Most armies are fed stereotypical images of their potential enemy as in some way sub-human, monstrous or criminal. To put the population on a war footing or to support a high level of military preparation often requires a sustained propaganda campaign demonising the Other. Militarisation distorts social priorities by appropriating resources for military rather than social needs. This has been well documented at the state level by Ruth Leger Sivard's statistical compendium World Military and Social Expenditures. It also happens at the non-state level in territories controlled by guerrillas.
Militarisation excludes or obstructs efforts to try non-military methods.