Hotline
As the scenes of massive human suffering continue to rattle our livestreams, and social media, it’s imperative more than ever to understand the exponential rise in militarism and its multifarious impacts on the lives of those on the margins, especially women. APWLD recently convened its members, partners and allies at the ‘Regional Convening on Militarism, Peace and Women’s Human Rights in the Asia-Pacific’ to unpack the phenomenon of militarism and analyse it from the standpoint of feminist peace and justice. The following reflects a brief summary of the discussions held.
Militarism as an ideology is closely interlinked with colonialism and imperialism especially in the way the eurocentric powers have controlled and continue to control the Global South. It is embedded in the geopolitical structure and designed to benefit the colonial powers. In 2018-2022, the five largest arms exporters (making up 76% of total volume) were the US, Russia, France, China and Germany. The US supplies 40% of the global share of arms, and its own military spending is to the tune of USD 800 billion. They are able to maintain this hegemony by promoting the narrative that justifies the presence and continuance of militarism. Narratives such as self-defence, sovereignty, war on terrorism, peace through market economies are used in support of militarism while in essence, the objective is to control, oppress and exploit. They build up threats and threat perceptions to make an enemy while avoiding talking about themselves. The language of peace, human rights, freedom and democracy are weaponised to pursue the militaristic aims. Further, similar strategies are replicated by the national governments within the Asia-Pacific region to oppress their own people especially religious, and ethnic minorities. The western military-industrial complex survives by importing arms to the nations to continue the colonial legacies of war and conflict.
