Anthropology in times of escalating conflicts

Abstract

Escalating conflicts often lead to the proliferation of oversimplified narratives and intense pressure to conform to them. Anthropology can play a crucial role in such situations by (1) analysing the origins and mechanisms of enforcement of these narratives across various contexts, providing a more nuanced understanding of the conflict's dynamics; (2) challenging dominant framings of specific aspects of the conflict by producing contextualized knowledge, thereby offering alternative perspectives and insights; and (3) highlighting narratives that acknowledge the responsibility of the involved actors and explore new possibilities for political co‐existence. To illustrate these points, this guest editorial applies narrative conflict theory to the violence between Israelis and Palestinians since 7 October 2023 and invites readers to reflect on the discipline's responsibilities and methods in the face of the normalization of war and annihilation.