Prepare for peace – not war

Neither war nor peace happens on its own. They are the results of political decisions, priorities, and investments. A peaceful and democratic society must be built actively—together. That requires efforts to create trust, belonging, and safety for everyone, especially those who are often left invisible in security policy discussions.

At the same time, we see a sharp increase in resources directed to the military. Sweden’s defense spending has nearly tripled in ten years—and the most recent defense package amounts to almost 300 billion SEK through 2034. This is happening in a climate where women’s rights organizations, civil society, and peace-building actors are being increasingly sidelined.

Our politicians often claim that these investments are made in the name of democracy and gender equality, but the military order is the exact opposite. The military is the ultimate expression of a patriarchal system. Young men are trained to master violence, shut off their emotions, and submit to command. The question we need to ask is: What is the effect of shifting society’s resources into military build-up?

Military masculinity doesn’t stay within military institutions—it follows men into schools, workplaces, and homes. Being a man must not be equated with being ready to sacrifice his life in armed conflict. How can the “strong protector” create safety for his family if he cannot meet his children’s emotional needs?

We do not see men as machines. Preparing for peace means recognizing men’s value as more than tools for violence. “Tougher measures” only create tougher men—and that is not the way forward. All people, including men, need closeness and emotional security. The opposite of violence is care.

Boys do not need to be trained in war. We believe in their ability to choose care over violence—but society must create the conditions for human connection to grow. Investing in peace is striving for a society without violence. It is an investment in people’s safety and in the values of democracy—which should be defended by strengthening what sustains peace, not by preparing for war.

Research shows that societies with greater gender equality are at lower risk of armed conflict, and that peace processes involving women are more sustainable. Still, peace negotiations are dominated by the men who fought, while women’s voices are silenced. Meanwhile, many people—especially women—face threats that don’t come from outside but from within. How can the military stop men’s violence against women when we know that militarization makes women more vulnerable?

We need to broaden our understanding of security. Security is not only about protecting borders—it’s about building societies where everyone feels safe. Investments in welfare, human rights, civil society, and violence prevention are also security policy.

In times of crisis, gender equality and peace work are often pushed aside for what is deemed more “urgent.” But history shows that without gender equality, there can be no lasting peace. That is why we must prepare—not for war, but for peace.

Shahab Ahmadian, Chair of MÄN, and Malin Nilsson, Secretary-General of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)

This op-ed was published in Fempers on September 21.