The changing international security architecture, with the echoes and chants of the revival of the law of the jungle, states are now boosting their defenses, attaining strategic autonomy, and building mini-lateral partnerships in their respective regions. And Europe is at its epicenter. The revival of President Trump with his conservative internationalist approach and the long-perceived threat of Russian expansion, especially after the Ukrainian invasion, has transitioned Europe from a peacetime to a war-torn economy. 

The idea of forced conscription is now once again on the European defense tables. Whether Europe is ready for the conscription or whether the social contract allows it or not, the European politicians are now trying to shape public opinion for a total territorial defense against the enemy. This article provides the basic concept of forced conscription, key models, a comparison of the Cold War mentality to modern realities, and imminent challenges to European conscription strategy.

Conscription refers to a mandatory duty of every young citizen to serve in the national armed forces. It may take different forms, including forced, voluntary, or semi-professional conscription. It also includes duration, eligibility, exemption, and alternative service options.

Due to consistent wars and conflicts, Europe has utilized conscription as a total defense strategy throughout its historical discourse. The European conscriptions were seen in the 17th and 18th centuries when France, Switzerland, Germany, and even Russia were recruiting conscripts. In 1793, the French Revolution was a turning point when the levée en masse was introduced, which stated that every able-bodied citizen had a responsibility to protect the country. This novelty institutionalized the concept that the relationship between citizenship and military service could not be separated, and armies of such size were formed to support revolutionary France against several European powers.

During the 19th century, the conscript system of recruiting troops became common throughout Europe. Likewise, Germany under Adolf Hitler introduced universal military service, under which every boy under 18 years old was to be included in the service, promoted from trainee to reserve, and then finally into active service. During the Cold........

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