The German government aims to strengthen the country’s defense readiness, that is, its ability to defend itself militarily in the event of a crisis. The trigger for this renewed focus is the changed security situation following Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Yet while politicians debate the possible return of conscription, one thing is clear: the public itself is divided. This is the finding of a special analysis from July 2025 by the Conflict Monitor at the Conflict Academy of Bielefeld University. A total of 2,112 people were surveyed, all of whom had previously participated in a study in December 2024.
The analysis shows that during times of international crisis, public support for strengthening Germany’s military defense capability increases. At the same time, the debate about reintroducing conscription sharply divides society, particularly along generational lines.
“Our data highlight a growing sense of insecurity, but also a rising potential for social conflict when it comes to rearmament and conscription,” says Dirk Lampe, scientific coordinator of the Conflict Monitor. Andreas Zick, director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence (IKG) at Bielefeld University, adds: “If politics ignores the perspective of young people, trust in institutions will continue to erode.”
© Bielefeld University/M. Adamski
More Insecurity – More Support for Defense
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally changed Europe’s security landscape. Currently, 58 percent of respondents perceive the world as unsafe, while only 15 percent consider it safe. Nearly 40 percent believe a Russian attack on NATO countries in the coming years is likely.
These concerns are reflected in attitudes toward the Bundeswehr: two-thirds (66%) support higher defense spending and an increase in personnel. Only a small minority favors cuts. This shows how deeply security policy issues have now taken root in the center of society.
© Bielefeld University
Conscription Divides the Generations
When it comes to conscription, opinions differ widely. Half of respondents (52%) support the reintroduction of mandatory military service for young people, while one-third (31%) oppose it. The generational gap is particularly striking: only 32 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds are in favor, compared with 67 percent of those over 60. Women (47%) are more critical of the idea than men (59%).
The Conflict Monitor also examined various models for how such a service could be structured. No single model gained majority support. The most popular option (28%) is a voluntary federal service as part of a general civic program, allowing young people to choose whether to serve in the military, in social services, or in disaster relief.
Another 22 percent support voluntary military service following registration of all eligible citizens. A mandatory service for all, regardless of gender, receives the same level of support (22%). Only 13 percent favor the traditional male-only conscription, while 16 percent want no change at all.
The results make one thing clear: while many people consider military strength important, younger generations in particular want the freedom to decide for themselves how to contribute. A broad social consensus on the right path is still missing.
