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.