No 87, December 2010

Editorial Ecuador and Military Power It is in Europe where War Resisters' International (WRI) was founded. It is also there and in the USA where it has its bigger number of members and supporters. Clearly this is reflected in the way it functions as also in the issues that takes on. For the same reasons the groups that identify most strongly with the international are those in Europe plus War Resisters League in the USA. Through the years WRI has worked to become ­ as its name says ­ truly international, by adding groups and having activities with groups in other regions of the world. The best example of this effort is Latin America, where there have been several initiatives to make WRI more present and for the region to have a stronger presence in the International.

In recent years, WRI has added a significant number of groups to Tanks in Quito on September 30th, 2010 the network, has employed staff Many of us have seen or heard about the From that moment on, the government’s in London coming from the events on 30 September in Ecuador, a day rhetoric changed completely. Attempts to region, has had Latin Americans where, quite simply, the world was turned on reach a consensus with the police force were on Council and the Executive, its head. Police officers burning tyres and dropped and the tone became openly and many of WRI's materials throwing stones, taking over the hospital confrontational. Immediately, uninterrupted have been translated into where the President had been allegedly governmental coverage of the situation was Spanish. So why there is still the “sequestered”. established in all media. Through this perception of distance and of not channel, the message that the President had ownership with WRI? This has to What happened that day? been sequestered at the police hospital was do with the continued domination repeated time and again. Furthermore, the of the organisation by Europe On the morning of September 30th, police broadcast openly called people to defend the and the USA, which is reflected officers and a few members of the military “Citizens’ Revolution” by making their way to in its structures and in the way of declared themselves on strike. They claim this the hospital. Evidently, this brought about working on antimilitarism and was a response to a law approved by the clashes between unarmed citizens and armed nonviolence. But in fact the National Assembly which cut a number of police forces who proceeded to attack the doors of WRI are more than their social benefits and service awards population. open for a bigger influence of usually received after a number of years in Latin America in the network. the force. That night, the government went on to The challenge is to build a WRI organize a spectacular “rescue mission” to identity for Latin America, with At this stage of the morning, the President free the president from the police hospital. It the issues that interest us, way decided to head over to the central police did not matter, apparently, that inside there of working and of relating that we headquarters, in an attempt to bring calm and were newborn children and vulnerable elderly feel comfortable with. First of all find a way out of the police and military people: both sides – police and military forces we need to strengthen the work protests. Once there, however, his words – simply proceeded to open fire, until the between antimilitarist groups in were received by protesters as a dressing President had been removed from the the region, where there is not a down and further provocation, rather than a hospital, and approximately five people were real articulation and clarity on negotiation. At its height, the address took on killed. how to work with our own melodramatic overtones, with the President diversity. pulling off his tie, ripping open his shirt and Now, what lies behind these events? In my saying “If you intend to kill the president: do it. view, what happened was another example of This seems to be a slow process I am right here.” the continuous growth of militarization and the and with quite a few holes, this control exerted by the Armed Forces over our Broken Rifle tries to fill some of The speech and its melodrama did little to countries. After all, those who ultimately these holes. This has been a appease the heated mood, adding rather, to decided to support the President and bring common effort of groups and the frustration among the police pickets. the conflict to an end were the military forces. people, to try to build this Soon, tear­gas bombs were shot into the As a result, only a few days later, a significant identity, by working together. building, which forced the president to take cover in the nearby police hospital. continued on page 2 Javier Gárate Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network Antimilitarist Trends in LatinAmerica Within the global antimilitarist movement, unjust distributions of wealth on the communicate or interact with each other in Latin America has had a tradition based planet. The model of development was more or less effective ways according to on its own particular history. During a large almost exclusively based on the export of country. Not all have been present in all part of the 20th century, the region was prime resources and food to the world countries and some don't consider governed by military dictatorships. Some market, while all of this occurred in the antimilitarism to be part of their identity, of those non­democratic regimes were middle of a very late modernisation but rather to be a strategic response that encouraged or supported by the United process compared to the so called emerges from particular circumstances. States (the majority of cases) or by the 'developed countries'. All have had in common a rejection of Soviet Union during the period known as forced recruitment and the recognition, in the Cold War. Other democratic For all of the aforementioned reasons, the practice or in law, of conscientious governments were headed up by formation of movements of an antimilitarist objection to military service. However, authoritarian leaders, known in the region profile was later and generally more hybrid opinion on the legitimacy of the armed as caudillos, who count on wide popular than in order parts of the planet. While forces is split, as is also the case with support and promote values extracted there are some local initiatives, regard to strategies for promoting social from the armed forces for the antimilitarists in Latin America are unsure change and visions of what democracy – organisations that support them. Other about writing our own history. The creation or revolution – should be. Despite all governments develop a democracy that is of a timeline would permit us to visualize these prerogatives, it seems pertinent to restricted to the oligarchic elites. Many of our evolution as a social movement, try to identify the principal sources from Final act of the World March for Peace and Noviolence the governments dedicate large portions recognising errors, limitations and whence our predecessors came. of their budgets to military expenditure, in contradictions but also successes in order contrast with the meagre investment in to reflect on and face the future. The 1.­ Religiously inspired antimilitarism social areas such as health and purpose of this text is much more modest. education. May Latin American countries It attempts to categorise the principal Christians, generally those aligned with were also involved in civil wars and tendencies within the Latin Americans liberation theology, evangelical groups, temporary bi­national confrontations antimilitarist movement. However, let's adventists and other creeds have during these years. The development and start with a warning. Like any promoted different specific initiatives that growth of the so­called 'wars of national rationalisation, this interpretation is partial reject forced recruitment in various liberation' was also important, with guerilla and is a poor reflection of reality. The countries of the region. The main organisations fighting against both proposed categories only attempt to argument against participation in the dictatorships and democratic supply an initial picture of the armed forces has been the biblical governments. From Patagonia to the phenomenon, packaging the available commandment against killing others. To south of the Rio Grande, violence was the information for quick consumption. Some counter the laws which oblige military catalysing instrument of political and initiatives that exist or have existed don't service the religious people invoke the social changes, amid one of the most easily fit within one single category. They only legitimate rule, the 'law of God'. Their

Continued from page 1 society at large. It becomes necessary, Seizing this fair wind, the government has therefore, for those of us involved in increase in salaries throughout military begun a “which hunt” of sorts, targeting peace movements and anti­militarism, to personnel was instated, placing them not only police officers, but also a series of take this into account, so as to generate among the State employees with highest members of civil society. A number of strategies in our causes, and effectively income and benefits in Ecuador. After people have been accused of block the advances of militarism in our September 30th, the lowest individual masterminding September 30th, and the countries and regions. income for members of the military forces president has even announced an in Ecuador is US$780, in stark contrast investigation into NGOs and activist Today, more than ever, we must come up with the average teacher, who earns groups considered suspects in the day’s with new strategies to counteract the new roughly US$450. events. forms of militarism that are, bit by bit, being imposed upon our countries. The extent of the governments militarized In other words, this violent episode apparatus was also evidenced, at least for became an opportunity for consolidating a Xavier León the case of Ecuador. The array of State with a larger repressive apparatus, repressive resources available to the and greater control over the population. Translation by Benjamin Molineaux police were also widely displayed during Even now, laws are being passed which the day’s events. For example, it seems allow telephone tapping and inquiries into that more tear­gas bombs were fired in a the finances of uninformed individuals. In single day than in the entirety of the year the light of this new state of affairs, a across the country. Furthermore, “security” reflection is called for: the fateful events of forces’ weapons were used to attack the a single day such as this, can be feed the population at large: a warning, no doubt, rise of a more militarized and controlled as to the dangers of having armed groups society, as we have seen for the USA after financed by our own taxes. September 11th.

Following these events, the country is left It seems that contemporary governments with mixed feelings: people have lost trust are attempting to exact gains from in the police forces, but have paradoxically calamitous days such as these, to be able gained confidence in the military, who now to consolidate more vertical power top the charts of credibility among national structures, effecting greater control over institution, according to polls. ISAF troops in Afghanistan. Source: NATO 2 The Broken Rifle No 87, December 2010 Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network Prisoners for Peace 2010 Action Within the global antimilitarist movement, unjust distributions of wealth on the communicate or interact with each other in Latin America has had a tradition based planet. The model of development was more or less effective ways according to • On 1 December, put aside on its own particular history. During a large almost exclusively based on the export of country. Not all have been present in all at least one hour and write part of the 20th century, the region was prime resources and food to the world countries and some don't consider at least four cards to governed by military dictatorships. Some market, while all of this occurred in the antimilitarism to be part of their identity, prisoners; of those non­democratic regimes were middle of a very late modernisation but rather to be a strategic response that • Get your peace group or encouraged or supported by the United process compared to the so called emerges from particular circumstances. class or meeting place to States (the majority of cases) or by the 'developed countries'. All have had in common a rejection of organise a card­writing Soviet Union during the period known as forced recruitment and the recognition, in session; the Cold War. Other democratic For all of the aforementioned reasons, the practice or in law, of conscientious • Set up a stall in your town governments were headed up by formation of movements of an antimilitarist objection to military service. However, centre, perform a bit of authoritarian leaders, known in the region profile was later and generally more hybrid opinion on the legitimacy of the armed street theatre, or do as caudillos, who count on wide popular than in order parts of the planet. While forces is split, as is also the case with whatever else it takes to support and promote values extracted there are some local initiatives, regard to strategies for promoting social attract attention and interest. from the armed forces for the antimilitarists in Latin America are unsure change and visions of what democracy – organisations that support them. Other about writing our own history. The creation or revolution – should be. Despite all Sending cards and governments develop a democracy that is of a timeline would permit us to visualize these prerogatives, it seems pertinent to letters restricted to the oligarchic elites. Many of our evolution as a social movement, try to identify the principal sources from Final act of the World March for Peace and Noviolence the governments dedicate large portions recognising errors, limitations and whence our predecessors came. strategies range from practical non­violence, as Americas, denouncement of the presence of • Always send your card in of their budgets to military expenditure, in contradictions but also successes in order in the case of Mormons or evangelicals, to US military bases in Latin American territory, an envelope; contrast with the meagre investment in to reflect on and face the future. The 1.­ Religiously inspired antimilitarism coexistence with, or tolerance of armed action as well as highlighting cases of massacres and • Include a return name and social areas such as health and purpose of this text is much more modest. against the 'bad government', as in some cases human rights violations carried out by the address on the envelope; education. May Latin American countries It attempts to categorise the principal Christians, generally those aligned with linked to the theology of liberation. Their vision military. They consider the traditional army to • Be chatty and creative: were also involved in civil wars and tendencies within the Latin Americans liberation theology, evangelical groups, for future society is the return to primitive be 'bourgeois' and opposed to everyday send photos from your life, temporary bi­national confrontations antimilitarist movement. However, let's adventists and other creeds have Christian communalism, without defining the people's interests, preferring the revolutionary drawings; during these years. The development and start with a warning. Like any promoted different specific initiatives that role that the armed forces would play in such a army or people's militia. According to this • Tell prisoners what you are growth of the so­called 'wars of national rationalisation, this interpretation is partial reject forced recruitment in various society. Their book of reference is the bible or vision, antimilitarism is a momentary strategy doing to stop war and war liberation' was also important, with guerilla and is a poor reflection of reality. The countries of the region. The main holy scriptures. in the process of transitioning to socialism or preparations; organisations fighting against both proposed categories only attempt to argument against participation in the the utopia of the strong, autocratic state. Its • Don't write anything that dictatorships and democratic supply an initial picture of the armed forces has been the biblical 2.­ Antimilitarism of non­governmental reference text is Das Kapital or the works of might get the prisoner into governments. From Patagonia to the phenomenon, packaging the available commandment against killing others. To origin leftist nationalist authors such as José Martí trouble; south of the Rio Grande, violence was the information for quick consumption. Some counter the laws which oblige military and Mariátegui. • Think about the sort of catalysing instrument of political and initiatives that exist or have existed don't service the religious people invoke the This tendency is represented by the non­ thing you'd like to receive if social changes, amid one of the most easily fit within one single category. They only legitimate rule, the 'law of God'. Their governmental organisations. Its emphasis has 4.­ Antimilitarism of anarchist origin you were in prison; been the respect of human rights and the so­ • Don't begin, "You are so called 'rule of law', which lays out the right to This tendency is represented by organisations brave, I could never do what society at large. It becomes necessary, conscientious objection. One of its strategies of anarchist inspiration. Quantitatively they you have done"; therefore, for those of us involved in has been to campaign in favour of outlawing have been the least numerous and their main • Don't expect the prisoner Seizing this fair wind, the government has to reply; increase in salaries throughout military begun a “which hunt” of sorts, targeting peace movements and anti­militarism, to forced recruitment and obligatory military themes have been the denouncement of the personnel was instated, placing them take this into account, so as to generate service, as well as the promotion and army as the armed wing of the State, the • Remember­next year it not only police officers, but also a series of could be you ... among the State employees with highest members of civil society. A number of strategies in our causes, and effectively normalisation of social service as an militarisation of society, the acceptance of income and benefits in Ecuador. After people have been accused of block the advances of militarism in our alternative. In addition, they have worked to military values as part of the process of September 30th, the lowest individual countries and regions. publicise cases of human rights violation voluntary servitude, and the participation of the For the up to date Prisoners masterminding September 30th, and the for Peace Honour Roll go to: income for members of the military forces president has even announced an carried out by the armed forces against military in massacres against the people. in Ecuador is US$780, in stark contrast Today, more than ever, we must come up civilians or their own personnel. They have also Anarchists reject the existence of all armies investigation into NGOs and activist http://wri­irg.org/node/4718 with the average teacher, who earns groups considered suspects in the day’s with new strategies to counteract the new monitored the budget destined to national and aspire to a society without blind obedience roughly US$450. events. forms of militarism that are, bit by bit, defence and have compared its size with the of authority. Internally there is no consensus on being imposed upon our countries. budget allocated to social programmes and the role of violence in social change, though Support our future work The extent of the governments militarized In other words, this violent episode poverty reduction policies. Within these they promote complete disobedience of the apparatus was also evidenced, at least for Xavier León campaigns the concepts of non­violence and State. Their foundational texts are the classic For 50 years, War Resisters' became an opportunity for consolidating a International has publicised the case of Ecuador. The array of State with a larger repressive apparatus, civil disobedience have been introduced. They works of anarchist authors such as Bakunin o repressive resources available to the Translation by Benjamin Molineaux envisage the role of the armed forces as the Kropotkin. the names and stories of and greater control over the population. prisoners of conscience. police were also widely displayed during Even now, laws are being passed which guardian of national sovereignty, a function that the day’s events. For example, it seems should be carried out in a professional manner, Rafael Uzcategui Help us keep up the allow telephone tapping and inquiries into tradition. Send in a special that more tear­gas bombs were fired in a the finances of uninformed individuals. In subordinate to the democratically elected single day than in the entirety of the year civilian powers. Its foundational text is the Translation by Ian Macdonald PfP donation to WRI to help the light of this new state of affairs, a fund next year's research. across the country. Furthermore, “security” reflection is called for: the fateful events of Universal Declaration of Human Rights. forces’ weapons were used to attack the a single day such as this, can be feed the Send contributions to: War population at large: a warning, no doubt, rise of a more militarized and controlled 3.­ Antimilitarism of anti­imperialist origin as to the dangers of having armed groups Resisters' International, 5 society, as we have seen for the USA after Caledonian Rd, London N1 financed by our own taxes. September 11th. This aspect has been developed by nationalist and leftist organisations. Its central themes 9DX, Britain (email pfp@wri­ irg.org). Following these events, the country is left It seems that contemporary governments have been the condemnation of imperialism, with mixed feelings: people have lost trust are attempting to exact gains from the subordination of Third World countries to in the police forces, but have paradoxically calamitous days such as these, to be able North American policies, and the construction gained confidence in the military, who now to consolidate more vertical power of a socially just society. Their strategies have top the charts of credibility among national structures, effecting greater control over included campaigns against the School of the institution, according to polls.

