War without Battle?

"Non-Conventional" Warfare in History

Today, the "conventional" image of warfare involves a sequence of battles between state-controlled, citizen-manned, and machine-equipped armed forces over issues of geo-strategic and economic importance. Over the breadth of history, however, this model of warfare is far from the norm. Paper topics under this theme should examine the threat or use of non-conventional forms of organized violence as an element of political, social, economic, or cultural conflict. The focus may be either theoretical or historical. Case studies may – but need not – also address the use of alternate means (e.g., the use of diplomacy, economic sanctions, etc.) as elements in warfare. Studies involving non-state actors are encouraged.

The conventional form of warfare owes its origins to the particular political, socio-economic, and cultural characteristics of post-eighteenth century western industrialized nations (although it has proved readily exportable). Paper topics under this theme should focus on how different political, social, economic, cultural, and technological factors have influenced the development and use of non-conventional forms of organized violence. Papers in this area may involve issues such as cultural conceptions of war and peace, relationships between combatants and non-combatants, or the historic development of the law of war, as examples.

The Interdisciplinary Forum on Military Studies provides graduate students the opportunity to present their work in a formal academic conference environment. Although members of The Ohio State University Department of History organize the conference each year, we welcome paper proposals from graduate students in all academic disciplines, especially those in political science, international studies, economics, anthropology, the classics, sociology, cultural and gender studies, and law. Paper presentations are typically 20 minutes in length. Scholars interested in participating should send a one page abstract and current C.V. to:

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