Iconic images and the visual memory of conflicts

This chapter explores the icon-memory nexus, and particularly the role of iconic images in shaping the visual memory of conflicts. Since the midtwentieth century, certain photographs have achieved iconic status, catalyzing media attention, evoking emotional and political responses, and becoming symbolic resources for public memory. The research investigating the power and impact of these images cut across interdisciplinary domains, from cultural sociology, journalism, and communication to visual culture and memory studies. Iconic photographs, such as those from Iwo Jima, Vietnam, 9/11, Abu Ghraib, and recent conflicts, have historically been used to frame cultural narratives, evoke public consciousness, and influence social and political discourse. However, the digital age presents challenges to the lasting impact of these images, as the rapid proliferation and ephemeral nature of digital media content often contribute to create viral yet transient digital icons. This entry underscores the ethical considerations and political implications of iconic image construction, emphasizing the need to explore their role beyond Westerncentric perspectives. The examination of case studies—e.g., images originally taken in different countries such as Japan, Vietnam, the USA, Iraq, and Turkey, which have then acquired wide, enduring international visibility, including recent AI-generated images from the Israel-Palestine conflict—highlights the evolving dynamics of visual memory in the context of global crises.