The Broken Rifle No 87, December 2010 3 Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network

strike the media of counter­ with anyone who bothers have spent too much time pressure cooker situation if the information managed to them, but solidarity is growing looking at ourselves from a authorities continue to give the Mapuche Resistance: provide coverage of the events amongst the different oppre­ distance, as though we were go ahead to the militarization, An indomitable people continue in their struggle for life despite the media blockade ssed sectors of society. In this strangers or enemies whilst social and environmental which was imposed by the regard, solidarity is the corner­ those in power have injustice? Is it possible that in official media. This shows the stone for the reconstruction of strengthened their domination. the 21st century, the Chilean “There can be Water without in the hands of Pinera and the helicopter and beat him whilst without any need of proof. importance of creating our a territory taken over by Unity in the fight. Unity to win. state will at one point recog­ Fish and Peoples without staunch neo­liberalist, he was handcuffed. Once they media, radio stations, written capitalism and the state. By Unity to rediscover our nize the project of Mapuche’s Tyrants, business minded, right wing were in flight with the doors The mass media control the press, or even TVxi. This is regaining back this territory, strength”... “to foster social cultural and territorial auto­ but there can’t be Fish without conservative government, who opened they threatened to same businesses, such as the possible based on the level of which belongs to the oppre­ commitment in order to nomy? Once the hunger strike Water, nor Tyrants without are influenced by opus dei. throw him off if he did not Edwars family vii, owner of the interest in creating such media ssed mestizos and Mapuches, unmask these tyrants who was over, the government Peoples” Remembering that the pre­ provide names of those who newspaper El Mercurio and in such times where the we will gain back our freedom pretend to act with humility gave in on the dual civil and Periódico Anarquista vious government of La participated in the occupation amongst other media which fraud of the rest of the media which the authorities are and who, at all costs, try to military trials of the ATL. Regeneración, November 5th. Concertación, which was in of a neighboring piece of land has followed the same fascist is so evident. denying us. convince us that their tyranny However, the political judges 1910 California, Mexican power for 20 years after in his community. This case line since its inception: “...men is necessary. We need to continue to apply this law, for Revolution Pinochet, continued to imple­ was taken to a court but it was were not born in order to live The Mapuche have led many Quoting from an open letter undermine the system from example, against the 14 ment terror policies of the declared incompetent in dea­ in an idle manner as jungle battles and now the solidarity sent by the MPP during the within so as to build, with our anarchists, kidnapped in The hunger strike of the the Pinochet era, imprisoning, ling with this matter and so animals, without benefitting with their demands continues strike in Temuco: “Our lives are own hands, the future we Santiago. Mapuche Political Prisoners killing and repressing the was passed on to the military mankind; and a group of to grow, just as the respective worth less than a house, all deserve.” (MPP) in the Southern terri­ dissidents who opposed the courtsiii …out of the question. savages, as savage as the governments are diversifying our lives combined are less We need to look South, to tories governed by the Chilean extreme opening to capitalism Stories like this are pampas or the araucanos is their strategies in order to stop important than a truck which We hope we can maintain this foster solidarity, to inform State, has recently come to an in Chile and all the consequen­ commonplace. no more than a horde of these demands from being emits fumes, the future of poor open communication between ourselves about how, at this end. The strike, which began ces that this entailed. beasts, which must be urgen­ met. The state is now prepa­ people is rationed by the the different forms of resis­ very moment, a path of on July 12th lasted 90 days, tly stopped or destroyed in the ring to carry out “Plan Arauca­ World Bank and the IMF”… tance both in South America resistance is being forged, with the participation of a total In the past few years, and as In the majority of cases, the interest of civilization” El nia”xii, a strategy which we “As we have already stated, as well as the rest of the world, which is trying to force the of 34 Mapuche rebels, impri­ has been recently shown, accusation which they make, Mercurio de Valparaíso May can only hope will not be the the main objective of our because the Mapuche people hand of history, written by the soned in 6 different prisons in many sectors adhered to these invoking the antiterrorist law, is 24th 1859. same as the horrifying “Plan prison based mobilization is to who are fighting are not alone. forefathers of the same tyrants the South, including a minor demands. Hundreds of organi­ due to actions against forest Nowadays this very media, Colombia”. contribute to the unity within Their different vision of the who govern Chile today. Get who was also tried under the sations, thousands of people trucks, setting fire of latifun­ along with the rest of them the Mapuche community and world and their way of life will informed. Anti­Terrorist Law (ATL). took to the streets, and we dista’s huts, amongst other (those which are controlled by Hunger strikes and experien­ their movement, but also to not be ruined by the greed of a saw the significant support acts, such as taking of country the rich and powerful), disse­ ces such as those in la encourage the unity of all the few. We have to continue to be Eleda Makilef Their demands consisted amongst the Mapuches estates or stealing pine. It has minate this sense of anesthe­ Chepaxiii , by Elena Varelaxiv, Chilean poor and displaced aware of what is happening in mainly in ending the applica­ between the different sides of been denounced that public sia so that there is no questio­ or the 14 anarchists who are people in their fight against the Wallmapu despite many Translation by tion of the ATL, putting an end the Wallmapui , including the prosecutors offer impunity, ning of the existing order now imprisoned in Santiagoxv, economic system and the questions remaining and many Francesca Denley to the militarization of the Argentine region where the decreased sentences and rooted in consumption, apathy are proof that those in power State, guarantors of the rich, paths we yet need to take. Mapuche territory, an end to same demands for the right to money to some Mapuche so and hate for those who they intimidate across all sectors our common enemy.”… “We What will happen with this the dual trials of civil and life are also being recognized. that they accuse others, who label “criminals” who rise up military justice where there are are then converted into “witne­ against this imposition of risks of incurring up to 104 Each time more walls of silen­ sses without a face”. Chile has norms. They try to hide all the year prison sentences, as well ce are being broken down in been sanctioned and ques­ damage caused by this way of as freedom for the the MPPs, the Southern cone of South tioned countless times by life, especially now that Chile amongst other demands. This America. Unfortunately, social Human Rights organizations is trying to keep the Mapuche action was carried out in a apathy sometimes undermines for such procedures. territory for megaprojects, context in which the Mapuche situations such as these, hydroelectric, mining and Foreign Military Support and the invasion process of fighters are targeting a where in order to be heard, The strategy: Neutralize those thermoelectric plants, paper fundamental question, the debt you have to put your lives at who are part of the struggle mills, extractive industries of the Chilean State, incurred risk, the very lives of those and who question the such as salmon farming, the United States in Colombia during all those years of who are willing to defend their plunderers in power. Therefore trawling, or forestation of Pine Most Brigades of the Colombian Army receive military aid from the USA. subjugation and due to the culture and nature. anyone who criticizes the and Eucalyptus, which is a capitalism which kills. The state policy is that of established powers of the central sector which is In addition units of Military Intelligence in Medellín, Bogota and Villavicencio received US funding. Various military radars are dispossession and repression, state is criminalized, as well as controlled by the the rich operated by US personnel, in addition to those operated by the Colombian Armed Forces. Seven military bases are operated in We continue our social stru­ and despite this, the mobili­ those who demand autonomy families of Chile such as the cooperation. This military cooperation should be seen in the context of US Direct Foreign Investment for “economic development” ­ ggle for autonomy, and not just zation still continues. In June through direct action, both in Matteviii or Angeliniix family. in short, maintaining the status quo for the elites. regarding services but also in of this year there were 96 the countryside and in cities. terms of our organization. It is MMPs put on trial, 57 of which For example, in the city of The stance of governments The history of the civil and military relation between Colombia and the USA for the last 20 years can be summarised as: Military the first time that over 30 under the ATL.ii. Temuco, there is increased after the dictatorship has been cooperation, military training for high­ranking officers in the School the Americas, loans for war, administration of military intelligence MPPs support a strike at the repression and where there to ignore the Mapuche voices, and the development of infrastructure, support to small military units and advice in war plans like with the case of El Patriota, tax same time in different prisons Children are not exempt from are autonomous social move­ to repress this boiling pot of exemption and legal guarantees to US corporations, for them to invest and exploit natural resources, commercial agreements (in addition to the supporting this repression. For example in ments which fortunately protest, boasting about their between both countries, fight against terrorism and offering of Colombian military bases to the US military, companies and personnel strikes carried out by “civil” October 2009 a minor, F.P.M, emerge, they are constantly economic model based on for foreign intelligence. society) with these judicial/ 14 years of age from the being monitored by repressive industrial or energy projects. legal, territorial and cultural Rofue Community, near to bodies. Prosecutions, raids on On the other hand, there are US security and defence corporations in Colombia includeLockheed­Martin and Dyncorp, which work to make profit from armed claims against the Chilean Temuco, was collecting herbs okupas, on specific houses, groups which have joined the conflicts, as a way of imposing the neoliberal project, against social resistance and the rights of people to the environment. state. These strikes highlight with the Machi4 when a thus creating judicial stages, struggle in order to defend what is happening and how Chilean Special Operations all happen, as it does in the these territorial rights and, Grupo de OxC Accionando Resistiendo Transformando the prison system deals with Unit, militarized police, shot rest of Chile, which is coupled despite some defeats such as those who are excluded from him in the leg, elbow and back. with the criminalization of Ralcox, these organizations this model. The most recent As the child tried to run away anarchists. This is another continue to strengthen actions attempted to under­ he was followed via a low­ headache for the state which themselves, learn from the mine the bicentenary celebra­ flying helicopter for almost 3 has taken every opportunity to past and demonstrate a tions of the republic which took kilometers. They grabbed hold get their claws out and impri­ significant support network. place in September, this time of him and forced him into the son those in the struggle, For example during the recent

