Axiom II: The War Machine
The concept of the war machine is distinct from the traditional State apparatus and can be traced back to ancient nomadic societies. The war machine encompasses three fundamental aspects:
Three Aspects of the War Machine
Spatiogeographic Aspect: Nomads inhabit vast territories defined not just by fixed locations but by routes or customary paths that enable their mobility and access to resources.
Arithmetic or Algebraic Aspect: The organization of nomadic groups is conducted through quantitative measures, which may include the size of the group, logistical capabilities, and resource allocation.
Affective Aspect: This involves the emotions and instincts that underlie and drive the nomadic lifestyle, influencing their social structures and interactions.
Nomadic Existence and Territory
Nomadic communities define their territories not by stationary points but by paths of movement connecting vital resources like water and dwellings.
Relays vs. Fixed Points: In a nomadic lifestyle, certain points serve as relays rather than fixed territorial markers, contrasting with the rigid points seen in sedentary societies.
Nomadic vs. Migrant: Unlike migrants, who tend to move from one fixed point to another, nomads perceive their journey as continuous, seeing each halting point as part of a larger relational journey.
Space, Movement, and Territory
The nature of space occupied by nomadic communities showcases distinct characteristics:
Sedentary Space: Often striated, comprising walls, enclosures, and regulated interactions, leading to a structured and ordered social fabric.
Nomadic Space: Characterized as smooth, it allows for fluidity and adaptability in response to environmental changes, such as terrain shifts due to climate change or the encroachment of deserts.
Distinction between Speed and Movement
Speed: Represented as an intensive quality where a particular state of being fills a given space - often linked to the availability of resources or manpower.
Movement: Considered an extensive quality, which is relative and connects various points along a nomadic trajectory.
Deterritorialization and Reterritorialization
Nomadic existence facilitates a unique form of interaction with land characterized by:
Deterritorialization: This involves the establishment of fluid relationships with the land, adapting to new environments and redistributing social structures.
Reterritorialization: Occurs when nomads establish new connections with previously occupied lands, ultimately reshaping them into adaptable territories that align with nomadic practices.
Nomadism vs. State Formation
The fundamental distinctions between nomadic organization and State structures emerge as follows:
Flexible vs. Rigid Organization: Nomadic societies operate on complex interactions rather than definitive structures; this allows them to thrive in diverse environments without the need for a centralized authority.
Resistance to Striation: Nomads inherently resist the striation imposed by State mechanisms, embracing mobility as a core element of their existence. Their methods of warfare symbolize this movement, continually challenging geopolitical boundaries and traditional controls.
The Role of Numbers in War Machines
Nomadic existence necessarily involves numerical organization in warfare. Numbers are utilized beyond mere quantitative measures to include qualitative elements such as strategy or troop composition:
Historical Roots: This numerical system reflects the missteps taken from pastoral migrations, requiring coordination and sharing of information among nomadic tribes for effective military organization.
Weapons and Tools
The distinction between weapons and tools in nomadic cultures is often blurred, as they can serve multiple purposes depending on context:
Interconnection of Action and Emotion: Weapons may represent extensions of emotional states, thereby intertwining the act of war with underlying feelings of the nomads.
The Metallurgical Connection
Metallurgy emerges as a crucial component in the nomadic organizational structure, indicating both social complexity and innovation:
Role of Artisans: Metallurgists within nomadic communities assume critical roles, enhancing the mobility by providing advanced tools and weaponry while reflecting the socio-economic innovations of nomadic life.
Producers and Disseminators: Nomads are not only consumers of metal but also play a vital role in its production and dissemination, influencing both their cultures and those of sedentary societies.
