian C. Forte

Of Mirror Images, Fanatics, and Cartoon Characters: Militarizing Anthropology

It struck me, while reviewing the patterns I found in postings to the AAA Executive Board’s blog on the statement condemning anthropological support for counterinsurgency, as well as the comments section of the Inside Higher Ed piece titled, “Questions, Anger and Dissent on Ethics Study” (Nov. 30, 2007), that those opposing our criticisms have found […]