This seminar explores the ways in which war has (or has not) changed over the past two decades. Using anthropological tools we will ask questions about: the role of drones and other new technologies, the changing nature of the American Empire, strategic approaches to warfare including counterinsurgency and nuclear deterrence, the economic impact of global economies and migration, and rhetoric around human rights and torture. The class will look at both popular and academic discourse around conflict and ask whether we have the vocabularies and analytical tools necessary to understand the world’s ongoing conflicts. Student presentation of their own work will be a major component of the course as we workshop research and independent work.