Abolishing the Military: Arguments and Alternatives

Griffin Leonard · Joseph Llewellyn · Richard Jackson

Nov 2023 · BWB Texts Book 102 · Bridget Williams Books

Ebook

164

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About this ebook

In an era of escalating global conflicts, this book challenges the conventional belief that nation-states need military forces to ensure their security and contribute to international peace. As academic discourse on non-violent methods of national defence and global peace promotion gains momentum, there is growing evidence supporting the viability of such policy approaches. Far from being a matter of solely academic concern, this debate parallels increasing public awareness that militaries are struggling to deal effectively with (and may actually exacerbate) contemporary threats and challenges such as terrorism, climate change and inequality.

Abolishing the Military: Arguments and Alternatives critically examines several widely held assumptions regarding the necessity of a military force for Aotearoa New Zealand. In doing so, it demonstrates that these assumptions often rest on shaky foundations or evidence. Moreover, the book explores alternative non-violent strategies for national defence and international peace promotion, offering a fresh perspective on global security in the twenty-first century.

About the author

Dr Griffin Manawaroa Leonard (Te Arawa), is a Te Ao o Rongomaraeroa/National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (NCPACS) research affiliate, having earned his PhD at NCPACS in 2019. His research focuses mostly on US foreign policy, demilitarisation and nonviolence in international relations.

Dr Joseph Llewellyn holds a PhD in peace and conflict studies and is currently a research affiliate at the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (NCPACS) at the University of Otago. With numerous publications and experience in activism, he specialises in nonviolence, resistance and military abolition.

Professor Richard Jackson, the Leading Thinker Chair of Peace and Conflict Studies at the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (NCPACS), previously worked as a Professor of International Politics in the UK. With fourteen books and over a hundred publications, his expertise lies in international security, terrorism studies and pacifism. He is currently researching a book on nonviolent ways of dealing with terrorism.

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