militarization

In the Czech Republic, since 2013 there has been a Ministry of Defence programme known as POKOS: “Preparing citizens to defend the state”[i]. The main interest is to publicise the activities of the Army in different way.  The Ministry’s website says: “discussions, lectures, seminars, practical exercises, exhibitions, thematic… »

By Lisa Torio June 8, 2017 for Waging Nonviolence Since Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s “anti-conspiracy” bill entered the upper house of parliament in early April, thousands of people across the country have taken to the streets in protest. Demonstrations against the… »

Berlin has said it’s considering changing its position on military conscription. The country is mulling new strategies to deal with possible security threats. Germany’s interior ministry is considering taking steps toward bringing back the country’s compulsory military service, which was suspended five years ago. A confidential draft of the proposal… »

In the Czech Republic soldiers have reportedly started touring elementary schools nationwide in an effort to introduce students to military life. Children from the age of 10 are being familiarized with and encouraged to play with machine guns. These terrifying images bring memories of totalitarian regimes, in which education about… »