February 23, 2025 — at a military base near you!
The thousands of military bases, both foreign and domestic, around the world are a critical piece of the war machine that must be dismantled. Closing bases is a necessary step to shift the global security paradigm towards a demilitarized approach that centers common security — no one is safe until all are safe.
We call on individuals and organizations around the world to join the Global Day of Action to #CloseBases on February 23 by organizing protests at military base sites near you.
Top 5 Reasons Why We’re Calling for a Global Day of Action to #CloseBases:
- Bases often perpetuate colonialism, removing Indigenous people from their lands. From Panama to Guam to Puerto Rico to Okinawa to dozens of other locations across the world, militaries have taken valuable land from local populations, often pushing out Indigenous people in the process, without their consent and without reparations. For example, the entire population of the Chagos Islands was forcibly removed from the island of Diego Garcia by the UK so that it could be leased to the U.S. for an airbase.
- Bases cost an exorbitant amount of $$. The cost of U.S. foreign military bases alone is estimated at $80 billion a year, money that could be better spent on healthcare, education, renewable energy, and so much more.
- Bases exacerbate environmental damage and the climate crisis. Military emissions are exempted from climate agreements, like the Kyoto Protocol. The construction of bases has caused irreparable ecological damage, such as the destruction of coral reefs and the environment for endangered species in Henoko, Okinawa. Furthermore, it is well documented at hundreds of sites around the world that military bases leach toxic so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS/PFOS) into local water supplies, which has had devastating health consequences for nearby communities.
- Bases can impact the local economy and community. The rise in property taxes and inflation in areas surrounding bases has been known to push locals out. Militaries have a notorious legacy of sexual violence, including kidnapping, rape, and murders of women and girls. Yet troops stationed at foreign bases are often afforded impunity for their crimes due to Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) with the so-called “host” country.
- Bases heighten tensions and provoke war-making. The presence of hundreds of thousands of troops, massive arsenals, and thousands of aircraft, tanks, and ships in every corner of the globe facilitates war-making and promotes an arms race. Additionally, bases make locations into targets for attack. And foreign bases implicate countries in the crimes of foreign militaries.
Need help with planning your action? Join the Global Organizing Call on January 23, one month out from the day of action.
The January 23 planning call will provide a chance for activists around the world to share information and resources with each other to aid in our organizing for February 23. You’ll hear from experienced organizers who will share action planning tips and resources, to answer your questions and help you prepare for planning your event as part of the Global Day of Action to #CloseBases.
The planning call will be held at two times to accommodate the most time zones: January 23 at 10:00am Eastern Time (RSVP here) and January 23 at 8:00pm Eastern Time (RSVP here).
Actions Around the World on February 23
Organize a Local Action! Fill Out the Event Submission Form to Add Your Action to the Map
Check this website for more details: https://worldbeyondwar.org/closebases/
