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The Kalush Orchestra, Ukraine, Eurovision Song Contest 2022. PHOTO: DANIELE VENTURELLI / WIREIMAGE/ GETTY IMAGES
Okategoriserade Introduction. Sounds in times of war Popular music, (contentious) politics and social change since Russia’s war on Ukraine
That music may connect well with violence contradicts common understandings of music being a force of good which brings people together. While acknowledging that music can harmonize social relations, this special issue highlights the idea that music can equally justify war and ignite conflicts. Exploring music from such a matter-of-fact viewpoint shifts scholarly attention to the relationship between music, politics, and societal dynamics. This special issue does so in the context of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Published in the printed edition of Baltic Worlds BW 2025:3, pp 4-9
Published on balticworlds.com on October 23, 2025
That music may connect well with violence contradicts common understandings of music being a force of good which brings people together. While acknowledging that music can harmonize social relations, this special issue highlights the idea that music can equally justify war and ignite conflicts. Exploring music from such a matter-of-fact viewpoint shifts scholarly attention to the relationship between music, politics, and societal dynamics. This special issue does so in the context of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Read the full introduction (pages 4-9) and the whole Special issue here>>