Observant States: Geopolitics and Visual Culture

Geopolitics is changing. The conduct of war and peace is being transformed by our increasing dependence on visual images and practices. Satellite surveillance, computer games, streaming video, retinal scanning and mobile phone cameras are just some of the technologies that are shaping contemporary geopolitics. From the horrors of 9/11 and Abu Ghraib to the mechanical, mundane functioning of airport biometrics, geopolitical truths are established through a process of visual demonstration. Visual culture has become part of the apparatus of persuasion. 'Observant States' brings together leading international authors to explore the developing relationship between geopolitics and visual culture. The result is a definitive contribution to a globally significant, newly emergent field of enquiry.