Photography and International Conflict

University College Dublin

25-27 June 2009


This conference will bring together scholars and practitioners in the fields of visual media and international relations to examine the roles of image producers and the functions of photographic imagery in the documentation and communication of wars, violent conflicts and human rights issues. The conference is the first major event of an international research project on this topic.

Speakers include:
Ariella Azoulay (Bar Ilan University), Thomas Keenan (Bard College),
Liam Kennedy (University College Dublin), Paul Lowe (University of the Arts London/Panos Pictures), Sean Smith (The Guardian)

Papers might address one or more of the following topics:

The histories and genres of photographic depictions of conflict
The ethical and legal function of images as evidentiary representations of human suffering
The role of new technologies and technological convergence in depicting conflict
The visual economies that translate and regulate the value of images of conflict and suffering
The role of humanitarian and cosmopolitan frameworks in ‘Western’ genres of documentary photography
The role of news organizations and NGOs in the global distribution of images
The effects of imagery on government policy and NGO activity


Please submit a 300 word abstract by 30 April 2009 to Dr Caitlin Patrick, at Caitlin.Patrick@ucd.ie