Not Your Soldier
PROJECT DURATION
26 October – 1 November 2025
The background
This study session aimed to raise awareness about (anti)militarism, military conscription and conscientious objection.
In the current global context with many governments discussing the reintegration of compulsory military service and a surge in arms race, SCI, No More War, and EBCO thought it was important to sensibilize people on these topics, especially younger people as they are the main ones affected by military services. Despite being the first involved, they are often excluded from the conversation, which is why it is urgent to raise awareness and take action against militarisation from a youth perspective.
This session came from SCI and the No More War collective’s combined efforts to create an inclusive space for younger people to speak up and act against militarism. This session aimed to talk about (anti)militarism from a decolonial and queerfeminist point of view to ensure inclusivity.
The objectives
The activities
This study session was held in Budapest to discuss (anti)militarism and conscientious objection with participants from different parts of the world taking part in it. The goal was to build a space where inclusiveness and solidarity prevail to ensure that each voice counts.
Our goal was to warn young people about the dangers of militarism and hopefully make their voices heard, as they are the main actors in mandatory military service. Sadly, governments often brush off young people’s opinions about the topic, which is why we hope this study session will give birth to follow-up projects that will lead to real change. As mentioned before, we also tackled queer and women’s place in this discussion, as they are often disregarded.
Both educators and participants worked together to learn and find solutions together through non-formal and experimental learning.
Documentary Video
During the study session we filmed content for a documentary video. The documentary will give an insight into how rising militarism and particularly policies around military service affect young people, and will be a call to action to be screened at future events, workshops and festivals.
Partners
Funders
The Not Your Soldier study session was made possible with the support of the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, and co-funding from the CERV programme of the European Union.