4 The Broken Rifle No 87, December 2010 Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network

strike the media of counter­ with anyone who bothers have spent too much time pressure cooker situation if the information managed to them, but solidarity is growing looking at ourselves from a authorities continue to give the Mapuche Resistance: provide coverage of the events amongst the different oppre­ distance, as though we were go ahead to the militarization, An indomitable people continue in their struggle for life despite the media blockade ssed sectors of society. In this strangers or enemies whilst social and environmental which was imposed by the regard, solidarity is the corner­ those in power have injustice? Is it possible that in official media. This shows the stone for the reconstruction of strengthened their domination. the 21st century, the Chilean “There can be Water without in the hands of Pinera and the helicopter and beat him whilst without any need of proof. importance of creating our a territory taken over by Unity in the fight. Unity to win. state will at one point recog­ Fish and Peoples without staunch neo­liberalist, he was handcuffed. Once they media, radio stations, written capitalism and the state. By Unity to rediscover our nize the project of Mapuche’s Tyrants, business minded, right wing were in flight with the doors The mass media control the press, or even TVxi. This is regaining back this territory, strength”... “to foster social cultural and territorial auto­ but there can’t be Fish without conservative government, who opened they threatened to same businesses, such as the possible based on the level of which belongs to the oppre­ commitment in order to nomy? Once the hunger strike Water, nor Tyrants without are influenced by opus dei. throw him off if he did not Edwars family vii, owner of the interest in creating such media ssed mestizos and Mapuches, unmask these tyrants who was over, the government Peoples” Remembering that the pre­ provide names of those who newspaper El Mercurio and in such times where the we will gain back our freedom pretend to act with humility gave in on the dual civil and Periódico Anarquista vious government of La participated in the occupation amongst other media which fraud of the rest of the media which the authorities are and who, at all costs, try to military trials of the ATL. Regeneración, November 5th. Concertación, which was in of a neighboring piece of land has followed the same fascist is so evident. denying us. convince us that their tyranny However, the political judges 1910 California, Mexican power for 20 years after in his community. This case line since its inception: “...men is necessary. We need to continue to apply this law, for Revolution Pinochet, continued to imple­ was taken to a court but it was were not born in order to live The Mapuche have led many Quoting from an open letter undermine the system from example, against the 14 ment terror policies of the declared incompetent in dea­ in an idle manner as jungle battles and now the solidarity sent by the MPP during the within so as to build, with our anarchists, kidnapped in The hunger strike of the the Pinochet era, imprisoning, ling with this matter and so animals, without benefitting with their demands continues strike in Temuco: “Our lives are own hands, the future we Santiago. Mapuche Political Prisoners killing and repressing the was passed on to the military mankind; and a group of to grow, just as the respective worth less than a house, all deserve.” (MPP) in the Southern terri­ dissidents who opposed the courtsiii …out of the question. savages, as savage as the governments are diversifying our lives combined are less We need to look South, to tories governed by the Chilean extreme opening to capitalism Stories like this are pampas or the araucanos is their strategies in order to stop important than a truck which We hope we can maintain this foster solidarity, to inform State, has recently come to an in Chile and all the consequen­ commonplace. no more than a horde of these demands from being emits fumes, the future of poor open communication between ourselves about how, at this end. The strike, which began ces that this entailed. beasts, which must be urgen­ met. The state is now prepa­ people is rationed by the the different forms of resis­ very moment, a path of on July 12th lasted 90 days, tly stopped or destroyed in the ring to carry out “Plan Arauca­ World Bank and the IMF”… tance both in South America resistance is being forged, with the participation of a total In the past few years, and as In the majority of cases, the interest of civilization” El nia”xii, a strategy which we “As we have already stated, as well as the rest of the world, which is trying to force the of 34 Mapuche rebels, impri­ has been recently shown, accusation which they make, Mercurio de Valparaíso May can only hope will not be the the main objective of our because the Mapuche people hand of history, written by the soned in 6 different prisons in many sectors adhered to these invoking the antiterrorist law, is 24th 1859. same as the horrifying “Plan prison based mobilization is to who are fighting are not alone. forefathers of the same tyrants the South, including a minor demands. Hundreds of organi­ due to actions against forest Nowadays this very media, Colombia”. contribute to the unity within Their different vision of the who govern Chile today. Get who was also tried under the sations, thousands of people trucks, setting fire of latifun­ along with the rest of them the Mapuche community and world and their way of life will informed. Anti­Terrorist Law (ATL). took to the streets, and we dista’s huts, amongst other (those which are controlled by Hunger strikes and experien­ their movement, but also to not be ruined by the greed of a saw the significant support acts, such as taking of country the rich and powerful), disse­ ces such as those in la encourage the unity of all the few. We have to continue to be Eleda Makilef Their demands consisted amongst the Mapuches estates or stealing pine. It has minate this sense of anesthe­ Chepaxiii , by Elena Varelaxiv, Chilean poor and displaced aware of what is happening in mainly in ending the applica­ between the different sides of been denounced that public sia so that there is no questio­ or the 14 anarchists who are people in their fight against the Wallmapu despite many Translation by tion of the ATL, putting an end the Wallmapui , including the prosecutors offer impunity, ning of the existing order now imprisoned in Santiagoxv, economic system and the questions remaining and many Francesca Denley to the militarization of the Argentine region where the decreased sentences and rooted in consumption, apathy are proof that those in power State, guarantors of the rich, paths we yet need to take. Mapuche territory, an end to same demands for the right to money to some Mapuche so and hate for those who they intimidate across all sectors our common enemy.”… “We What will happen with this the dual trials of civil and life are also being recognized. that they accuse others, who label “criminals” who rise up military justice where there are are then converted into “witne­ against this imposition of risks of incurring up to 104 Each time more walls of silen­ sses without a face”. Chile has norms. They try to hide all the year prison sentences, as well ce are being broken down in been sanctioned and ques­ damage caused by this way of as freedom for the the MPPs, the Southern cone of South tioned countless times by life, especially now that Chile amongst other demands. This America. Unfortunately, social Human Rights organizations is trying to keep the Mapuche action was carried out in a apathy sometimes undermines for such procedures. territory for megaprojects, context in which the Mapuche situations such as these, hydroelectric, mining and Foreign Military Support and the invasion process of fighters are targeting a where in order to be heard, The strategy: Neutralize those thermoelectric plants, paper fundamental question, the debt you have to put your lives at who are part of the struggle mills, extractive industries of the Chilean State, incurred risk, the very lives of those and who question the such as salmon farming, the United States in Colombia during all those years of who are willing to defend their plunderers in power. Therefore trawling, or forestation of Pine Most Brigades of the Colombian Army receive military aid from the USA. subjugation and due to the culture and nature. anyone who criticizes the and Eucalyptus, which is a capitalism which kills. The state policy is that of established powers of the central sector which is In addition units of Military Intelligence in Medellín, Bogota and Villavicencio received US funding. Various military radars are dispossession and repression, state is criminalized, as well as controlled by the the rich operated by US personnel, in addition to those operated by the Colombian Armed Forces. Seven military bases are operated in We continue our social stru­ and despite this, the mobili­ those who demand autonomy families of Chile such as the cooperation. This military cooperation should be seen in the context of US Direct Foreign Investment for “economic development” ­ ggle for autonomy, and not just zation still continues. In June through direct action, both in Matteviii or Angeliniix family. in short, maintaining the status quo for the elites. regarding services but also in of this year there were 96 the countryside and in cities. terms of our organization. It is MMPs put on trial, 57 of which For example, in the city of The stance of governments The history of the civil and military relation between Colombia and the USA for the last 20 years can be summarised as: Military the first time that over 30 under the ATL.ii. Temuco, there is increased after the dictatorship has been cooperation, military training for high­ranking officers in the School the Americas, loans for war, administration of military intelligence MPPs support a strike at the repression and where there to ignore the Mapuche voices, and the development of infrastructure, support to small military units and advice in war plans like with the case of El Patriota, tax same time in different prisons Children are not exempt from are autonomous social move­ to repress this boiling pot of exemption and legal guarantees to US corporations, for them to invest and exploit natural resources, commercial agreements (in addition to the supporting this repression. For example in ments which fortunately protest, boasting about their between both countries, fight against terrorism and offering of Colombian military bases to the US military, companies and personnel strikes carried out by “civil” October 2009 a minor, F.P.M, emerge, they are constantly economic model based on for foreign intelligence. society) with these judicial/ 14 years of age from the being monitored by repressive industrial or energy projects. legal, territorial and cultural Rofue Community, near to bodies. Prosecutions, raids on On the other hand, there are US security and defence corporations in Colombia includeLockheed­Martin and Dyncorp, which work to make profit from armed claims against the Chilean Temuco, was collecting herbs okupas, on specific houses, groups which have joined the conflicts, as a way of imposing the neoliberal project, against social resistance and the rights of people to the environment. state. These strikes highlight with the Machi4 when a thus creating judicial stages, struggle in order to defend what is happening and how Chilean Special Operations all happen, as it does in the these territorial rights and, Grupo de OxC Accionando Resistiendo Transformando the prison system deals with Unit, militarized police, shot rest of Chile, which is coupled despite some defeats such as those who are excluded from him in the leg, elbow and back. with the criminalization of Ralcox, these organizations this model. The most recent As the child tried to run away anarchists. This is another continue to strengthen actions attempted to under­ he was followed via a low­ headache for the state which themselves, learn from the mine the bicentenary celebra­ flying helicopter for almost 3 has taken every opportunity to past and demonstrate a tions of the republic which took kilometers. They grabbed hold get their claws out and impri­ significant support network. place in September, this time of him and forced him into the son those in the struggle, For example during the recent

The Broken Rifle No 87, December 2010 5 Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network The Sexual Uniform LatinAmerican and CaribbeanAntimilitarist Network

