Out of Line, Out of Place

Main Themes and Topics

In "Out of Line, Out of Place," Rotem Kowner, along with Iris Rachamimov, delves deep into the multifaceted world of internment camps during the Great War. The book examines the proliferation of these camps as significant biopolitical instruments of governance. It highlights how internment camps, initially developed as mechanisms of control and punishment in colonial territories in the latter part of the nineteenth century, became a global and universal phenomenon during World War I. The authors provide a comprehensive analysis of the drastic measures which saw more than eight million soldiers and over a million civilians detained, alongside countless individuals displaced into refugee camps. By bringing these various camps into a collective dialogue, Kowner and Rachamimov explore the nuanced similarities and differences in the operation and rationale behind the internment across different countries.

Writing Style and Tone

Rotem Kowner's writing in "Out of Line, Out of Place" is scholarly yet accessible. The narrative is meticulously detailed, evidencing the author's rigorous research and profound understanding of the subject matter. The tone is thoughtful and sensitive to the complex and often distressing historical realities discussed in the book. Through careful curation of expert contributions, Kowner and Rachamimov ensure that the discourse remains thorough and enlightening without alienating readers unfamiliar with the intricate intricacies of early 20th-century wartime history.

Brief Summary

"Out of Line, Out of Place" is an erudite exploration of the emergence and execution of internment camps during World War I. It examines how these camps, primarily used in colonial settings at first, became widespread during the Great War. Kowner and Rachamimov lay bare the operation of these camps, which saw millions of individuals—soldiers and civilians alike—interned or displaced. The authors articulate the varied yet similar mechanisms of the camps across different jurisdictions, presenting a coherent picture of their evolution as tools of containment and control.