A war of choice, mass civilian killing and the consequences of militarism
The US-Israeli campaign of indiscriminate bombardment of Iran exemplifies a world driven by militarist ideology, in which a hierarchical understanding of rights normalises mass killing of civilians.
Roadshows, robot dogs and fairytales: How Britain’s largest weapons company targets schools
The UK's largest arms company has been heavily involved in learning resources and activities for primary and secondary schools for many years. Michal Grant explores why schools need to reconsider giving the company a platform to influence young people.
Do we want militarised schools? Cadet forces, ‘independent’ evaluations and defence agendas in education
With the government's pledge to create more cadet units in schools we look at the politics of cadet force expansion, the research that has supported it, and what is wrong with militarising education.
A ‘chief of staff’ and ‘enduring relationships’: The advance of military interests in Parliament
As the Labour Government enters its second year we take a look at how the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme has expanded during their rule, and aspects of its influence that we have uncovered.
Is this militarist realism? Defence dividends for an ‘armour-clad nation’
With reference to the government's recent defence and security reports, Emma Sangster looks at how the strategies reflect an era of 'militarist realism' which seeks to centre and normalise 'Defence' in all of our lives.
York Armed Forces Day: ‘rage-bait’, militarism and the authorised ‘knowers’
York resident Joe Glenton reports on the controversy around York's Armed Forces Day in the national press after it was reported that military equipment had been 'banned' by the local Labour council.
Hope in a time of luminous insanity
Reflecting on this dark time and commemorations of another 80 years ago, Joe Glenton writes on balancing hope and pessimism.
The politics of the military recruitment crisis
Young people are often a scapegoat for the diminished size of the armed forces but analysis suggests a far more complex picture, and a high level of risk and dissatisfaction for many of those that join.
A back door to Parliament for defence contractors: mapping arms company influence in APPGs
Our research on the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces found very little transparency and a huge amount of corporate sponsorship, and defence companies continue their involvement in APPGs in the new parliament.
Complicit partners? The UK-Israel Roadmap
In 2023 the UK and Israel agreed an extensive 'Roadmap' for cooperation and partnership. We explore its material and ideological commitments on issues like economics and defence, and consider the implications of this relationship for peace and security.
