Show Notes for Ep. 25 Interview with Greta Uehling, Cultural Anthropologist and author of “Everyday War”

by | Dec 29, 2023 | Anthropology, Migration, Politics and Policy, Trends, War

It’s not everyday I get to speak with a cultural anthropologist about all aspects of human interactions so this show was a real treat for me to host. Greta Uehling, affiliated with the University of Michigan in the United States, and author of Everyday War: The Conflict Over Donbas, Ukraine, joined me for a discussion on the impact of war on Ukrainians and the challenges they face in everyday life. She shared insights from her more than 20 years of research in Ukraine, including the dynamics of living in occupied territories and the effects of war on relationships and communities. Uehling also studied the cultural diversity of Ukraine and talked about the importance of cognitive de-occupation in the future post-war reconciliation process. Our conversation highlighted the need for a nuanced understanding of war and its long-term effects, as well as the lessons that can be applied to other conflict zones.

Some key takeaways:

  • War has a profound impact on individuals, relationships, and communities, shaping everyday life and values.
  • The cultural dynamics of a country play a significant role in how people experience and respond to war.
  • The separation and reunification of families and communities is a complex and challenging process that requires careful consideration and support.
  • Rebuilding communities after war involves not only physical reconstruction but also the restoration of interpersonal relationships and trust.
  • Lessons from Ukraine’s conflict can be applied to other conflict zones, emphasizing the importance of understanding the everyday experiences of people affected by war.
Chapters of note if you want to skip around:
  • 03:05 The Impact of War on Ukrainians
  • 06:31 The Cultural Dynamics of Ukraine
  • 12:32 The Challenges of Separation and Reunification
  • 21:30 Living in Occupied Territories
  • 26:17 The Long-Term Effects of War
  • 27:34 Rebuilding Communities
  • 36:46 Ethnic Groups in Ukraine
  • 39:59 Cognitive De-occupation
  • 47:48 Lessons Learned and Implications

This interview is just a conversation starter, I invite you to join in and share this episode with your personal and professional network. Listen to the interview, then give me your perspective. You can also find the latest show preview clips on my YouTube Channel. I encourage you to subscribe to the channel, share the clips and leave your comments.

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