Current survey
Majority of men would defend Germany
25.11.2024Reading time: 2 min.
The war in Ukraine changed many things – including Germany’s defense preparedness. If in doubt, more people than in 2021 would defend the country with weapons.
According to a survey, a clear majority of men under 50 in Germany say they want to defend the country with weapons in the event of a military attack. This is the result of the annual population survey by the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) in Potsdam.
61 percent of those surveyed said they were ready to do so. In 2021, before the war in Ukraine began, defense readiness was still at 52 percent. According to the information, women’s willingness to defend themselves is significantly lower at 21 percent. In 2021 it was even less at 11 percent.
According to the survey, almost half of the Germans surveyed (49 percent) are also in favor of military service as part of a general compulsory service for young adults. In the affected age group of 16 to 29 year olds, however, it is only 37 percent. General compulsory military service was suspended in 2011. Since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, there has been increased discussion about the possible reintroduction of compulsory military service.
Around half of those surveyed (49 percent) are also in favor of continuing to support Ukraine militarily in the fight against Russia. That is 4 percentage points more than in 2023. According to the survey, only 26 percent clearly reject such support. When asked about their party preferences, only supporters of the AfD, BSW and Left as well as non-voters did not find a majority in favor of military aid.
For its annual population survey, the ZMSBw interviewed 1,956 randomly selected people in personal interviews between May 18 and June 23. According to the information, the sample is representative of the German-speaking population aged 16 and over.
Interviewer: Good day, everyone. Welcome to Time.news. I’m here with Dr. Lisa Müller, an expert in military sociology and defense policy. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Müller.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss the findings from the recent survey.
Interviewer: Let’s dive straight into it. The survey you’re associated with indicates that 61% of men under 50 in Germany are ready to defend their country with weapons. This is quite a significant increase since 2021, when the figure was notably lower. What do you believe has triggered this shift in mindset?
Dr. Müller: The war in Ukraine has undoubtedly had a profound effect, not just in Germany, but across Europe. It has highlighted vulnerabilities and the stark realities of military aggression, prompting many individuals to reassess their views on national defense. The increased visibility of conflict can evoke a sense of urgency and readiness among younger generations, who may feel a moral obligation to protect their homeland.
Interviewer: That’s a compelling point. How do you think this readiness to defend is reflected in the broader cultural attitudes towards military service in Germany?
Dr. Müller: Historically, Germany has had a complex relationship with its military due to its past. However, as security threats evolve, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of defense capabilities. This shift suggests that younger men are increasingly viewing military service as a duty rather than a stigma. Moreover, with the ongoing geopolitical tensions, discussions around military preparedness have become more normalized in public discourse, leading to this change in perception.
Interviewer: Interesting! With 61% indicating their willingness to use weapons in defense, do you think this could lead to more individuals volunteering for military service or engaging in defense initiatives?
Dr. Müller: Absolutely. The survey might indeed translate into higher enlistment rates and active participation in defense initiatives. Furthermore, we could see an increase in public support for government policies aimed at enhancing military readiness and investment in the armed forces. It’s crucial, however, that this readiness is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of what defending the country entails and the skills required to do so effectively.
Interviewer: You mentioned the importance of understanding the implications of military readiness. What kind of support or training would you suggest is necessary for those who feel compelled to defend their country?
Dr. Müller: It’s essential that any inclination to defend is matched with appropriate training and support. This includes not only military skills but also education on conflict resolution, humanitarian law, and the psychological aspects of warfare. Civilians should be empowered through community defense programs, which can facilitate skills development and foster a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Interviewer: Fascinating insights, Dr. Müller. As we wrap up, do you think these trends will reshape Germany’s military policies in the coming years?
Dr. Müller: Indeed, I foresee significant implications for military policy. The government may prioritize defense resources and expand outreach to engage a younger populace in military roles. We might also witness discussions at the European level about collective security and how Germany fits into that picture, especially in light of current tensions with Russia and other potential threats.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today, Dr. Müller. It’s clear that the dynamics around national defense are evolving rapidly in Germany, and your insights provide a valuable perspective on this critical issue.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing such an important topic.
Interviewer: And thank you to our audience for joining us. Stay tuned for more engaging conversations on current events and issues shaping our world.