Deus ex machina or not? Use of DNA-based technology in discovering “nestali”

In these two chapters, Wagner explores the development of the identification technology embedded in the particular social context, intertwined with nation-state building, ethnical conflicts, and global humanitarianism. She successfully destroys my previous understanding of the DNA identification technology as deus ex machina in terms of its incompatibility with previous forensic methods, instead, Wagner expands the scope of using the technology, turning the lab-based practice of technology into a complicated process involved with interpersonal exchange, or the bureaucracy when comes to collect and identity data. From “innovation of violence” that physically altered nestali’s belongings, to represent all the needed information in a specific language for lab analyzing, the use of DNA technology was closely attached to themes from the gigantic state building project and governmentality, to minor issues that could be really private and personal. In that sense, the DNA identification process is absolutely not Deus ex machina.

Meanwhile, when comes to evaluate the meaning of memories in the identification project. The DNA technology, as well as the ritual atmosphere created around it, make the technology deus ex machina to both family members and technology practitioners. Unlike former forensic methods and antemortem investigations, the DNA technology is so empowered that it is the final answer, although Wagner shows how inseparable these methods are.

The use of DNA in unveiling the history of absence in Srebrenica could put an end to relentless thoughts of family members and release them from mental probation on the one hand, while create endless, haunted memories. Who are the people benefit from using this technology, maybe the bureaucrats, maybe NATO, maybe the scientists,  not sure about those did suffer from the massacre.