New Al Jazeera Series: What Sustains Global Militarism?
Ali Rae
With nearly 60 active conflicts in 2025, the highest war-related death toll in 30 years, and over 120 million displaced, a new Al Jazeera documentary series asks: Why does militarism persist? The series, titled "All Hail the Military," explores the power systems that sustain militarism, highlighting recurring roles such as the profiteer, judge, civilian, fighter, and spectator.
Just halfway into 2026, global conflicts have surged dramatically. According to data from Al Jazeera English's series "All Hail the Military," 2025 marked a dark milestone with nearly 60 active conflicts worldwide. War-related deaths reached a 30-year high, and more than 120 million people were forced to flee their homes.
Ali Rae, Al Jazeera English journalist and the show's presenter, stated: "This is not a rallying cry but a warning."
The fifth season of the series does not focus on frontline reports or live battlefield updates. Instead, it explores the power systems that sustain militarism — the systems that nurture it, the complicity it relies on, and the silences that protect it.
Rae explained: "We traced recurring patterns, the roles that consistently emerge in conflict. Some are chosen, others imposed. Who benefits? Who judges? Who fights? Who suffers? And who watches from afar?"
The series consists of five chapters: Profiteer, Judge, Civilian, Fighter, and Spectator. Each episode delves into a specific role within the global military power structure.
