If it is not a reaction to provocation, it is prepared by hate-speak or by imagery that divorces violence from its consequences. It is structured - people lose their self in a group identity beyond personal control. Militarisation concedes power and influence to arms traders. Between states, the arms trade is a shadowy world, often associated with bribery, corruption and espionage. Militarisation spreads the possession of small arms beyond social control - not only increasing risks of crazed mass killings, but the general likelihood of incidents escalating into armed violence.
Militarisation subordinates civil rights to military needs.
The decision to use force makes paramount the success of a military operation. This may lead to the formal suspension of certain civil rights and for security operations that contradict the declared codes. In a post-civil war situation, where a garrison state prevails, 'military necessity' still seeks to dictate the terms. Militarisation strengthens authoritarianism and reduces transparency. Those who publicly dissent or who try to reveal facets of operations that are not publicly acknowledged are liable to be smeared or worse.