LIFE DURING WAR LESSONS REVEALED BY PERSONAL STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

A war is a fierce armed struggle between two or more states, governments, society, or paramilitary organizations like militias, mercenaries, or insurgents. Extreme violence, damage, and fatality, whether caused by conventional or irregular military forces, are typically its defining characteristics.

While some war studies experts believe that violence is an innate and universal component of human nature, others contend that it is a response to particular sociocultural, economic, or ecological conditions.

Sadly, war is a fact of life for many. According to Prof. Lawrence H. Keeley of the University of Illinois, approximately 90–95% of known societies throughout history engaged in at least occasional warfare, and many fought constantly.

Here we share some first hand accounts of people who have lived through war, and their recollections of the experience and the impact it had on them and their cultures.

HOW CROATIA’S MANY BORDERS INFLUENCED THE HISTORY OF THE CROATS

Meet Domagoj Perkic, archaeologist and curator of the Dubrovnik Archaeology Museum for a dive into Croatia’s history as a cultural crossroads.

UNIQUE HAND EMBROIDERY TRADITIONS TELL STORY OF CROATIA’S KONAVLE VALLEY

The history of Croatia comes alive in this powerful interview that reveals the dramatic past of life in Konavle Valley in the Balkans.

CAMBODIAN CULTURE REVIVAL HEALS TRAUMA AND OFFERS OPPORTUNITY

Cambodian culture is preserved by the founder of Cambodian Living Arts, Arn Chorn Pond, who is a survivor of the Khmer Rouge.

ARMENIAN TRADITIONS SHARED BY TEACHERS AND CHILDREN OF SASUNIK VILLAGE

Armenian traditions of carpet-making, song and dance are alive and well in the village of Sasunik. Click to experience Armenian traditions!

TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK IN COLOMBIA HOME TO KOGI PEOPLE

KOGI PEOPLE

Tayrona National Park is home to the world’s “Elder Brothers,” the Kogi people. Their rituals and lifestyle are distinct to their culture.

CULTURAL LEGACY OF SPAIN’S CIVIL WAR INSPIRES MUSEUM DIRECTOR

The cultural legacy of Spain’s Civil War inspires a museum director’s passion for recovering marginalized heritage. Must-read for culture lovers!

HEALING FROM THE BALKAN WARS THROUGH CULTURAL HERITAGE

The Balkan Wars of the late 20th century left Bosnia in a state of economic crisis before Cultural Heritage Without Borders stepped in.

THE HISTORY OF ARMENIA BROUGHT TO LIFE BY RE-FORESTING PIONEER

The history of Armenia is revealed in this poignant interview with Anahit Gharibyan, who became a member of the country’s diaspora at one year of age, and again in her sixties.