The military uniform hides under its will be as operational for militarism as the hierarchies, knowledge, skills, power, It seems that we are always Day, in 2004, in Santiago, Chi­ The list has enabled us as a example of this is the increase camouflage – olive green, pale kaki, dark stalest and most machista patriarchal economy, history and salaries. It sustains announcing a new attempt at le. During the event there was network to come up with of policies of “citizen security”, blue or snowy white – yet another uniform concepts regarding Order and the Sys­ it all both in the military and the civilian, co­operation between antimi­ a CLAOC meeting, where it statements in response to with its clearest manifestation deployed over the very body which tem­World. Each in its rank contributes to establishing alliances – even bizarre – to litarist organisations in Latin was agreed that it was effec­ emergencies, such as the in the criminalisation of social sustains the warrior clothing. Over there, sustaining the ontological order that the the point that the ontological conviction is America and the Caribbean. tively inactive. The event, even increase of tensions between protest and the militarisation of taking the form of skin and hairs, you will faith in our binary essence establishes. the same for a feminist pro­abortion or for From time to time it is good to though it was part of CO Venezuela, Colombia and our communities in favour of find the sexual uniform: that act of faith a military commander: he believes he is a establish when a period ends activities, had a clear antimi­ Ecuador in March 2008, or the the exploitation of natural that turns men into men and women into But yes, each battle won is important, man, she believes she is a woman. All in and a new one begins, but at litarist focus, and with the goal coup d'etat in Honduras. resources, the permanent women, regardless our identity, wishes or each territory gained is precious, each place, excellent. the same time, always trying to of reactivating regional coope­ These statements were a first increase in military expendi­ actual actions. For the military (and the loss, each casualty, irreplaceable. pretend to reinvent the wheel, ration. Another moment can be step towards working in a co­ ture, the militarisation of our various kinds of militarisms), sex is the Guerrilla warfare opens up new spaces, And what’s left for antimilitarists… more of or to focus our energies on identified in the proposal pre­ ordinated manner. Taking the bodies, and the militarisation ultimate certainty and the ultimate order. de­structuring the Patriarchal at least a the same: we have to know where we trying to build something new, sented to WRI by Yeidy Rosa next steps, with more concrete of the discourse from both Provided this remains in place, the space little ­­ Is that possible? The gains are stand, we have to discuss about our faith­ can burn you out and be and Xavier León Vega to set actions, has not been easy. conservative and 'progressive' for this hierarchical, conservative, aggre­ great. Depathologizing transexuality, believes, our deeply rooted convictions unreal. up a WRI office in Latin Ameri­ Mainly this is because there is regimes. ssive, militarized society will be secured. confronting machista violence, empo­ and all that is upholded by these. With our ca. This proposal included a a lack of clarity of what are our Because in spite of it all, in spite of exis­ wering cis wimmin, deconstructing the work, aren’t we making men more men­ When we talk about the Latin consultation process with the common aims as a network, All of us in the network say ting desire, identity and sexual intercourse supremacy of cis men, the intersex like and women more women­like? Are we American and Caribbean different groups in each coun­ and a lack of a clear decision­ that we want regional co­ and all of the analyses around gender, discussion, the queer explosion (not yet accepting the binary mold willingly Antimilitarist Network, we talk try, to identify the co­operation making structure, and many ordination, but at the same over there, somewhere between the legs, domesticated)… are scenarios for clashes because it shows us where we belong? of a recent initiative of co­ needs and how we could func­ times we depended in “some­ time we are overwhelmed by there exists the order that sustains it all: and openings in the rock­solid defensive And this place where we belong (suppo­ operation, but at the same tion in a better way. From the one” taking the initiative. our local realities. The ques­ you are a man, or else… a woman. There block of a patriarchal system soundly sing we’re allowed to have a say)… is it time it's the result of and in beginning it was clear that we tion is how we move from an is no other option. One or the other. That founded on two—so far, unbeatable the contented place of the Ordinary some way the continuation of didn't need new institutions From 2006 to 2010, members electronic and passive co­ is Order, that is Reality, that is Truth. —pillars: there exists man, there exists Person or the uncomfortable place of the previous experiences. Most of –an office– but that we needed of a number of groups in the ordination to an active one: woman. And all the rest will exist within rebel? the groups in the network were a space for dialogue, to share network have met at WRI this is the challenge we have Fundamentally, such sexual uniform, for that framework. at one time members of ROLC experience and co­ordinate meetings, allowing us to move as antimilitarists and in which the military and the various kinds of Right, from the realm of resistance, before (Latin American and Cari­ efforts. forward the co­ordination we invite you to join us. militarism, is natural, biological, scientific, What is military, thus, promotes this faith accepting we are men we will say we are bbean Network of Conscien­ process, at the same time incontestable. It is a conviction (an and generates the alliances that sustain it. women, before being cis we will be trans, tious Objection) and its later Through the years, WRI has making Latin America more Javier Gárate absolute certainty), as firm as a bunker, The forces are abandoning blatant ma­ before being certain we will be inters. transformation into CLAOC worked with most of the mem­ visible within WRI itself. more solid than a mortar ­­ some indis­ chismo to enthusiastically engage women However, from a truly constructive posi­ (Latin American Antimilitarist ber group of this regional However there is a problem putable conviction where all abnormalities in the first place, then gay people, then the tion, before acknowledging we are some­ and Conscientious Objection network, where a number of which is that in most cases the are resolved. All is negotiable, except that whole of Diversity, for by maintaining the thing, we will acknowledge we are no­ Coordination). The main groups are actually members network has not had a say stronghold: sex. same hierarchy of authoritarian subjection thing; instead of accepting bio­conformist emphasis, as the names say, of WRI. In this period WRI had about who from Latin America posed by the Rule­and­Obey Model and certainties, we will become walking was conscientious objection the presence of representa­ could attend these meetings, You can fuck whatever, you can screw the Binary Sexual Uniform, everything questions; before comfortably saying yes (CO). CO has the characteris­ tives of these groups at WRI and without regional meetings, whoever you like and you can sodomize keeps in place, both concepts nurturing to identity, we will be rebels of norm, tic of uniting groups from diffe­ events, and there were even these have been the only as many people and whichever way you and sustaining one another. parting from, because we will have made rent traditions, depending on joint events, like in Medellin in opportunities for discussing like. You can wear any costume, pick your contact with the actual boiling pot of our the focus you give it. It can be 2003. But there has always the co­ordination, which has looks, identify with anything, be whatever The disaster of this militarist Order occurs desire. organisations which are clearly been the perception of WRI been within a WRI framework you want to be, as long as you keep when it is questioned, unbelieved in, antimilitarist, as they see in being something far away, and where clearly we need to treading the path from macho to female, uncertaintied, when we refuse to accept Because violence is also unquestionable military service one of the without clarity of how it func­ meet and to make our own from female to macho. Over this funda­ as given the biopolitical and medical­ dogma and compulsory consensus, and clearest examples of the tions, and very European. decisions as a network. mental line is where the Prevail Game by governmental description of Being a Man nonviolence is also saying no to imposi­ power of militarism in our Most of these perceptions military and militarist conservadurism is and of Being a Woman, as well as the tions and refusing to be their partners in societies; or it can be from a remain the same. In May of this year (2010), won. Because that’s what it is ­­ from the paths leading to those places. What needs crime. A direct antimilitarist action working Human Rights perspective, using the opportunity of 15th of military viewpoint of protracted war, almost to be done is break the mold – not only ethically and politically should allow us to with a focus more in the As an International, from the May activities in Asunción, everything are diversionary tactics to the the Identity mold (stop being something, abandon the track of Compulsorily individual right of a person to beginning WRI supported this Paraguay, we had a meeting stronghold of definite natural sex. Within start to be there), or the mold for desire, Consensused Certainty. not carry a weapon. So in new initiative, as WRI under­ with representatives of most of this scope we move on and move back­ but also that of the certificates those grant ROLC, and later in CLAOC, stands that, in international the groups in the network, wards along the lines of the universal you (stop believing you are this or that, Pelao Carvallo there were groups represen­ work, the first step is to build which was an important step. battle, gaining ground in some spaces and stop labeling yourself) – because what is a ting the spectrum of the CO regional alliances. WRI has From the different meetings, losing none nowhere, because almost all man? What is a woman? But to willingly Translated from Spanish into English by movement. This diversity, in always respected the autono­ many ideas have come up: the is fun combat, a simple pastime. Nothing accept a sexual uniform given out by the michelle (December 2010), proofread by itself, can be seen as a my of this process, but at the problem is that almost none of important is at stake. In any case, we must militarized machine of a society biopoli­ Pelao Carvallo strength of the movement, but same time offered to facilitate them have been followed up. prevent the fire from moving closer to the tically controlled from a kind of Power that at the same time it shows big it. The first step was to set up vital points. considers itself natural, biological, explai­ References: differences, which if they are a list serve (irg­[email protected]­ As a network we still need to ning, consequently, along those lines not clarified over time, can irg.org) to allow us to have define what our common Consequently, it is irrelevant whether you (biologically) its legitimacy: it is natural, it • María Llopis, El PostPorno era eso, ed. lead to misunderstandings and space for exchanging informa­ ground is when we talk about are a trans or not, a cis, an intersex. While is scientific, it is real. You are a man, you Melusina, 2010 lack of trust, and can finally tion. It is clear that the list has militarism. We call ourselves the discussion remains in the realm of the are a woman. • Sandro Mezzadra, comp. Estudios make co­operation impossible. improved communication in antimilitarist, but we don't solid consensus around binary sex, there Postcoloniales, ensayos fundamentales, As the Antimilitarist Network the network but, at the same, it know what exactly we mean is no need to worry. Patriarchy is not And wE­all accept this uniform without ed. Traficantes de Sueños, junio 2008 comes from this history, it has is a small group of people who by this, as we see in the questionable; therefore military forms are turning the jacket inside out, without • Colectiva Libertaria D­género Proyectil been necessary to work from a post to the list, even though network a diversity of forms of not questionable either. It is all about stepping deep into the mud, without Fetal fresh start. It is hard to say there are many people who groups and struggles. For this keeping the lines as far as possible from chucking away the medals. In the gender • Grupos de Lectura de La Comuna de when exactly it was that this have subscribed to it. It is the we need to analyse the what is vital – that is why we can discuss discussion, sanctuary for militarism lies in Emma, Chana y Todas las Demás new initiative started ­ one challenge of passive different forms that militarism liberties, abortion, the family, infant sex... the fact that we are not allowed to option is to go to the events of participation and how to in the region, and how this In this sense, essentialist stances on sex question sex. This faith sustains positions, 15th of May, International COs' transform it into an active one. militarism is evolving. A clear

6 The Broken Rifle No 87, December 2010 Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network The Sexual Uniform LatinAmerican and CaribbeanAntimilitarist Network

