The volume presents analysis of conscription models in six European countries, four of which continuously kept conscription (Estonia, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland), and two re-established conscriptions in recent years (Lithuania and Sweden). The first part of the book provides a description of country-specific aspects related to conscription. The second part is dedicated for an in-depth analysis of the following topics: attitudes towards defence forces; adaptation to conditions during conscription; motivation to do initial military service; unit cohesion during conscription; leadership in the context of conscription; intentions to move from conscription to military professionals. Empirical data was collected in 2021-2022 by 8783 recruits. The book is an outstanding source of knowledge and a practical tool for conscription models suitable for the certain country. The volume is of interest to defence practitioners and policy makers, researchers, teachers and students who focus on military sociology and defence politics.
Theoretical and Methodological Approach - The Conscription Phenomenon,
and The Context of its Analysis in Europe.- Conscription in Estonia -
'Voluntary Conscription' as a Response to Changing Society.- Conscription in
Finland - A Bedrock of Strong Deterrence and Defense.- Conscription in
Lithuania - Still Under Discussion, Should it Be Compulsory and Universal, or
Voluntary Only?.-Conscription in Norway - Between Long-lasting Tradition and
Modern System.- Conscription in Sweden - Conscription in Times of Defense
Growth.- Conscription in Switzerland - An Important Element in the Swiss
Society.- Attitudes Towards Defence Forces - Evaluation of Conscription,
Military and Defense.- Attitudes Towards Adaption to Three Different Fields -
Military Life, Military Routines, Separation from Family and Friends.-
Motivation to Complete Conscript Training - Between Duty to the Homeland and
Patriotism.- Unit Cohesion During Conscription.- Leadership in the Context of
Conscription.- Conscripts' Intentions to Become a Military Professional.-
Conscription in Europe - Critical Insights on the Current State and Future
Developments.
About the Editors
Tibor Szvircsev Tresch is a lecturer on military sociology at the Military Academy at the ETH Zurich.
Vida esnuityt is a Chief Researcher at the General Jonas emaitis Military Academy of Lithuania.
Kairi Kasearu is a professor of empirical sociology at the University of Tartu in Estonia.
Teija Sederholm is an adjunct professor at the Finnish National Defence University.
Johan Österberg is a researcher and senior lecturer at the Swedish Defence University.
