How to kill militarism

Another reason for the upward trend in military expenditure is the rising world market prices for minerals and fossil fuels. In Algeria, Azerbaijan, Russia and Saudi Arabia, increased profits from oil and gas exploitation have boosted government revenues, and those in power have used the extra cash to build bombs.

So how do we defeat the deadly, larger-than-life monster that is militarism? How do we prevent that out-of-control missile I spoke of earlier from killing us all?

There is no easy answer, certainly. But the Australian Government could start by reducing the proportion of money it allocates to defence and in doing so set an example to other countries.

It could also support a proposal by Democrats senator Lyn Allison to establish a peace and non-violence commission in Australia, a bill for which is currently before the Senate.

These might seem like small steps. But if other governments followed suit, by taking similar initiatives, the effect could be quite substantial. It could be measured in lives saved.