The military uniform hides under its will be as operational for militarism as the hierarchies, knowledge, skills, power, It seems that we are always Day, in 2004, in Santiago, Chi­ The list has enabled us as a example of this is the increase camouflage – olive green, pale kaki, dark stalest and most machista patriarchal economy, history and salaries. It sustains announcing a new attempt at le. During the event there was network to come up with of policies of “citizen security”, blue or snowy white – yet another uniform concepts regarding Order and the Sys­ it all both in the military and the civilian, co­operation between antimi­ a CLAOC meeting, where it statements in response to with its clearest manifestation deployed over the very body which tem­World. Each in its rank contributes to establishing alliances – even bizarre – to litarist organisations in Latin was agreed that it was effec­ emergencies, such as the in the criminalisation of social sustains the warrior clothing. Over there, sustaining the ontological order that the the point that the ontological conviction is America and the Caribbean. tively inactive. The event, even increase of tensions between protest and the militarisation of taking the form of skin and hairs, you will faith in our binary essence establishes. the same for a feminist pro­abortion or for From time to time it is good to though it was part of CO Venezuela, Colombia and our communities in favour of find the sexual uniform: that act of faith a military commander: he believes he is a establish when a period ends activities, had a clear antimi­ Ecuador in March 2008, or the the exploitation of natural that turns men into men and women into But yes, each battle won is important, man, she believes she is a woman. All in and a new one begins, but at litarist focus, and with the goal coup d'etat in Honduras. resources, the permanent women, regardless our identity, wishes or each territory gained is precious, each place, excellent. the same time, always trying to of reactivating regional coope­ These statements were a first increase in military expendi­ actual actions. For the military (and the loss, each casualty, irreplaceable. pretend to reinvent the wheel, ration. Another moment can be step towards working in a co­ ture, the militarisation of our various kinds of militarisms), sex is the Guerrilla warfare opens up new spaces, And what’s left for antimilitarists… more of or to focus our energies on identified in the proposal pre­ ordinated manner. Taking the bodies, and the militarisation ultimate certainty and the ultimate order. de­structuring the Patriarchal at least a the same: we have to know where we trying to build something new, sented to WRI by Yeidy Rosa next steps, with more concrete of the discourse from both Provided this remains in place, the space little ­­ Is that possible? The gains are stand, we have to discuss about our faith­ can burn you out and be and Xavier León Vega to set actions, has not been easy. conservative and 'progressive' for this hierarchical, conservative, aggre­ great. Depathologizing transexuality, believes, our deeply rooted convictions unreal. up a WRI office in Latin Ameri­ Mainly this is because there is regimes. ssive, militarized society will be secured. confronting machista violence, empo­ and all that is upholded by these. With our ca. This proposal included a a lack of clarity of what are our Because in spite of it all, in spite of exis­ wering cis wimmin, deconstructing the work, aren’t we making men more men­ When we talk about the Latin consultation process with the common aims as a network, All of us in the network say ting desire, identity and sexual intercourse supremacy of cis men, the intersex like and women more women­like? Are we American and Caribbean different groups in each coun­ and a lack of a clear decision­ that we want regional co­ and all of the analyses around gender, discussion, the queer explosion (not yet accepting the binary mold willingly Antimilitarist Network, we talk try, to identify the co­operation making structure, and many ordination, but at the same over there, somewhere between the legs, domesticated)… are scenarios for clashes because it shows us where we belong? of a recent initiative of co­ needs and how we could func­ times we depended in “some­ time we are overwhelmed by there exists the order that sustains it all: and openings in the rock­solid defensive And this place where we belong (suppo­ operation, but at the same tion in a better way. From the one” taking the initiative. our local realities. The ques­ you are a man, or else… a woman. There block of a patriarchal system soundly sing we’re allowed to have a say)… is it time it's the result of and in beginning it was clear that we tion is how we move from an is no other option. One or the other. That founded on two—so far, unbeatable the contented place of the Ordinary some way the continuation of didn't need new institutions From 2006 to 2010, members electronic and passive co­ is Order, that is Reality, that is Truth. —pillars: there exists man, there exists Person or the uncomfortable place of the previous experiences. Most of –an office– but that we needed of a number of groups in the ordination to an active one: woman. And all the rest will exist within rebel? the groups in the network were a space for dialogue, to share network have met at WRI this is the challenge we have Fundamentally, such sexual uniform, for that framework. at one time members of ROLC experience and co­ordinate meetings, allowing us to move as antimilitarists and in which the military and the various kinds of Right, from the realm of resistance, before (Latin American and Cari­ efforts. forward the co­ordination we invite you to join us. militarism, is natural, biological, scientific, What is military, thus, promotes this faith accepting we are men we will say we are bbean Network of Conscien­ process, at the same time incontestable. It is a conviction (an and generates the alliances that sustain it. women, before being cis we will be trans, tious Objection) and its later Through the years, WRI has making Latin America more Javier Gárate absolute certainty), as firm as a bunker, The forces are abandoning blatant ma­ before being certain we will be inters. transformation into CLAOC worked with most of the mem­ visible within WRI itself. more solid than a mortar ­­ some indis­ chismo to enthusiastically engage women However, from a truly constructive posi­ (Latin American Antimilitarist ber group of this regional However there is a problem putable conviction where all abnormalities in the first place, then gay people, then the tion, before acknowledging we are some­ and Conscientious Objection network, where a number of which is that in most cases the are resolved. All is negotiable, except that whole of Diversity, for by maintaining the thing, we will acknowledge we are no­ Coordination). The main groups are actually members network has not had a say stronghold: sex. same hierarchy of authoritarian subjection thing; instead of accepting bio­conformist emphasis, as the names say, of WRI. In this period WRI had about who from Latin America posed by the Rule­and­Obey Model and certainties, we will become walking was conscientious objection the presence of representa­ could attend these meetings, You can fuck whatever, you can screw the Binary Sexual Uniform, everything questions; before comfortably saying yes (CO). CO has the characteris­ tives of these groups at WRI and without regional meetings, whoever you like and you can sodomize keeps in place, both concepts nurturing to identity, we will be rebels of norm, tic of uniting groups from diffe­ events, and there were even these have been the only as many people and whichever way you and sustaining one another. parting from, because we will have made rent traditions, depending on joint events, like in Medellin in opportunities for discussing like. You can wear any costume, pick your contact with the actual boiling pot of our the focus you give it. It can be 2003. But there has always the co­ordination, which has looks, identify with anything, be whatever The disaster of this militarist Order occurs desire. organisations which are clearly been the perception of WRI been within a WRI framework you want to be, as long as you keep when it is questioned, unbelieved in, antimilitarist, as they see in being something far away, and where clearly we need to treading the path from macho to female, uncertaintied, when we refuse to accept Because violence is also unquestionable military service one of the without clarity of how it func­ meet and to make our own from female to macho. Over this funda­ as given the biopolitical and medical­ dogma and compulsory consensus, and clearest examples of the tions, and very European. decisions as a network. mental line is where the Prevail Game by governmental description of Being a Man nonviolence is also saying no to imposi­ power of militarism in our Most of these perceptions military and militarist conservadurism is and of Being a Woman, as well as the tions and refusing to be their partners in societies; or it can be from a remain the same. In May of this year (2010), won. Because that’s what it is ­­ from the paths leading to those places. What needs crime. A direct antimilitarist action working Human Rights perspective, using the opportunity of 15th of military viewpoint of protracted war, almost to be done is break the mold – not only ethically and politically should allow us to with a focus more in the As an International, from the May activities in Asunción, everything are diversionary tactics to the the Identity mold (stop being something, abandon the track of Compulsorily individual right of a person to beginning WRI supported this Paraguay, we had a meeting stronghold of definite natural sex. Within start to be there), or the mold for desire, Consensused Certainty. not carry a weapon. So in new initiative, as WRI under­ with representatives of most of this scope we move on and move back­ but also that of the certificates those grant ROLC, and later in CLAOC, stands that, in international the groups in the network, wards along the lines of the universal you (stop believing you are this or that, Pelao Carvallo there were groups represen­ work, the first step is to build which was an important step. battle, gaining ground in some spaces and stop labeling yourself) – because what is a ting the spectrum of the CO regional alliances. WRI has From the different meetings, losing none nowhere, because almost all man? What is a woman? But to willingly Translated from Spanish into English by movement. This diversity, in always respected the autono­ many ideas have come up: the is fun combat, a simple pastime. Nothing accept a sexual uniform given out by the michelle (December 2010), proofread by itself, can be seen as a my of this process, but at the problem is that almost none of important is at stake. In any case, we must militarized machine of a society biopoli­ Pelao Carvallo strength of the movement, but same time offered to facilitate them have been followed up. prevent the fire from moving closer to the tically controlled from a kind of Power that at the same time it shows big it. The first step was to set up vital points. considers itself natural, biological, explai­ References: differences, which if they are a list serve (irg­[email protected]­ As a network we still need to ning, consequently, along those lines not clarified over time, can irg.org) to allow us to have define what our common Consequently, it is irrelevant whether you (biologically) its legitimacy: it is natural, it • María Llopis, El PostPorno era eso, ed. lead to misunderstandings and space for exchanging informa­ ground is when we talk about are a trans or not, a cis, an intersex. While is scientific, it is real. You are a man, you Melusina, 2010 lack of trust, and can finally tion. It is clear that the list has militarism. We call ourselves the discussion remains in the realm of the are a woman. • Sandro Mezzadra, comp. Estudios make co­operation impossible. improved communication in antimilitarist, but we don't solid consensus around binary sex, there Postcoloniales, ensayos fundamentales, As the Antimilitarist Network the network but, at the same, it know what exactly we mean is no need to worry. Patriarchy is not And wE­all accept this uniform without ed. Traficantes de Sueños, junio 2008 comes from this history, it has is a small group of people who by this, as we see in the questionable; therefore military forms are turning the jacket inside out, without • Colectiva Libertaria D­género Proyectil been necessary to work from a post to the list, even though network a diversity of forms of not questionable either. It is all about stepping deep into the mud, without Fetal fresh start. It is hard to say there are many people who groups and struggles. For this keeping the lines as far as possible from chucking away the medals. In the gender • Grupos de Lectura de La Comuna de when exactly it was that this have subscribed to it. It is the we need to analyse the what is vital – that is why we can discuss discussion, sanctuary for militarism lies in Emma, Chana y Todas las Demás new initiative started ­ one challenge of passive different forms that militarism liberties, abortion, the family, infant sex... the fact that we are not allowed to option is to go to the events of participation and how to in the region, and how this In this sense, essentialist stances on sex question sex. This faith sustains positions, 15th of May, International COs' transform it into an active one. militarism is evolving. A clear

The Broken Rifle No 87, December 2010 7 Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network

