“The place where peace is actually made and where peace needs to happen is at the grassroots”

Recorded on 11.04.2025

Almut Rochowanski, an expert in security policy analysis, joins us for a critical discussion on the future of European military spending and defense. Almut brings a unique perspective, having transitioned from hands-on work within conflict-affected communities to analyzing the broader geopolitical landscape. She shares her journey from believing that ‘the place where peace is actually made and where peace needs to happen is at the grassroots’ to grappling with the larger questions of war and peace on a global scale.

In this episode, we unpack the complexities of European defense strategies, exploring the tensions between grassroots peace efforts and high-level security analysis. We delve into the discourse surrounding increased military spending, the influence of international relations, and the potential consequences for democracy, welfare, and regional stability. Is Europe on a path toward increased militarization? What are the implications of this shift? Almut challenges conventional thinking and offers a nuanced perspective on the pursuit of genuine security in a turbulent world.

Link to Almut’s article
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/europe-defense-spending/