Europe

Thank you very much for asking nicely. I'm not in the right headspace to type out my thoughts so I asked chatgpt to organise my points for me, hope that's ok...

1. Historical Context of Anti-War Movements:

Point: The abolition of conscription in the West coincides with the decline of notable anti-war movements.

Explanation: The absence of a draft reduces personal stakes in anti-war activism, as individuals are less likely to mobilize against conflicts that don't directly threaten themselves or their loved ones.

Example: During the Vietnam War era, widespread conscription led to significant anti-war organizing, including acts of soldier disobedience within Western armies. The lack of a draft in contemporary "professional" militaries has diminished this internal dissent.

2. Equality and Social Justice:

Point: The poverty-to-war pipeline perpetuates inequality and injustice.

Explanation: Universal conscription ensures that military service is not disproportionately borne by socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, who may enlist out of economic necessity.

Example: Wealthy individuals are often able to avoid military service through exemptions or alternative paths, exacerbating class disparities in both civilian and military sectors.

3. Preventing War Crimes and Protecting Civilian Populations:

Point: Conscripted soldiers are less likely to commit war crimes compared to volunteer soldiers, as they have not chosen to participate in overseas conflicts and may harbor moral reservations about engaging in violence against foreign populations.

Explanation: Universal conscription reduces the likelihood of individuals joining the military with the explicit intent to engage in combat abroad, thereby minimizing the risk of atrocities and human rights abuses during wartime.

Example: Volunteer soldiers, driven by motives such as adventurism, financial gain, or ideological fervor, may exhibit less restraint and empathy towards civilian populations in conflict zones compared to conscripted soldiers, who may view their deployment with reluctance or disapproval.

4. Citizen Empowerment and Resistance:

Point: In the event of a communist revolution, a well-trained citizenry would be better prepared to resist government repression and uphold revolutionary ideals.

Explanation: By providing military training to all citizens, universal conscription equips them with the skills necessary to defend themselves, their communities, and democratic principles in the face of potential threats.

Example: Currently, far-right militias actively engage in armed combat training, giving them a tactical advantage in conflicts and undermining the ability of left-leaning individuals and groups to effectively resist authoritarianism or repression. Universal conscription would level the playing field by empowering all citizens with the means to participate in self-defense and collective action.

5. Military Solidarity and Revolutionary Potential:

Point: A communist revolution depends on military support or at least non-cooperation from armed forces.

Explanation: A conscripted military is more likely to sympathize with revolutionary movements, as soldiers have personal connections to civilians and may refuse orders to suppress popular uprisings.

Example: Drafted soldiers are more likely to have friends and family among the civilian population, making them hesitant to use force against fellow citizens during times of political upheaval.