Under the "anti­imperialism" banner, Vene­ exception to the rule, would be the volatile known plans to create a "NATO of the War profiteering in SouthAmerica: zuela has made major acquisitions of relations between Venezuela and Colo­ South", which requires members to obtain weapons from Russia. During a visit to mbia, which are cleverly used by both standards dictated by this military alliance. What is the current state of affairs? Caracas, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir governments as a justification for arms Several South American countries have Putin, revealed that purchases made by purchasing and military protection. In the been part of the "peacekeepers", especia­ the Venezuelan government have excee­ case of Venezuela, the main issue is the lly in the case of Haiti, where Argentina, Despite an effort to appear otherwise, the nuclear submarine with French company Chile ded 5 billion dollars. During his testimony, U.S. imperialist threat in conjunction with Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador countries of South America do not repre­ DCNA. Brazil has also bought fighter Putin mentioned a report on the defence Colombia. In turn, the Colombian govern­ and Peru participated with troops or police sent an exception to the military ­ indus­ planes and other armaments. Brazil seeks Chile also claims its high military spen­ sector, noting that the contracts were ment claims that the FARC is a “terrorist” officers. If NATO South becomes a reality, trial complex (the relationship between technology to reinvigorate its own military­ ding is based on the need for renewal of made with 13 Russian companies, inclu­ organisation that is being supported by the South American armed forces would governments and the arms industry that industrial base. According to the official its armaments. However, such “renewal” ding Izhmash – a manufacturer of rifles. Venezuela. Another similar but less­polari­ participate in more military interventions favours the latter and underlies an end­ discourse, this is of great importance. The has shown no limits, creating a troubling zed case, is a border argument between outside the region. Moreover, the purcha­ less arms race). Although the military – Brazilian Defence Minister Nelson Jobim degree of uncertainty, especially in Peru. According to SIPRI, in the last ten years, Chile and Peru and that includes the se of this arsenal is linked to relations with industrial complex does not manifest as said: "Our priority now is the technological This has led Peru to increase its military 77.6% of arms imports to Venezuela come problem of providing access to the sea for the North. The EU and U.S. call for brutally in South America as in the United empowerment in the defence area, parti­ spending, in contrast to President Alan from Russia. The acquisitions include Bolivia. These issues have not been supporting the development of South States, the pressure of the war industry on cularly in the area of cyber space and Garcia’s original proposal to avoid an Sukhoi fighter jets, Mi­17 and Mi­35 resolved but do not pose a risk of military America. Based principally on free market politics is unquestionable. So what is the nuclear weapons ... .The first conse­ arms race in the region. helicopters, Kalashnikov assault rifles conflict. agreements and the sale of weapons, justification for all the money and resour­ quence of this policy is the end of bargain (plus the agreement to build a local these policies favour large corporations ces wasted on the purchase of arms? The acquisitions. From now on every major Chile, taking advantage of high copper Kalashnikov rifle and ammunition plant), The best example of this fallacy of the and military expansion. subcontinent has for years been without purchase must include technology transfer prices during the last decade and a law tanks and S­300 antiaircraft missiles. “need” defend themselves from neigh­ war between countries, although there has and partnerships with Brazilian inherited from the Pinochet regime (which bours is the formation of UNASUR and the Another sphere of militarism is an attempt been an increase in tensions, mainly companies. " stipulates that 10% of the copper reve­ Mercenaries corresponding South American Defence to control the "enemy within", to fight between Colombia and Venezuela. nues are for the Armed Forces), is spen­ Council, which seeks military integration in against "terrorism" and "drug trafficking" Militaristic rhetoric posits that this relative Some of the countries supplying arms to ding billions dollars on weapons. This has The presence of private Chilean soldiers the region. This goal of promoting a high and to promote "citizen security". All of peace is thanks to the policy of military Brazil in recent years include Germany, included the purchase of 2 Scorpene who are active in Iraq is well known. At degree of military integration underlies a these activities involve police who engage deterrence, with its recurring military Italy, Jordan, Russia, Spain and the U.S.. submarines from the Franco­Spanish first, many of these former soldiers in proposal to create a joint military force for in social control through force, accompa­ statement: "arm ourselves for peace." The The largest settlement was made in 2009 consortium DCN / IZAR for a price that search of better wages received high South America. This was raised by Colo­ nied by the criminalization of social truth is that the reduction of conflict is not with France for 12 billion dollars. Aside exceed US$ 800 million. The submarine contracts as a hook for undertaking nel Oswaldo Oliveta Neto of Brazil during movements in government discourse. a result of military deterrent, but the from the purchase of 50 military transport program has since suffered numerous security work. Chilean private soldier in the formation of the Council of Defence. product of many factors, including the helicopters and 5 nuclear­powered technical problems. Other major military Iraq in 2005 could earn up to US $ 1,300 a However, we know from other cases of As an anti­militarist movement, we have a economic interdependence driven by the submarines, the rest of this money went to investments in Chile are 44 F­16 combat month while private soldiers earn from the regional cooperation, such as the Europe­ great responsibility to investigate the free market. That despite the dominant technology transfer. aircraft which were bought from the U.S. could earn about 700 U.S. dollars a an Union with the European Defence business of war and take action. There progressive discourse, represents the Netherlands and the U.S. The latest day. Currently in 2010, these South Agency (which promotes the development are many possible actions that can be common denominator in the region. Brazil justifies these purchases as a acquisition amounted to 18 used aircraft American private military who are of the region's military industry), that the performed against companies that profit necessary renewal of its arsenal, but as from the Netherlands for the sum of $ 270 performing security work in the Australian ability to act militarily as a block in the from war. A very clear example that Military powers the minister of defence says, Brazil sees million. embassy in Baghdad, receive minimum NATO alliance with a South American protests arms profiteers and governments the development of its military industry as wage: US $ 310 per month. Many are military joint task force would imply an but also educates the general public, is to Justifications for the buying and stock­ a strategic element in international Chile is also interested in developing "new employed by Blackwater USA, known for increase in military spending to afford a show up at arms fairs ­ which are often piling of arms are not lacking. In recent positioning. technologies" such as unmanned aerial crimes and torture in Iraq. In recent military force that meets the regional disguised as air and space shows ­ and years, most South American countries vehicles, better known as drones. In months, it has come to light that in 2005 standard. denounce the bloody actions for which have argued that increased military Colombia October 2010, Chile received a Skylark Blackwater (now re­named Xe Services military equipment is designed. Also in spending is needed in order to replace drone as a "gift" from Israel, The gift LLC ­ in an effort to clean up its image) Another objective of the South American South America, the obligatory military obsolete equipment. Does this justify the Colombia has the largest defence budget comes as Chilean military authorities draw illegally trained people in Colombia (under Defense Council is to promote the arms parades are a good opportunity to express increase in military spending by 150% in in relation to GDP. As is well known, this closer to a decision on UAV acquisi­ tions an agreement with the State Department industry of its members. Brazil is already a our opposition to the military industry and the past six years? During this period, country receives a large financial contri­ that could result in three or four contracts in Colombia) who were then sent to Iraq leader in terms of national industries and it militarism. military spending increased from 24 billion bution from the U.S., under the justifi­ with the Israelis by the end of the year. In as citizens of third countries, supported by would not be surprising that as part of the to 60 billion dollars, according to the cation of the “War on Drugs”, which addition, Chile hopes to deve­ lop its own a contract with the U.S. State Department. policies of the Defence Council Brazil Javier Gárate International Institute for Strategic Studies amounts to over 6 billion dollars since unmanned aircraft technology with the In Colombia itself, mercenaries are hired develops a plan to support its national (IISS). The increase has been sustained 2000. The main countries supplying arms University of Concepción and the private by private military companies to do work military industries. Translation by Matt Yarrow throughout the region, countries with to Colombia are, Israel, Spain and the sector to develop this technology. The abroad. Earlier this year (2010), the news highest military expenditures are: Brazil U.S.. In recent years, Colombia has unmanned aircraft are used in survei­ broke that 60 Colombian were performing Information sharing is one of the objecti­ (U.S. $ 27.12 billion), Colombia (U.S. $ 10 purchased a significant number of llance and intelligence gathering. As a military duties in Afghanistan. This case is ves of the South American Defence billion), Chile (U.S. $ 5.68 billion), Vene­ helicopters, including Brazilian­made result, we recommend to Chilean social repeated in many South American coun­ Council, however it is not clear which zuela (U.S. $ 3.25 billion) and Argentina helicopters. movements, especially the Mapuche tries because the soldiers are tempted by information is being referred to. There are (U.S. $ 2.61 billion). In relation to previous movement, to be mindful of the appearan­ lucrative salaries that are not available known risks of military cooperation when it years, the country with the highest propor­ Colombia justifies its high military ce of these robots in the air. (Source: locally. The biggest problem for a cam­ comes to combating social movements – tional increase in spending was Ecuador, spending, due to the prolonged war http://chiledefense.blogspot.com/) paign against these mercenaries, is that an unfortunate example was the military followed by Venezuela, Colombia and against the FARC and the war on drugs. the contractors in each country operate dictatorships of the 1970s and the bloody Chile. As a percent of GDP, military spen­ However, in recent times, the increase in Venezuela under strict confidentiality. Nevertheless, it Operation Condor in the Southern Cone. ding was highest in Colombia (3.7%), tensions with Venezuela has been used is of utmost importance to investigate followed by Chile (3.5%), Ecuador (2.8%), as an argument for the need to increase Venezuela in recent years has shown a companies that provide search services The question is: What is the need for Brazil (1.5%) and Venezuela (1.4%) spending. Under former President Alvaro significant increase in military spending for private military companies who are weapons if there is no risk of conflict in the according to data for 2009. (Source: Uribe, military spending greatly increased, based on the profits from oil revenues. looking to hire former soldiers. region? Personally I think there are two SIPRI) justified by a strategy of military defeat of The justification for increased spending is major reasons which can be linked to two the FARC, and the policies of "democratic the threat of an imminent U.S. invasion in Regional overview types of military arsenal. Combat aircraft Let's look at some specific cases: security." The new president, Juan Manuel cooperation with Colombia, especially like the F­16 or submarines and other Santos, is expected to continue these after the agreement allowing the presence Although the borders in the region still weapons of great power, are linked to the Brazil practices and even promote a significant of U.S. troops on Colombian military show some instability, one cannot speak need for countries to position themselves increase in the prevalence of military bases. of a situation of active belligerency among as regional military powers and get an Brazil recently signed an agreement to power in Colombia. most South American countries. The international status. They are widely build four Scorpene submarines and a

8 The Broken Rifle No 87, December 2010 Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network

Under the "anti­imperialism" banner, Vene­ exception to the rule, would be the volatile known plans to create a "NATO of the War profiteering in SouthAmerica: zuela has made major acquisitions of relations between Venezuela and Colo­ South", which requires members to obtain weapons from Russia. During a visit to mbia, which are cleverly used by both standards dictated by this military alliance. What is the current state of affairs? Caracas, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir governments as a justification for arms Several South American countries have Putin, revealed that purchases made by purchasing and military protection. In the been part of the "peacekeepers", especia­ the Venezuelan government have excee­ case of Venezuela, the main issue is the lly in the case of Haiti, where Argentina, Despite an effort to appear otherwise, the nuclear submarine with French company Chile ded 5 billion dollars. During his testimony, U.S. imperialist threat in conjunction with Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador countries of South America do not repre­ DCNA. Brazil has also bought fighter Putin mentioned a report on the defence Colombia. In turn, the Colombian govern­ and Peru participated with troops or police sent an exception to the military ­ indus­ planes and other armaments. Brazil seeks Chile also claims its high military spen­ sector, noting that the contracts were ment claims that the FARC is a “terrorist” officers. If NATO South becomes a reality, trial complex (the relationship between technology to reinvigorate its own military­ ding is based on the need for renewal of made with 13 Russian companies, inclu­ organisation that is being supported by the South American armed forces would governments and the arms industry that industrial base. According to the official its armaments. However, such “renewal” ding Izhmash – a manufacturer of rifles. Venezuela. Another similar but less­polari­ participate in more military interventions favours the latter and underlies an end­ discourse, this is of great importance. The has shown no limits, creating a troubling zed case, is a border argument between outside the region. Moreover, the purcha­ less arms race). Although the military – Brazilian Defence Minister Nelson Jobim degree of uncertainty, especially in Peru. According to SIPRI, in the last ten years, Chile and Peru and that includes the se of this arsenal is linked to relations with industrial complex does not manifest as said: "Our priority now is the technological This has led Peru to increase its military 77.6% of arms imports to Venezuela come problem of providing access to the sea for the North. The EU and U.S. call for brutally in South America as in the United empowerment in the defence area, parti­ spending, in contrast to President Alan from Russia. The acquisitions include Bolivia. These issues have not been supporting the development of South States, the pressure of the war industry on cularly in the area of cyber space and Garcia’s original proposal to avoid an Sukhoi fighter jets, Mi­17 and Mi­35 resolved but do not pose a risk of military America. Based principally on free market politics is unquestionable. So what is the nuclear weapons ... .The first conse­ arms race in the region. helicopters, Kalashnikov assault rifles conflict. agreements and the sale of weapons, justification for all the money and resour­ quence of this policy is the end of bargain (plus the agreement to build a local these policies favour large corporations ces wasted on the purchase of arms? The acquisitions. From now on every major Chile, taking advantage of high copper Kalashnikov rifle and ammunition plant), The best example of this fallacy of the and military expansion. subcontinent has for years been without purchase must include technology transfer prices during the last decade and a law tanks and S­300 antiaircraft missiles. “need” defend themselves from neigh­ war between countries, although there has and partnerships with Brazilian inherited from the Pinochet regime (which bours is the formation of UNASUR and the Another sphere of militarism is an attempt been an increase in tensions, mainly companies. " stipulates that 10% of the copper reve­ Mercenaries corresponding South American Defence to control the "enemy within", to fight between Colombia and Venezuela. nues are for the Armed Forces), is spen­ Council, which seeks military integration in against "terrorism" and "drug trafficking" Militaristic rhetoric posits that this relative Some of the countries supplying arms to ding billions dollars on weapons. This has The presence of private Chilean soldiers the region. This goal of promoting a high and to promote "citizen security". All of peace is thanks to the policy of military Brazil in recent years include Germany, included the purchase of 2 Scorpene who are active in Iraq is well known. At degree of military integration underlies a these activities involve police who engage deterrence, with its recurring military Italy, Jordan, Russia, Spain and the U.S.. submarines from the Franco­Spanish first, many of these former soldiers in proposal to create a joint military force for in social control through force, accompa­ statement: "arm ourselves for peace." The The largest settlement was made in 2009 consortium DCN / IZAR for a price that search of better wages received high South America. This was raised by Colo­ nied by the criminalization of social truth is that the reduction of conflict is not with France for 12 billion dollars. Aside exceed US$ 800 million. The submarine contracts as a hook for undertaking nel Oswaldo Oliveta Neto of Brazil during movements in government discourse. a result of military deterrent, but the from the purchase of 50 military transport program has since suffered numerous security work. Chilean private soldier in the formation of the Council of Defence. product of many factors, including the helicopters and 5 nuclear­powered technical problems. Other major military Iraq in 2005 could earn up to US $ 1,300 a However, we know from other cases of As an anti­militarist movement, we have a economic interdependence driven by the submarines, the rest of this money went to investments in Chile are 44 F­16 combat month while private soldiers earn from the regional cooperation, such as the Europe­ great responsibility to investigate the free market. That despite the dominant technology transfer. aircraft which were bought from the U.S. could earn about 700 U.S. dollars a an Union with the European Defence business of war and take action. There progressive discourse, represents the Netherlands and the U.S. The latest day. Currently in 2010, these South Agency (which promotes the development are many possible actions that can be common denominator in the region. Brazil justifies these purchases as a acquisition amounted to 18 used aircraft American private military who are of the region's military industry), that the performed against companies that profit necessary renewal of its arsenal, but as from the Netherlands for the sum of $ 270 performing security work in the Australian ability to act militarily as a block in the from war. A very clear example that Military powers the minister of defence says, Brazil sees million. embassy in Baghdad, receive minimum NATO alliance with a South American protests arms profiteers and governments the development of its military industry as wage: US $ 310 per month. Many are military joint task force would imply an but also educates the general public, is to Justifications for the buying and stock­ a strategic element in international Chile is also interested in developing "new employed by Blackwater USA, known for increase in military spending to afford a show up at arms fairs ­ which are often piling of arms are not lacking. In recent positioning. technologies" such as unmanned aerial crimes and torture in Iraq. In recent military force that meets the regional disguised as air and space shows ­ and years, most South American countries vehicles, better known as drones. In months, it has come to light that in 2005 standard. denounce the bloody actions for which have argued that increased military Colombia October 2010, Chile received a Skylark Blackwater (now re­named Xe Services military equipment is designed. Also in spending is needed in order to replace drone as a "gift" from Israel, The gift LLC ­ in an effort to clean up its image) Another objective of the South American South America, the obligatory military obsolete equipment. Does this justify the Colombia has the largest defence budget comes as Chilean military authorities draw illegally trained people in Colombia (under Defense Council is to promote the arms parades are a good opportunity to express increase in military spending by 150% in in relation to GDP. As is well known, this closer to a decision on UAV acquisi­ tions an agreement with the State Department industry of its members. Brazil is already a our opposition to the military industry and the past six years? During this period, country receives a large financial contri­ that could result in three or four contracts in Colombia) who were then sent to Iraq leader in terms of national industries and it militarism. military spending increased from 24 billion bution from the U.S., under the justifi­ with the Israelis by the end of the year. In as citizens of third countries, supported by would not be surprising that as part of the to 60 billion dollars, according to the cation of the “War on Drugs”, which addition, Chile hopes to deve­ lop its own a contract with the U.S. State Department. policies of the Defence Council Brazil Javier Gárate International Institute for Strategic Studies amounts to over 6 billion dollars since unmanned aircraft technology with the In Colombia itself, mercenaries are hired develops a plan to support its national (IISS). The increase has been sustained 2000. The main countries supplying arms University of Concepción and the private by private military companies to do work military industries. Translation by Matt Yarrow throughout the region, countries with to Colombia are, Israel, Spain and the sector to develop this technology. The abroad. Earlier this year (2010), the news highest military expenditures are: Brazil U.S.. In recent years, Colombia has unmanned aircraft are used in survei­ broke that 60 Colombian were performing Information sharing is one of the objecti­ (U.S. $ 27.12 billion), Colombia (U.S. $ 10 purchased a significant number of llance and intelligence gathering. As a military duties in Afghanistan. This case is ves of the South American Defence billion), Chile (U.S. $ 5.68 billion), Vene­ helicopters, including Brazilian­made result, we recommend to Chilean social repeated in many South American coun­ Council, however it is not clear which zuela (U.S. $ 3.25 billion) and Argentina helicopters. movements, especially the Mapuche tries because the soldiers are tempted by information is being referred to. There are (U.S. $ 2.61 billion). In relation to previous movement, to be mindful of the appearan­ lucrative salaries that are not available known risks of military cooperation when it years, the country with the highest propor­ Colombia justifies its high military ce of these robots in the air. (Source: locally. The biggest problem for a cam­ comes to combating social movements – tional increase in spending was Ecuador, spending, due to the prolonged war http://chiledefense.blogspot.com/) paign against these mercenaries, is that an unfortunate example was the military followed by Venezuela, Colombia and against the FARC and the war on drugs. the contractors in each country operate dictatorships of the 1970s and the bloody Chile. As a percent of GDP, military spen­ However, in recent times, the increase in Venezuela under strict confidentiality. Nevertheless, it Operation Condor in the Southern Cone. ding was highest in Colombia (3.7%), tensions with Venezuela has been used is of utmost importance to investigate followed by Chile (3.5%), Ecuador (2.8%), as an argument for the need to increase Venezuela in recent years has shown a companies that provide search services The question is: What is the need for Brazil (1.5%) and Venezuela (1.4%) spending. Under former President Alvaro significant increase in military spending for private military companies who are weapons if there is no risk of conflict in the according to data for 2009. (Source: Uribe, military spending greatly increased, based on the profits from oil revenues. looking to hire former soldiers. region? Personally I think there are two SIPRI) justified by a strategy of military defeat of The justification for increased spending is major reasons which can be linked to two the FARC, and the policies of "democratic the threat of an imminent U.S. invasion in Regional overview types of military arsenal. Combat aircraft Let's look at some specific cases: security." The new president, Juan Manuel cooperation with Colombia, especially like the F­16 or submarines and other Santos, is expected to continue these after the agreement allowing the presence Although the borders in the region still weapons of great power, are linked to the Brazil practices and even promote a significant of U.S. troops on Colombian military show some instability, one cannot speak need for countries to position themselves increase in the prevalence of military bases. of a situation of active belligerency among as regional military powers and get an Brazil recently signed an agreement to power in Colombia. most South American countries. The international status. They are widely build four Scorpene submarines and a

