The Beautification of Twenty-First Century Wars: A Conversation with Professor John Keane.

The article discusses the transformation of warfare in the twenty-first century, emphasizing the significant impact of digital communication technologies on the nature and perception of war. Professor John Keane argues that contemporary wars are characterized by a "beautification" process, where the brutal realities of conflict are sanitized and presented as visually appealing narratives, leading to public indifference. He highlights the role of media in shaping perceptions of war, noting that governments and corporations often collaborate to create a sanitized version of warfare that detaches audiences from its true horrors. Keane also addresses the normalization of nuclear weapons and the challenges facing democracy in the context of ongoing conflicts, suggesting that robust democracies can foster critical engagement with the realities of war and promote a culture of resistance against its necessity. [Extracted from the article]