Abstract

This review essay investigates the relationships between sound and conflict by focusing on the different ways in which the sonic public sphere has been historically involved in a process of increasing militarization. By analyzing three recent and major works on this subject, the essay reconstructs a variety of politics and practices of using sounds as means of psycho-sensorial incitation, aggression or control, ad the violent effects of sound on the symbolic, physical and affective dimensions of human bodies. Finally, the essay highlights a few paths that might be further explored in future research on the space-sensorial logistics of sonic production and perception and on the bio-political power of shaping the sonic environment within increasing urban surveillance and the so-called war on global terror.