The Broken Rifle No 87, December 2010 9 Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network Latin America: the possibilities of radical, feminist and antimilitarist politics against patriarchy and capitalism The journey of women in the depths of left­ depredation of those resources. However, wing political movements and mixed social Broadening our struggle as feminists and in order to build the world which we dream organisations has had to endure a long antimilitarists involves disclosing the social of, free of wars and violence, we must struggle. The story of the presence of and cultural phenomena which may seem observe the various forms of oppression women with ideas for the transformation of normal aspects of our societies, “hidden” and exploitation and how these affect not the patriarchal culture, has for a long time but fully validated and which affect women only the bodies of warriors, but also the been subjected to the achievement of in particular (girls, young women and bodies of millions of exploited women in “more wide and important ideals”, and adults): discrimination, exclusion, sexual textile factories, in the pornography arguments that these “particular” claims violence, forced motherhood, sexual industry and in human trade, in should wait, otherwise it would imply the exploitation, pornography, human obsequious domestication and in the division of the struggle that was forging trafficking, domestication, emotional experience of subordination and suffering towards “social and political revolution” relationships and feminine sexuality, at the as part of emotional­sexual relations. which required the unity of the popular service of and under the control of men movement. Those proposals and who hold power based on the use of force, One of the main challenges is to put aside revolutions have been and are violence and intimidation. the analysis where we put to one side the “Revolutions of men that believe that struggle of women, Native Americans and everything can be revolutionised except At the same time it is necessary to point children. Dividing up the struggle and the life of women. They are the revolutions out that the capitalist system and the dividing up the oppressed in order to try to in which the revolutionaries annul and categorisation of social classes is relevant find them a place in states and within create constitutions, but they continue for our history of Latin America and this official human rights categories, all this subduing half of humanity, women, just as awareness is necessary for the struggle for does is recycle the system. Destroying the WRI Council 2011 in Luleå, Sweden feminist, anarchist, Chilean women domination system implies recognising the emancipation. Yet the radical struggle Mark the dates: the WRI Council meeting 2011 will take place during the time of the action workers said at the beginning of the 20th historic domination of our people marked against capitalism is repeatedly branded camp at the camp itself in Luleå in the north of Sweden. At present, the dates penciled in for the century”. by the rootlessness and dispossession of as anachronistic whilst social movements Council are 19­21 July 2011, followed by a seminar organised by/with ofog, and then training colonisation, which imposed on our and institutions prioritise public policies as and action... During the first decade of the 21st century, a field in which to carry out claims and not America a racist dominance, the this argument hasn’t disappeared from legalisation of the plundering of natural transformations and to include historically More information on the WRI Council meeting, and also on the seminar, will be available closer social organisations’ political practice nor resources and the annihilation of natives, marginalised groups. The anti­capitalist to the time. But please keep the dates free... from the antimilitarist organisations and struggle must show that capitalism deeply imposing on us a single vision of the associations, with libertarian proposals of a world. At the same time it implies embodies the values of patriarchy, that it Please contact the WRI office for more information: mixed nature. It seems that being feminist recognising that this imperial company led works and feeds upon women’s unpaid War Resisters' International and antimilitarist involves an automatic to forced mixing of races in many areas housework, that it wreaks havoc in 5 Caledonian Road division. What sustains this argument? In based on sexual violence carried out on women’s lives when it exploits their bodies London N1 9DX, Britain general is equality quite a debatable liberal in the advertising and pornography black and Native American women. principle. Are men and women the same? industries, and in human trade. It must Are antimilitarist women and men exempt recognise that the history of Latin America Colonialism didn’t end with independence, from the patriarchal culture? Does the fact is marked by the colonisation which isn’t it continues and is recycled in capitalist of belonging to an association or yet over and where the values of globalisation which favours militarism as organisation that claims to be antimilitarist the method to expropriate territories and domination and exclusion that mark the How to make a donation to WRI? Payment by credit card make men and women equal? Latin bodies and lives of women still exist. create their energy reservoirs, to America has in the past had proposals for guarantee control over natural resources ► by standing order which enables us to plan Please debit my credit card for the amount antimilitarist coordination. Taking these We must therefore ask ourselves how we and food, to maintain private property and questions as a starting point, it is to establish with more strength their but let us know (see bank details overleaf) of £/€/US$ ...... (delete currency as appro­ can counteract the dominant discourse, ► in USA by arranging for regular donations priate) necessary that any proposal for a network, which leads us to ignore our history of hegemony discourse in all cultures: the a meeting, or a collective project set up in defence of the family, the control over to be sent through your bank's bill pay­ struggle, and to feel that the pragmatic ment service Credit Card Visa/Access/Mastercard/ Latin America recognises that no world is the way forward, that ideologies sexuality, domestication, servility and fear. emancipation project is possible if it ► by giro transfer to War Resisters' Interna­ (delete as appropriate) don’t exist, that our struggle only exists in tional, doesn’t include the total liberation of half of the economic field and that opposition is This disastrous system is incompatible humanity: women. This single step would with our aspirations as antimilitarists and • in Euros to Bank of Ireland, Card number ______the same whether against a left­wing or a IBAN IE91 BOFI 9000 9240 413547 allow a starting point at an important place, right­wing government and that both types feminists. As Maria Mies said: Starting by within a struggle which doesn’t just include recognising that patriarchy and BIC/SWIFT BOFIIE2D Expiry date: ___ / ___ of government are the same thing, • in £ sterling to Unity Trust Bank, this matter, but treats it as one of the basic because real socialism was a failure. accumulation at a global scale constitute consensuses for political action. the structural and ideological framework IBAN GB11 CPBK 0800 5150 07 32 10 Security code: _____ Building our dreams and radicalising an ► by credit card – complete details in the anti­capitalist struggle implies challenging within which women’s reality must be In that antimilitarist struggle, not only must understood, the feminist movement next column or use our web facility at ht­ Name on card: the dominant, colonising, racist culture and tp://wri­irg.org we question the cost of the military, and not postponing transformations, especially worldwide must challenge this referential the whole of the war industry and war framework, together with a sexual ► by cheque, in £, €, or US$, payable to ...... those in which the State isn’t required to "WRI" itself, but also the values that support it. mediate. Racism, sexism, male framework and the international division of However, opposition to patriarchal values work, to which they are linked. (Mies, 1986 ► (UK only) by Charity Aid voucher (CAF), Signature: ...... chauvinism, lesbophobia, homophobia and made out to Lansbury House Trust Fund hasn’t been strong. Men see themselves the dominant “common sense” are part of : 3) obliged or seduced by war as a way of life (to request such vouchers, write to: Charit­ Billing address (if different from overleaf) our everyday communities and this is what ies Aid Foundation, Kings Hill, West Mail­ and/or an affirmation of masculinity, and it must be revolutionised. Radicalising our struggle is inevitable as is this affirmation of masculinity which long as this exploitation and domination ing, Kent ME19 4TA, or visit ...... creates the extension and justification of system’s wish to take over all common www.CAFonline.org) People take on the struggle for their ► (USA only) by sending a tax deductable ...... the discrimination, subordination and territory, they defend their history and their goods is a radical one, annihilating violence suffered by women, both during diversity on its way. In our emancipation donation – make checks payable to the way of living in harmony with natural A.J. Muste Institute ...... peacetime and during war. resources, opposing the expropriation and struggle we must make our analyses more BR86/09/10/en

