Why Europe is asking women to get ready to fight Russia - BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• Conscription: Mandatory military service for citizens.
• Gender Neutral Conscription: Extending conscription to both men and women.
• Deterrence: The act of discouraging an action or event through instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
• War of Attrition: A prolonged military conflict where one side attempts to win by wearing down the other side's resources and will to fight.
• NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): A military alliance of 32 member states.
• Civilian Service: An alternative to military service, typically involving work in public service roles.

Europe's Rebuilding Armies and the Rise of Gender Neutral Conscription

Increased Tensions and the Return of Conscription

Europe is experiencing a significant increase in military troop training due to rising tensions with Russia. This has led some countries to reintroduce or expand conscription, a system requiring citizens to complete a period of military service. Historically, conscription primarily involved men, but current geopolitical realities are prompting a shift, with some nations now considering or implementing the drafting of women. This move signifies a recognition that the perceived threat is substantial enough to necessitate universal participation.

Historical Context of Conscription

The concept of conscription dates back to the French Revolution, where men aged 18 to 25 were mandated to report for duty. This model was adopted by other nations in the 19th century and saw millions conscripted during the World Wars. During these conflicts, women were drafted for support roles such as working on farms, in factories, and hospitals, and some served in the military, though generally not on the front lines. Notable exceptions, like Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a Soviet sniper nicknamed "Lady Death," were volunteers who served in combat roles. Conscription policies were largely phased out across Europe after the Cold War, driven by hopes for lasting peace and subsequent reductions in defense spending and military size. However, countries bordering perceived territorial threats, such as Greece and Turkey, or those adjacent to Russia, often retained forms of military service.

Modern Reintroduction and Expansion of Conscription

Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Ukraine and Lithuania reinstated compulsory military service for men. Sweden followed suit in 2017, notably including women in its conscription. These countries are predominantly in Northern Europe, geographically closer to Russia and with a strong emphasis on gender equality.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 further underscored the need for European nations to bolster their military capabilities. This has led to a war of attrition, with Ukraine facing challenges in matching Russia's mobilization rate. European leaders and frontline states have warned of the potential for NATO to engage in conflict with Russia. In response, several countries have planned to reintroduce conscription for men, while others are implementing new voluntary military training programs. Denmark, for instance, is extending its draft period from four to 11 months and plans to include women, requiring them to serve for two years.

Motivations for Reintroducing Conscription

The resurgence of conscription is driven by several factors:

• Increased Threat from Russia: The primary catalyst is the perceived heightened threat from Russia.
• Uncertainty of US Security Guarantee: Concerns about potential withdrawal of US funding from NATO, as voiced by figures like former President Donald Trump, have prompted European nations to increase their own defense spending and readiness. As one statement highlights, "If they don't pay, I'm not going to defend them."
• Need for Military Reserves: Conscription is seen as a powerful tool for building up military reserves, which are crucial for deterrence.
• Falling Birthrates: Projections indicate a demographic challenge around 2040, where low birth cohorts from the past few years could lead to insufficient personnel if the security situation remains tense.

Debates and Support for Female Conscription

The inclusion of women in conscription has sparked debate regarding who should serve and the implications of such a policy.

• Arguments for Gender Neutrality: Proponents argue that in the current global climate, it is "needed" and "only fair and right that women participate equally. As with the men." This perspective emphasizes equal rights and obligations.
• Potential Advantages: Some argue that women can access parts of the population that men cannot, particularly in intelligence gathering and communication with the female population in certain regions or during operations.
• Public Support: Public support for conscription, including female conscription, is strong in countries like Norway, where more individuals are willing to serve than are currently needed. The Princess of Norway herself has completed conscript service.
• Challenges and Concerns: Conversely, there are concerns about women's safety and well-being in a military context. As one individual expressed, "I do not want to die. I do not want PTSD. And also, um, I'm scared about, like, life in the battlefield as a woman." Militaries face challenges in addressing issues like sexual harassment, abuse, and assault, and in adapting to women operating in male-dominated environments. Provisions for uniforms and weaponry, largely designed for men, also need to be considered.
• Varying Support Levels: While public support for female conscription is strong in Nordic states, it is notably lower in other countries bordering Russia, such as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Despite this, some politicians, like Latvian Defence Minister Andrej Spreads, advocate for a "gender neutral approach" as crucial for strengthening comprehensive defense and security within nations and NATO.

Implementation and Consequences

In most countries, individuals can refuse military draft and opt for civilian service. However, failure to respond to a call-up can result in fines or arrest. Conscript service typically lasts around a year, with former conscripts eligible to be recalled for up to 26 years. The implementation of gender-neutral conscription necessitates significant adjustments in military infrastructure, training, and policies to accommodate all personnel effectively and safely. The ultimate aim of these increased defense measures, including conscription, is to deter future Russian aggression.