NATO Generals Call for Return to Conscription: Swiss Army as a Model
The hybrid warfare waged by Russia against liberal democracies began in 2007 with an attack on Estonia. This attack involved clouds of disinformation, incitement of the Russian minority by Russian intelligence services, and cyberattacks that disrupted Estonian government servers. This was a testing ground for the Kremlin’s "active measures," which are now being employed against Switzerland as well.
The Baltic Response to Russian Aggression
The end of Soviet occupation in Estonia was only 16 years prior, yet the Kremlin was once again challenging the independence of the Baltic states. Estonia, however, stood firm and reinstated conscription a year later, following Russia’s invasion of Georgia with tanks. This move was a clear signal of the Baltic states’ readiness to defend their sovereignty.
Facing the Reality of Defence Spending
While the Baltic states and other eastern European countries are increasing their defence spending to counter Russian threats, Western European countries, including Switzerland, lag behind. The NATO target of 2% of GDP for defence spending has been surpassed, with a new goal of 3% set. Switzerland, as the wealthiest European country, currently only allocates 0.8% of GDP to defence, with plans to increase it to 1% by 2030.
The Urgent Need for Conscription
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) advocates for a return to conscription, citing the successful models of Scandinavian and Baltic states. Conscription not only enhances military readiness but also fosters societal resilience and awareness of national security challenges. The challenge lies not only in arming the forces but also in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, a common struggle for European armed forces.
Diverse Models of Militia
Different European countries have varying approaches to conscription, with Finland, Norway, Denmark, Turkey, Greece, Sweden, and the Baltic states maintaining conscription or exploring its reintroduction. The ability to mobilize reserves quickly is crucial in times of crisis, as emphasized by military leaders in Czechia and the Netherlands.
Switzerland’s Defence Readiness
Despite criticisms of Switzerland’s defence policy, the country maintains a high level of defence readiness compared to its European counterparts. The militia system, competency in defence, and a robust arms industry contribute to Switzerland’s defence capabilities. The Swiss military’s experience in training civilians quickly in times of need is a valuable asset in today’s security landscape.
Increasing Pressure on Switzerland
As the security landscape evolves, Switzerland faces mounting pressure to enhance its contribution to European security. A focus on modernizing the armed forces and closing gaps in air defence is essential to safeguard critical infrastructure and deter potential threats. The debate should shift from mere upgrades to substantial military buildup, reflecting the changing security environment.
In conclusion, the Swiss political leadership must prioritize defence investment and equip soldiers adequately, recognizing the sacrifices they may make in times of conflict. The opportunity to strengthen Switzerland’s defence capabilities is present, but decisive action is needed to restore a credible deterrence strategy. The courage to invest in defence is essential for Switzerland to play a significant role in ensuring European security and stability.