Student union LSVb opposes militarization

In late September, a few thousand demonstrators protested in Amsterdam against the militarization in the Netherlands and other European countries. All kinds of trade unions and activist groups participated, as did several political youth organizations.

Among the demonstrators stood communists, anti-fascists, and people defending Putin’s Russia, alongside people primarily concerned about high defense spending and the arms industry lobby.

One of the organizers was the National Student Union. “Throughout history, students have always played a major role in anti-war movements,” says Vice-Chair Juliana Könning. “It is nothing new that we are doing this.”

The Russian threat is, however, a very different subject from, for example, student debt or the housing crisis.

“Militarization is inextricably linked to all the issues we advocate for. Billions of extra euros are going to defense. That money therefore does not go to education, housing, or social security. And that affects students as well.”

Defense versus education: isn't that a false dichotomy? “The link is crystal clear. The cabinet has to cut spending to pay for investments in defense. Cuts to education are already on the table, if they fail to make cuts in social security. We have no choice but to concern ourselves with this. We must inform students about the political plans.”

Which plans do you think students are unaware of?

“For example, selective conscription. The cabinet wants to be able to call up young people for the army without the permission of the House of Representatives. Even the military union sees little merit in that and believes that you would mainly end up with cannon fodder.”

Students can also join the army voluntarily. For example, they can take a minor to become a reservist.

“But how voluntary is that? Students receive a substantial allowance for that minor, much more than for other internships or minors. You will see that students in a financially difficult position are more likely to choose the army than others.”

Can't young people make their own assessment? “Yes, but a lot of money goes to recruitment. All young people are sent a survey to gauge their interest in the army. We don’t do something like that for teacher training programs or healthcare. So why do we for the army? The risks aren’t mentioned during recruitment either, which is quite bizarre when it involves life and death.”

The cabinet is concerned about national security. Isn’t that logical, given the Russian threat?

“All European armies combined have three times as much equipment as the Russian army. Why do we need even more, then? An arms race with Russia doesn’t seem wise to us. It is naive to think that weapons will lead to peace.”

The Nieuwe Vredesbewegingsmanifesto (New Peace Movement’s manifesto)  states that you do not want to choose between the power blocs in the world. But you are also in favor of democracy. How do you reconcile those two positions? “We do not side with the rulers. The United States is bombing Iran, and Europe is enabling the genocide in Gaza, so how can we support those rulers? We do not support Putin either. We do, however, support the people suffering under the wars.”

Not so long ago, Russia occupied half of Europe. How do you intend to stop the Russians then, if military power is not the answer?

“It is the world turned upside down to say that we offer no solution. The question is what militarization is the solution to. It is better to seek a diplomatic way out.”

Isn’t it Russian propaganda to say that Putin is certainly willing to talk about peace?

“A plea for diplomacy is not pro-Russian. By far the majority of people in Ukraine would also prefer a quick end to the war rather than fighting on until total victory.”

Chairperson Evy Kras, who is present at the conversation, says that geopolitics is not a core task for the LSVb. “We are not geopolitical interpreters, and for us, the main thing is what it all means for education.”

Will students notice anything of the militarization in their degree programs?

Könning: “The recruitment campaigns are already palpable. Students receive flyers in the mail, and recruitment posters specifically for women hang in the women's restrooms of educational institutions. Additionally, there will be more cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, so interference will also increase. Science funder NWO receives funding from the Ministry of Defense for research, primarily at technical universities. They do not seem to question whether such research is actually desirable.”

What are your plans now?

“We are going to participate in the international youth strike on November 20 throughout the country. Furthermore, we want to gain a voice in the national debate and appear on talk show panels. Currently, you mainly hear from high-ranking military officers and defense specialists.”

Main photo: LSVb Vice Chair Juliana Könning

*This article has been translated by AI and was reviewed by an editor.