Cultures of command: identity, power, and belonging in global militaries

Military institutions are among the most enduring and powerful structures in modern society. While often associated with discipline and national defence, they are also deeply embedded in cultural and social life. The concept of military culture encompasses the values, norms, rituals, and identities that shape the lived experiences of those who serve, as well as the ways armed forces are perceived by the societies they represent. From recruitment and training to memorialisation, military culture reflects broader dynamics of belonging.

This collection invites work that explores the cultural dimensions of military life across global contexts. We are particularly interested in how armed forces (both state and non-state) construct and challenge ideas of gender, race, nationalism, professionalism, and sacrifice. As militaries adapt to shifting geopolitical landscapes and global social movements, questions of inclusion, representation, and institutional transformation have become increasingly urgent.

In an era marked by both transnational conflict and rising demands for accountability, understanding military culture requires interdisciplinary approaches that bridge anthropology, sociology, political science, history, gender studies, and cultural theory. This collection seeks to illuminate how military institutions both reflect and shape the societies they serve, and how individuals navigate identity, power, and belonging within and around them.

We welcome contributions that engage with topics including (but not limited to):

• Gender and sexuality in military institutions
• Race, ethnicity, and nationalism in armed forces
• Rituals of mourning, memorialisation, and military funerals
• Civil-military relations and public perceptions of the military
• Military training, discipline, and socialisation
• Veterans’ experiences and post-service identity
• Non-state armed groups and their cultural practices
• Media representations of military life and heroism
• Institutional responses to discrimination and inclusion
• Comparative studies of military culture across regions or regimes