This paper follows the illegally exported G36 assault rifle from H&K to Mexico. Although the life-cycle of the rifle with its individual parts does not begin in Oberndorf/ Germany, but the raw materials and processing originate much earlier and elsewhere, the analysis of the commodity shall begin at the main headquarters of H&K AG. From here, decisions were made, and strings were pulled, which led to the export of weapons to Mexico. When tracing the object, it becomes clear that several interconnected actors are involved, different values and meanings are ascribed to the G36, various people benefit from its circulation, and, in addition to the economic level, the political and cultural levels also have an influence on the significance of the commodity.
To follow and analyze these significances, the cultural-biographical framework of Igor Kopytoff will shed light on the G36 as a commodity that has different meanings for different actors in different contexts and stages of its life. With this approach we can - in Kopytoff's own words - "make salient what might otherwise remain obscure". In the following (Section 2), Kopytoff's theoretical approach will be described and show how it can help analyze and unravel the trajectory of the G36. Following this, the results of the case study will be presented and the G36 will be examined as a commodity (Section 3). Finally, the conclusion (Section 4) summarizes the main findings and links them to the theoretical approach.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Section 1: Introduction
- Section 2: Theoretical Approach
- Section 3: Analysis
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the cultural biography of the Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle, tracing its journey from its origins in Germany to its illegal export to Mexico. The paper aims to shed light on the complex interplay of economic, political, and cultural factors that shape the meaning and significance of this weapon across different stages of its life-cycle.
- The role of culture in shaping the commoditization of objects
- The different meanings and significances ascribed to the G36 by various actors
- The impact of illegal arms exports on international security and human rights
- The interplay of economic, political, and cultural factors in the life-cycle of a commodity
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Section 1: Introduction This section introduces the case study of the illegal export of H&K G36 assault rifles to Mexico, highlighting the legal proceedings and the role of the German government and arms industry in the event. It introduces Kopytoff's cultural-biographical framework as a theoretical lens for analyzing the trajectory of the G36.
- Section 2: Theoretical Approach This section outlines the theoretical framework of Igor Kopytoff's cultural-biographical approach, emphasizing its focus on the changing meanings and significances of objects across their life-cycles. It explores the role of culture in categorizing and commercializing objects, highlighting the dynamic and interrelated nature of this process.
- Section 3: Analysis This section analyzes the H&K G36 assault rifle as a commodity, examining its origins, production, and journey from Germany to Mexico. It explores the different perspectives and interests of key actors involved in the rifle's life-cycle, including H&K, the German government, and the end-users in Mexico. The analysis sheds light on the multifaceted nature of the G36 as a commodity, considering its economic, technical, political, and social dimensions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper explores key themes and concepts related to the cultural biography of the Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle, including its illicit export to Mexico, the role of the German arms industry, the cultural-biographical framework, the interplay of economic, political, and cultural factors, and the changing meanings and significances of commodities across different stages of their life-cycles. Key terms include: commodity, cultural biography, commoditization, globalization, arms trade, illegal exports, human rights violations, cultural significance, and the role of culture in shaping the commercialization of objects.
- Quote paper
- Isabel Thoma (Author), 2021, The Heckler and Koch G36 Assault Rifle illegally exported to Mexico. A Cultural Biography, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1158505
