War and peace
Military
Welcome to our section on militaries. Here you’ll find stories exploring the militarization of society, exclusive investigations into hidden crimes by soldiers and comment pieces questioning the very existence of armed forces. Our coverage challenges the push by global leaders for military expansion and funelling more funds into ‘defence’ budgets – all while public services and welfare are cut to the bone – and asks how humankind can kick its military habit.
Out of sight, out of mind
This Covid-19 crisis is not the ultimate leveller. Just like the financial crash of 2008, it is producing winners and losers. Husna Rizvi presents a round-up of the lesser known stories of social abandonment unfolding.
Watch: why did the British Army kill a one-legged man?
As the UK hopes to open new military bases in the Caribbean, Phil Miller investigates the killing of a man by the British Army in Belize over 30 years ago.
Humanitarian drones and other anachronisms
Aid-by-drone, what’s not to like? New tech in the sector brings many problems, Nick Dowson explains.
Zimbabwe’s coup that isn’t a coup
With tanks on the streets and rumours in newspapers, Nhau Mangirazi reports from Zimbabwe.
Winner takes all – Obama gets his way in the Philippines
Iris Gonzales reflects on a very one-sided state visit by the US President.
What the Abu Ghraib images really tell us about war
US soldiers who posed next to hooded inmates in the Baghdad prison 10 years ago revealed the ‘banality of evil’, explains Sean Willcock.
The case of Ban Mae Surin: tragic accident or foul play?
Daniel Pye and Saw C Rogers investigate a suspicious fire which killed 37 Burmese refugees in Thailand.
Debt, austerity, devastation: it’s Europe’s turn
As the creditors get fatter, the innocent are punished. Susan George laments a leadership subservient to big business.
Why are we so afraid of chemical weapons?
War is destruction. So why, asks MG Zimeta, does the ‘existential threat’ of an airborne toxic event in Syria and beyond, instil such horror.
From child soldier to civilian - a tough transition in Colombia
Having handed in their weapons, former child soldiers face a new battle - for acceptance into society. Seth Biderman reports.
The clout of the arms industry
The arms trade tends to have the government's ear. Why, wonders Dinyar Godrej, when it is so counter-productive?
