2024/04/03 by Sven Altenburger · 1 voice · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Gender, Security, and Conflict #Historical and Contemporary Political Dynamics #World Wars: History, Literature, and Impact
paper · doi:10.1086/730738
openalex publication_date 2024/04/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Contemporary scholars, including political scientists and political philosophers, tend to hold a highly critical view of military and civil conscription. However, these institutions are clearly back on the European political agenda. In light of this gap between academic political thought and political practice, this article reconsiders the arguments against and in favor of military and civil conscription. By drawing on a wide range of normative, military, social, civic, political, and fiscal–economic considerations, a comprehensive and nuanced examination of various lines of reasoning is provided that bridges more specialized discussions. The analysis yields the conclusion that the prevailing critical view of military and civil conscription within scholarship is too one-sided and that, overall, there remains much to be said in favor of these institutions.