BANDITS, BRIGANDS, AND MILITANTS: THE HISTORICAL SOCIOLOGY OF OUTLAWS
Bandits, brigands, and militants have been popular and disputable figures in world history. States outlawed these formidable men and women through pejorative words and legal measures while many of state authorities also used them for their political ends from time to time. Some of outlaws became admired authorities in their own villages and towns whereas in other places their heroism was equivalent to oppression. Their brutal killing by their nemesis did not prevent their existence in the ballads and literature. Both positive and negative aspirations about bandits, brigands, and militants have shaped their multi-layered identities in society throughout history. These unyielding figures invoke a number of concepts such as hope and fear; injustice and dissent; resistance and power wherever they flourish. This special issue aims to offer a novel theoretical and methodological outlook to the readers by rethinking outlaws in the conundrum of societal dilemmas through social, political, and cultural lenses.
We welcome articles on a broad range in both geographic and chronological terms, including local, regional, national and/or global foci from medieval times through to contemporary periods. We particularly seek seven papers up to 8,000 words which are intellectually challenging and covering examples across different parts of the world. Some of the potential themes are listed below, but the themes are not limited to it:
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Bandits, Brigands, and Militants in Comparative History
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Peasants, Revolutions, and Banditry
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Brigandage Activities and State Foundation
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Militants, Civil Wars, and Anarchy
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Bandits in Ballads, Literature and Folklore
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The Life of Bandit in Collective Memory
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State Suppression of Bandits and Brigands
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Bandits in Rural Historical Sociology
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Bandits at Sea: Pirates and Authority
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Bandits and Brigands in Global History
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Militancy and Political Conspiracy
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Outlaws and State Enemy
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Capital, Class Struggle, and Banditry