Topic A Key Takeaways

Hello delegates! Before the conference, we would like to introduce you to some of the most important ideas of Topic A; Art and Entertainment as Weapons of War. 

The quote that pretty much summarizes the overarching theme of this topic is by Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky who said “art is not a mirror held up to society but a hammer with which to shape it.” For millennia, art has shaped political identity but has also festered feelings of violent nationality. Through the culmination of racial, religious, and national prejudice worsened through artistic expression (such as literature, music, and posters) many bloody conflicts have been excused. Art can also be used in an economic sense through looting and reselling to provide the money necessary to fuel conflict. 

While these conflicts have been occurring for centuries, in recent years through the development of the internet and social media the exact definition of “art” and “individual expression” in the context of violence has become muddled. In short, there is a heavy modern-day consumption of propaganda through news outlets and social media platforms that leads to the dehumanization of populations. This propaganda can be subtle or it can be spread through the actions of propaganda machines. Propaganda machines have become an issue in the modern conflicts of Ukraine-Russia and the Israel-Hamas War. Propaganda spread by governmental agencies on an international scale has led to concerns about how individual expression of ideas can bleed into causing international conflict. 

So, what media/art is being used to fuel these propaganda machines? Art, as a definition, is quite broad, but in the context of this committee, it constitutes literature (including social media posts and newspapers), songs, posters, paintings, and news platforms (journalism). All of these media come with inherent bias depending on their country of origin which contributes to the creation of subtle propaganda. In doing so, violence is justified and conflict is fueled. 

However, we cannot urge you enough that not all art has violent undertones. Instead, it is in this current age of immense media dissemination that the lines are being blurred between what is individual and what is weaponized. The purpose of this committee is therefore to find at what point art becomes weaponized and how can nations work towards lessening this singular method of expression without harming national identity.  

Sincerely, 

Valentine Lindarto & Clara Bardeen