Animals in War: Commemoration, Patriotism, Death

In: Political research quarterly: PRQ ; official journal of the Western Political Science Association and other associations, Volume 65, Issue 2

Abstract

Patriotism poses a threat, not just to democracy but also to life itself. It finds expression in a new species of civic memorial dedicated to animals. In wartime, the animal world, including dogs, horses, elephants, and mules, is forced to serve. It is treated as militarily indispensable but also utterly disposable. Millions of animals have been killed in the name of country-not despite the patriotic love professed for them, but precisely because of it. The treatment of animals mimics the treatment of citizens and vice versa, where no sacrifice ultimately lies beyond justification. Thus, patriotism's dependence on and even addiction to death acquires added intensity and depth. Adapted from the source document.