Tough but fair: Is conscription the key to our security?

Tough but fair: Is conscription the key to our security?

The latest episode of the talk show “Hart aber fair” will be broadcast on Erste on September 22nd, 2025 at 9:00 p.m. Moderated by Louis Klamroth, the explosive topic “War in Europe: no security without compulsory military service?” discussed. Given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and NATO's alert state, the conversation becomes particularly topical and relevant.

The war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for over two years has brought security issues in Europe to the forefront. The call for a war-ready Bundeswehr and the need to increase Germany's defense capability are in the room. The considerations about introducing voluntary military service have also been a topic of discussion. The issue is being addressed in the controversy of whether this is enough or whether a revival of conscription is necessary, which, according to opinion polls, is supported by almost one in two Germans, especially among those over 60.

Various guests for a complex discussion

Louis Klamroth's guests are top-class and diverse. Among others, Norbert Röttgen, the deputy parliamentary group leader of the CDU, and Jan van Aken, the party leader of Die Linke, are expected. Nicole Schilling, the deputy inspector general of the Bundeswehr, and the journalist Özge İnan will also be present. They are joined by Carlo Masala, political scientist at the University of the Bundeswehr in Munich, Annabell Günther, law student and reservist, and Helena Clear, who is completing a voluntary social year. This broad range of perspectives promises a lively discussion about the challenges and opportunities of German security policy.

After the broadcast, the guests' statements will be further examined in an analysis entitled “Hard but fair to go”. After the initial excitement, the audience should also have the opportunity to go deeper into the topic and deal with the arguments.

The role of conscription in the security debate

People in Germany have to ask themselves the question again and again: How can we ensure our security? The billion-dollar special fund for the Bundeswehr has caused some discussion, but the implementation of sufficient defense structures remains unclear. As the federal government prepares to introduce voluntary military service next year, it remains to be seen whether this will alleviate the real deficits and fears of the population or whether a return to compulsory military service, which includes the old pattern of mustering all men aged 18 and over, is necessary. The question is whether the focus should perhaps be on a modern model like in Sweden, where women are also examined.

The debate about duty versus voluntary is more exciting than ever. At a time when security is becoming increasingly important, the upcoming episode of “Hard But Fair” could offer both informative and surprising insights into the opinions and arguments of the invited guests.

If you want to listen to the discussion again, you can't miss the repeats of the program on September 23rd at 1:50 a.m. on ARD, at 8:30 p.m. on tagesschau24 and on September 24th at 1:05 a.m. on 3sat.

For further details about the guests and the topic, we recommend taking a look at the reports from SWP and T Online that provide comprehensive information. The discussion of current opinions on compulsory military service is also discussed by ZDF followed up.