Impact of War and Militarism on Minority Communities

War and armed conflict have consequences for nations and communities even when the conflict does not occur within their borders. The general impetus toward militarism has implications for societies, determining the focus of investment and industry and to some extent the life choices of citizens. Communities of ethnic and racial minorities are likely to suffer under such circumstances since they are more dependent on critical resources and services that might be curtailed in favor of military build-ups. Minority communities in the US disproportionately contribute young men and women to military services, especially when other opportunities are scarce. Their communities of origin must cope with the resultant impact of loss of family and community members temporarily or permanently and the burden of care for returnees with long term health and mental health needs. All communities may be at risk of abridgement of civil and human rights in the face of actual or impending conflict. In these situations communities that already experience oppression may be at increased risk. Women, children, and other special populations within minority communities may experience particular issues during war or the build up toward war. This presentation will discuss these and other real and potential issues for minority communities in the face of militarism and war.