Episode 103—Everyday War (feat. Dr. Greta Uehling)

What the networks deem “newsworthy” barely scratches the surface of what it means to be a nation at war, a community at war, a civilian at war. Cultural anthropologist Dr. Greta Uehling joins us to provide a window into what life for noncombatant civilians in Ukraine looks like during the conflict, and the humor and humanity that gets them through the day.

More on Greta:

Greta Uehling began her career by working directly with refugees, helping them find work in the United States. Her experiences in refugee resettlement motivated her to pursue a PhD in cultural anthropology, and have informed her career ever since.

After earning her PhD, she became a consultant with the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in Geneva, Switzerland, working in the Evaluation and Policy Analysis Unit. Her work on irregular migration there led to another migration-related position as a Family Reunification Coordinator for minors smuggled across United States borders from Latin America and China, in Washington, DC.

Named after the globe-trotting Swedish actress Greta Garbo, she has traveled and worked in many regions. Her interviewees have often remarked about the rapport they feel during conversations. Her colleagues in anthropology note how this rapport, and Uehling’s writing, centers previously unheard voices.

With her current project, Uehling sought to tell the story of internal displacement in Ukraine in a way that is multivocal. She uses the language of lived experience to take readers on a journey through Ukraine that deepens understanding and solidarity.

Uehling dedicated Everyday War to her students because they inspire her to write with their many and insightful questions.

Her most recent book, Everyday War: The Conflict over Donbas, Ukraine is now available via⁠ Cornell Press⁠ or wherever books are sold

Follow Greta @uehlingumiched1 on ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠,⁠and ⁠@greta.uehling on IG ⁠or learn more about her and her work at ⁠⁠www.gretauehling.com

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CREDITS: Original Theme: Garreth Spinn
Original Art: Sarah Cruz
Animations: The Banditry Co.

SPONSORS: This season of Shared History is sponsored by The Banditry Co.