The Bundeswehr is facing a dramatic shortage in personnel. Now Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has rekindled the debate over reintroducing conscription.
The issue is you’re confusing compulsory labour with forced labour.
If you don’t do conscription or civil service work (the alternative option) the consequences are a fine, or jail.
This is the same as eg refusing jury duty or not doing your taxes.
Having compulsory civil duties is not new, nor is it slavery. In countries at high risk of conflict (eg Taiwan), it’s practically required for their continued short-term existence.
I’m not even pro-conscription (for my own nation at this time), but “conscription is slavery” is so reductive, and just stops people discussing the actual pros and cons of the practice.
The issue is you’re confusing compulsory labour with forced labour.
If you don’t do conscription or civil service work (the alternative option) the consequences are a fine, or jail. This is the same as eg refusing jury duty or not doing your taxes.
Having compulsory civil duties is not new, nor is it slavery. In countries at high risk of conflict (eg Taiwan), it’s practically required for their continued short-term existence.
I’m not even pro-conscription (for my own nation at this time), but “conscription is slavery” is so reductive, and just stops people discussing the actual pros and cons of the practice.