"Militarization is aggressively destroying the infrastructure that sustains the production of life"

The 10th edition of the Grounded Festival opened in Ljubljana with a discussion on militaryization, defense spending, and EU policy, hosted at the Historical Hall of the City House. The event, which blends electronic music, critical thought, and activism, featured Bosnian researcher and feminist activist Nela Porobić Isaković as one of its guests. She highlighted how global military expenditures have reached nearly 2,480 billion euros, emphasizing that these public funds could otherwise support education, housing policies, and healthcare. The conversation explored the relationship between militaryization and the infrastructure sustaining life, with Porobić Isaković stating that militaryization aggressively undermines this infrastructure. The festival’s opening panel, titled “Militaryization of Everyday Life,” included contributions from journalists, researchers, and activists. Monika Weiss, a journalist with Mladina, argued that the formal framework established by the EU in the past two years has created a complete material basis for the emergence of war. She pointed out that current financial allocations for military purposes are not temporary or exceptional, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic, but rather represent a fundamental shift in developmental strategies, industrial policies, and financial mechanisms. Weiss noted that European countries and Canada are directing substantial resources toward NATO-related activities, with figures rising from approximately 700 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 to over 1,400 billion U.S. dollars today, an exponential growth. Sladjana Lazić, a professor of peace and conflict studies at the University of Innsbruck, emphasized that militaryization is not a recent phenomenon but has been present throughout history. She stressed that while military influence permeates daily life, it does so through long-standing structures rather than sudden incursions. Igor Lasić, a Croatian journalist working for Zagreb-based newspaper Novosti, added that media under increasing pressure often seek connections to the market, thereby internalizing the military dictates coming from political elites. He described media as either screens or canvases onto which the interests of ruling powers are projected. Emina Bužinkić, moderator of the discussion and researcher, activist, and writer, introduced the topic by asking how militaryization alters everyday practices and infiltrates areas such as school systems, media spaces, daily routines, police behavior, and popular culture. The session concluded with a performance by Jordanian artist Samar Zughool titled Complexity of the White Dove, which incorporated her childhood memories from Jordan. The piece blended personal narrative with artistic expression, reflecting the broader themes of the festival. This year’s Grounded Festival continues to intertwine electronic music, critical thinking, and activism, addressing pressing issues such as democracy, solidarity, education, care, and resistance. Through panels, performances, and curated programs, the festival invites participants to reflect on the implications of military expansion and its impact on societal structures. As the festival unfolds, it remains committed to fostering dialogue that challenges dominant narratives and promotes alternative visions of coexistence and justice.