US Political Theology and Sacrifice in US Military Use of Genetic Technologies in Sovereign Violence

Bibliographic Data

ID8133646
AuthorsMark Munsterhjelm (University of Windsor, corresponding author)
Year2026
Pages1-22
Publication date2026-02-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePolitical Theology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1462-317X • E-ISSN: 1743-1719
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/1462317x.2026.2623364
OpenAlexW7128441866
LanguageEN
References cited29

Through an analysis of US military development and use of genetic technologies, I argue these efforts have been shaped by an emphasis on sacrifice to the Nation and the American People in the committing of sovereign violence. First, I analyze genetic testing in the identification and sacralization of US service personnel, including the controversial 1998 identification of the Vietnam War Unknown Soldier. Conversely, US war culture engages in the demonization of enemies as evil and without political legitimacy. This demonization shaped how family, ancestry, and visible appearance-related genetics have been used in targeting those deemed enemies after 9/11, including the US killing of Osama bin Laden, and counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Finally, I consider US military programs to genetically select and eventually genetically engineer US Special Forces members to maximize “force lethality” and other sovereign violence capacities.

Human rights · Political theology · Political violence · Politics · Sacrifice · Sovereignty · State of exception · Genetically Modified Organisms Research · Neuroethics, Human Enhancement, Biomedical Innovations · Race, Genetics, and Society

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