Ladies and gentlemen, today we’re going to delve into the latest geopolitical shake-up that’s got Europe rethinking its stance on military conscription!
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many believed the days of major wars in Europe were behind us. But now, more than two years into the conflict, a shift that once seemed unthinkable is underway: several European nations are reintroducing or expanding compulsory military service to bolster their defenses against Moscow’s mounting threat.
This renewed focus on conscription is part of a broader strategy to prepare for potential large-scale conflicts. Robert Hamilton, head of Eurasia research at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a former US Army officer, summed it up: “We are coming to the realization that we may have to adjust the way we mobilize for war, produce military equipment, and recruit and train personnel.”
Military conscription is returning to Europe, but is it really a more equal way of mobilising? What history tells us https://t.co/FK4zy6v75H via @ConversationUK
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The reality check came after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an open conflict in Ukraine, aiming to recreate the Soviet empire. Retired Gen. Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, noted, “We’ve now got a war in Europe that we never thought we would see again. Whether this is a new Cold War or an emerging hot war is unclear, but it’s a very imminent warning to NATO that we’ve got to rebuild our defenses.”
Countries like Latvia have already reintroduced conscription, with Latvia reinstating compulsory military service on January 1, 2023, after abolishing it in 2006. Male citizens are now subject to the draft upon turning 18 or upon graduation. Despite initial pushback, the need for a state defense service has become clear in the face of unprovoked aggression in Ukraine.
Norway has also ramped up its defense efforts, presenting a plan to nearly double its defense budget and add over 20,000 conscripted soldiers, employees, and reservists. Notably, Norway became the first NATO member to conscript both men and women on equal terms back in 2015.
The shift is not limited to Scandinavia and the Baltics. Germany, historically averse to militarization since World War II, has updated its defense plans and proposed new voluntary military service, preparing for potential conflict by 2029. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the need for readiness, signaling a significant mental shift within the country.
Even in Lithuania, where compulsory military service was reintroduced in 2015, the response has been mixed. However, initiatives to support Ukraine have seen increased youth engagement, highlighting a broader shift in mindset towards national defense.
The NATO alliance has been revising its strategy and boosting capabilities in response to the growing threat from Russia. NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah pointed out that since 2014, NATO has undergone the most significant transformation in collective defense in a generation, with over 500,000 troops at high readiness. However, there are still calls for allies to further increase their capabilities.
“We are coming to the realization that we may have to adjust the way we mobilize for war and adjust the way we produce military equipment and we recruit and train personnel,” said Robert Hamilton, head of Eurasia research at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, who served as a US Army officer for 30 years.
“It is tragically true that here we are, in 2024, and we are grappling with the questions of how to mobilize millions of people to be thrown into a meatgrinder of a war potentially, but this is where Russia has put us,” he said.
With the geopolitical landscape continually evolving, Europe’s focus on conscription and military readiness brings to the forefront the serious threats posed by Russia’s aggressive actions. As nations prepare for potential conflicts, the question remains: are we all ready for the challenges ahead?