Introduction: Reconsidering Truth: The Impact of Contingent Knowledges on Society and Weapon Governance
摘要
In the realm of world politics, political myths play a profound and often overlooked role in shaping public perception, policy decisions, and collective consciousness. They are interwoven into the fabric of societies and possess the remarkable ability to evoke and stir emotions, construct shared meanings, and exert influence over the dynamics of power. Politics surrounding the use and regulation of weaponry are also affected by them. This book embarks on a journey to explore the intricate relationship between political myths as cultural elements and the sphere of weapon governance. It explores and unveils the underlying mechanisms through which political myths—understood as cultural truths rather than misunderstandings or falsehoods—shape our understandings, attitudes, and practices related to the presence, control, and use of weapons in world politics. By doing so, I shed light on the transformative potential and implications of political myths as part of our broader tapestry of culture.