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What the World Needed the Most in This Difficult Times: War Tourism

What the World Needed the Most in This Difficult Times: War Tourism

Is it ethically defensible?

Alejandro Betancourt's avatar
Alejandro Betancourt
Apr 15, 2022
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Thinking Through It
Thinking Through It
What the World Needed the Most in This Difficult Times: War Tourism
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Photo by Konrad Ciężki from Pexels.com

“War, I have always said, forces men to change their standards, regardless of whether their country has won or lost.”  — Salvatore Quasimodo

Who on earth would travel to a war-torn country as a tourist? It may seem strange, but war tourism is a thing. In recent years, there has been an increase in people traveling to conflict zones to see the fighting firsthand.

The motivations for war tourism vary. Some people are drawn by the excitement of being in a dangerous place. Others see it as a way to connect with history or understand current events. And still, others enjoy the challenge of getting to places that most people can’t or won’t go.

Whatever the reason, war tourism is a reality in today’s world. And it’s not restricted to countries that are currently experiencing conflict. Tour companies offer trips to places like the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea or the Ukraine War.

Some people argue that war tourism is a form of exploitation.…

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