In Germany and many other countries, militarism is gaining strength in the face of the new and old wars and genocides of recent years, and the structures and ideas associated with it are taking space at various levels.
At the same time, the military industry is flourishing. In addition to immense subsidies for the Bundeswehr (german army), one of the concrete initiatives is the implementation of a new mandatory military service in Germany. After this was practically discontinued in 2011, the initiators‘ plan is to introduce a new service with examinations and sanctions against those who do not take part in this procedure. Even if this proposal initially revolves around a fairly limited number of recruits and attempts to paint a moderate picture, it is to be seen as a door opener and an important tool of militarism and Germany’s NATO policy. The numbers of recruits are initially low because the infrastructure required for military service, such as places for physical examinations with the purpose of recruitment, accommodation and training, was dismantled after 2011. The model will probably also initially be a trial that will be optimized.
Whatever model they introduce, as anarchists we reject service in the name of the military and the state and will organize resistance against it.
In the spirit of anti-authoritarian internationalism, we want to exchange ideas with comrades from different contexts about military service in the states in which they live, but also about practices of refusal and resistance.
You and your context are invited to participate in this exchange.
The prerequisites are the principles of solidarity and an anti-authoritarian anti-militarism, an analysis that opposes the justification of war, collateral damage and the recognition of states and any other authority.
In the days leading up to the exchange, there are as yet unconfirmed reports of possible celebrations to mark the anniversary of the founding of the Bundeswehr, which could well take place in Hamburg. We remain open to expressing our joint rejection of such an event – stay tuned!