10 The Broken Rifle No 87, December 2010 Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network

complex and maintain our criticism of the lack overcome, we integrate our will for War tax resistance: of a development model or the lack of transformation, de­homogenise political action, Inland Revenue implementation of public policies. “Endless decolonise our bodies and minds, live freedom, wars, massacres, whole populations escaping free our sexuality, recognise the multiple threatens WRI their land and becoming refugees: these are oppressions against us and mock the power The journey of women in the depths of left­ depredation of those resources. However, The Inland Revenue is threa­ not only the consequences of a dramatic that oppresses us. wing political movements and mixed social in order to build the world which we dream tening War Resisters' In­ Broadening our struggle as feminists and impoverishment which intensifies the contrast organisations has had to endure a long of, free of wars and violence, we must ternational with the seizure of antimilitarists involves disclosing the social caused by ethnic, political or religious The struggle for our emancipation is the struggle. The story of the presence of observe the various forms of oppression assets because the pacifist and cultural phenomena which may seem differences, but they are also the required struggle forthe abolition of capitalism and women with ideas for the transformation of and exploitation and how these affect not organisation is withholding a normal aspects of our societies, “hidden” complement for the privatisation process and patriarchy from our everyday activities, from the patriarchal culture, has for a long time only the bodies of warriors, but also the proportion of income tax due but fully validated and which affect women the more and more deadly attempt to create a our values and from our individual and been subjected to the achievement of bodies of millions of exploited women in to its conscientious objection in particular (girls, young women and world where nothing escapes the logic of profit, collective ethical constructs. Our major “more wide and important ideals”, and textile factories, in the pornography to paying for war. adults): discrimination, exclusion, sexual to expropriate populations which, until recently, challenge is to become more like the world we arguments that these “particular” claims industry and in human trade, in War Resisters' International violence, forced motherhood, sexual could still use some land or natural resources dream of. The cultural battle that we must should wait, otherwise it would imply the obsequious domestication and in the has been withholding tax – exploitation, pornography, human (forests, rivers), which nowadays have been undertake is not only against the state, nor just division of the struggle that was forging experience of subordination and suffering usually about 7% of income trafficking, domestication, emotional appropriated by multinational companies”. against the powerful, it is also against towards “social and political revolution” as part of emotional­sexual relations. tax, roughly the proportion of relationships and feminine sexuality, at the ourselves. which required the unity of the popular the military budget – since service of and under the control of men The memory of our struggle, of our journey movement. Those proposals and One of the main challenges is to put aside the tax year 2002/03. In its who hold power based on the use of force, started many years ago, leads us to radicalise Adriana Castaño revolutions have been and are the analysis where we put to one side the regular letters to the Inland violence and intimidation. our political project: revolutionary politics should “Revolutions of men that believe that struggle of women, Native Americans and Revenue, the organisation give way to emancipative and deeply Translation by Nayua Abdelkefi everything can be revolutionised except children. Dividing up the struggle and states: At the same time it is necessary to point revolutionary politics, where self­censorship is the life of women. They are the revolutions out that the capitalist system and the dividing up the oppressed in order to try to "We ... dispute that the debt in which the revolutionaries annul and categorisation of social classes is relevant find them a place in states and within ... constitutes a legal debt, as create constitutions, but they continue for our history of Latin America and this official human rights categories, all this it is a result of a law which subduing half of humanity, women, just as awareness is necessary for the struggle for does is recycle the system. Destroying the WRI Council 2011 in Luleå, Sweden violates basic human rights, feminist, anarchist, Chilean women domination system implies recognising the as implemented by the Hu­ emancipation. Yet the radical struggle Mark the dates: the WRI Council meeting 2011 will take place during the time of the action workers said at the beginning of the 20th historic domination of our people marked man Rights Act." In addition, against capitalism is repeatedly branded camp at the camp itself in Luleå in the north of Sweden. At present, the dates penciled in for the century”. by the rootlessness and dispossession of the organisation refers to the as anachronistic whilst social movements Council are 19­21 July 2011, followed by a seminar organised by/with ofog, and then training colonisation, which imposed on our tradition of civil disobedience, and institutions prioritise public policies as and action... During the first decade of the 21st century, a field in which to carry out claims and not America a racist dominance, the as practised by Henry David this argument hasn’t disappeared from legalisation of the plundering of natural Thoreau, Mohandas K Gan­ transformations and to include historically More information on the WRI Council meeting, and also on the seminar, will be available closer social organisations’ political practice nor resources and the annihilation of natives, dhi, or Martin Luther King. marginalised groups. The anti­capitalist to the time. But please keep the dates free... from the antimilitarist organisations and struggle must show that capitalism deeply imposing on us a single vision of the The present dispute is about associations, with libertarian proposals of a world. At the same time it implies outstanding taxes for the tax embodies the values of patriarchy, that it Please contact the WRI office for more information: mixed nature. It seems that being feminist recognising that this imperial company led years 2007/08, 2008/09, and works and feeds upon women’s unpaid War Resisters' International and antimilitarist involves an automatic to forced mixing of races in many areas 2009/10. In its threatening housework, that it wreaks havoc in 5 Caledonian Road division. What sustains this argument? In based on sexual violence carried out on letter to War Resisters' Inter­ women’s lives when it exploits their bodies London N1 9DX, Britain general is equality quite a debatable liberal in the advertising and pornography black and Native American women. national, the Inland Revenue principle. Are men and women the same? industries, and in human trade. It must does not at all mention hu­ Are antimilitarist women and men exempt recognise that the history of Latin America Colonialism didn’t end with independence, man rights aspects, and does from the patriarchal culture? Does the fact is marked by the colonisation which isn’t it continues and is recycled in capitalist Donate to War Resisters' International not engage with the issues of belonging to an association or yet over and where the values of globalisation which favours militarism as raised by War Resisters' organisation that claims to be antimilitarist the method to expropriate territories and International. The letter sim­ domination and exclusion that mark the How to make a donation to WRI? Payment by credit card make men and women equal? Latin bodies and lives of women still exist. create their energy reservoirs, to ply reads: "Our records show America has in the past had proposals for guarantee control over natural resources ... that you have failed to pay ► by standing order which enables us to plan Please debit my credit card for the amount antimilitarist coordination. Taking these We must therefore ask ourselves how we and food, to maintain private property and this tax on time. You must questions as a starting point, it is to establish with more strength their but let us know (see bank details overleaf) of £/€/US$ ...... (delete currency as appro­ therefore pay the full amount can counteract the dominant discourse, ► in USA by arranging for regular donations priate) necessary that any proposal for a network, which leads us to ignore our history of hegemony discourse in all cultures: the due immediately ... If you fail a meeting, or a collective project set up in defence of the family, the control over to be sent through your bank's bill pay­ to do so we will assume you struggle, and to feel that the pragmatic ment service Credit Card Visa/Access/Mastercard/ Latin America recognises that no world is the way forward, that ideologies sexuality, domestication, servility and fear. are unwi­lling to comply and emancipation project is possible if it ► by giro transfer to War Resisters' Interna­ (delete as appropriate) will take distraint action which don’t exist, that our struggle only exists in tional, doesn’t include the total liberation of half of the economic field and that opposition is This disastrous system is incompatible involves seizing your assets humanity: women. This single step would with our aspirations as antimilitarists and • in Euros to Bank of Ireland, Card number ______for sale at public auction." the same whether against a left­wing or a IBAN IE91 BOFI 9000 9240 413547 allow a starting point at an important place, right­wing government and that both types feminists. As Maria Mies said: Starting by In its reply from 10 Septem­ within a struggle which doesn’t just include recognising that patriarchy and BIC/SWIFT BOFIIE2D Expiry date: ___ / ___ ber, WRI writes: "Again we of government are the same thing, • in £ sterling to Unity Trust Bank, this matter, but treats it as one of the basic because real socialism was a failure. accumulation at a global scale constitute want to stress that we would consensuses for political action. the structural and ideological framework IBAN GB11 CPBK 0800 5150 07 32 10 Security code: _____ very much appreciate discu­ Building our dreams and radicalising an ► by credit card – complete details in the anti­capitalist struggle implies challenging within which women’s reality must be ssing this matter with one of In that antimilitarist struggle, not only must understood, the feminist movement next column or use our web facility at ht­ Name on card: your representatives, prefe­ the dominant, colonising, racist culture and tp://wri­irg.org we question the cost of the military, and not postponing transformations, especially worldwide must challenge this referential rably outside court – and the whole of the war industry and war framework, together with a sexual ► by cheque, in £, €, or US$, payable to ...... maybe in a public discu­ those in which the State isn’t required to "WRI" itself, but also the values that support it. mediate. Racism, sexism, male framework and the international division of ssion? However, if this matter However, opposition to patriarchal values work, to which they are linked. (Mies, 1986 ► (UK only) by Charity Aid voucher (CAF), Signature: ...... cannot be resolved outside a chauvinism, lesbophobia, homophobia and made out to Lansbury House Trust Fund hasn’t been strong. Men see themselves the dominant “common sense” are part of : 3) court, then we will be prepa­ obliged or seduced by war as a way of life (to request such vouchers, write to: Charit­ Billing address (if different from overleaf) red to present our arguments our everyday communities and this is what ies Aid Foundation, Kings Hill, West Mail­ and/or an affirmation of masculinity, and it must be revolutionised. Radicalising our struggle is inevitable as in court." is this affirmation of masculinity which long as this exploitation and domination ing, Kent ME19 4TA, or visit ...... WRI stresses the human creates the extension and justification of system’s wish to take over all common www.CAFonline.org) rights of its employees to People take on the struggle for their ► (USA only) by sending a tax deductable ...... the discrimination, subordination and territory, they defend their history and their goods is a radical one, annihilating conscientious objection to violence suffered by women, both during diversity on its way. In our emancipation donation – make checks payable to the paying for war. We demand way of living in harmony with natural A.J. Muste Institute ...... peacetime and during war. resources, opposing the expropriation and struggle we must make our analyses more from the Inland Revenue to engage with our legal and BR86/09/10/en moral arguments. The Broken Rifle No 87, December 2010 11 Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network

Women Conscientious Objectors — An Anthology Conscientious objectors are generally seen as male — as are soldiers. This book breaks with this assumption. Women conscientiously object to military service and militarism. Not only in countries which conscript women — such as Eritrea and Israel — but also in countries without conscription of women. In doing so, they redefine antimilitarism from a feminist perspective, opposing not only mil­ itarism, but also a form of antimilitarism that creates the male conscientious objector as the ‘hero’ of antimilitarist struggle. This anthology includes contributions by women conscientious objectors and activists from Bri­ tain, Colombia, Eritrea, Israel, Paraguay, South Korea, Turkey, and the USA, plus documents and statements. “For what we see here is women, at different moments, in one country after another, creating for themselves the concept, analysis and practice of a distinctive feminist antimilitarism.” Cynthia Cockburn, Women in Black London "Their radical retheorising of militarism with a feminist perspective re­ minds us of the centrality of women in processes of militarisation, as well as their power to turn militarisation processes on their head and to con­ tribute to radical reimaginings of a world where violence, war, patriarchy, sexism, heterosexism, and other form of dominations are not taken for granted.” Ayse Gul Altinay, Sabanci Univeristy, Turkey

Published by: War Resisters' International Edited by Ellen Elster and Majken Jul Sørensen Preface by Cynthia Enloe ISBN 978­0­903517­22­5. 152 pages. Publication date: April 2010 Orders: £8.00 plus postage

Order at WRI's webshop: http://wri­irg.org/webshop Or use the order from on the right.

The Broken Rifle

The Broken Rifle is the War Resisters' International newsletter of WRI, and is supporting and connecting war resisters all over the published in English, Spanish, French and world German. This is issue 87, Please send your donation today to support the work of WRI – Thank You! December 2010. I want to support WRI: My address: This issue of The Broken (Please tick at least one) Rifle was produced by Javier Name: ...... Gárate. Special thanks go to □ I enclose a donation of £/€/US$ ...... Pelao Carvallo, Adriana to WRI Address: ...... Castaño, Rafael Uzcategui, □ Please send me a receipt Xavier León, Grupo de OxC □ I have completed credit card details over­ ...... Accionando Resistiendo leaf Transformando y Lexys □ I will set up a monthly/quarterly/yearly ...... Rendón, and many others. (please delete) standing order to War Re­ sisters' International Country: ...... If you want extra copies of In Britain to Unity Trust Bank, this issue of The Broken account no: 5072 7388, Sort Code: Where to send your donation to: Rifle, please contact the WRI 08­60­01 for £ ...... office, or download it from our Eurozone: IBAN IE91 BOFI 9000 USA only: website. 9240 4135 47, Bank of Ireland, for WRI Fund, c/o Tom Leonard, WRL, € ...... 339 Lafayette Street, New York, NY10012 War Resisters' International, □ Please send me a standing order form □ I enclose a CAF voucher for £ ...... 5 Caledonian Road, Britain and everywhere else: □ I enclose a cheque to A.J. Muste Institute WRI, 5 Caledonian Rd, London N1 9DX, London N1 9DX, Britain for US$ ...... Britain tel +44­20­7278 4040 fax +44­20­7278 0444 Please visit our webshop at http://wri­irg.org WRI keeps supporters names and addresses on info@wri­irg.org for War Resisters' International publications, computer, for our sole use. If you do not consent to http://wri­irg.org/pubs/br87­ Broken Rifle badges, and other WRI mer­ this, please let us know. en.htm chandise. Thank You!

12 The Broken Rifle No 87, December 2010