MILITARY CONSCRIPTION IN AFRICA - a podcast by ALC Pan-African Radio

Transcript:

Are there merits to military conscription? In this programme, I will discuss diverse views of surrounding military conscription.
Scholars have, in the past, linked military conscription and nation-building. They argue that conscription can either shore up or undermine the national construct.
Military conscription is a policy, which relies on coercion to compulsorily recruit members into the military.
Modernization theorists have hailed military conscription as a modern model of organization that is dedicated to nation building especially in newly formed states.
In addition, proponents of military conscription argue that, military conscription is an essential tool for building a sense of nationalism and a strong feeling of citizenship particularly in young conscripts. It is considered as a unifying process and a critical instrument for national unity and social integration.
In this regard, Amita Etzion, a prominent social anthropologist scholar, views military conscription as, and I quote, a Sociological Mixer, end of quote, that is a powerful means to integrate heterogeneous societies.
Scholars also equate military conscription as a and I quote school of nation, end of quote. This term refers to a disciplined environment in which citizens would learn transferable skills, the value of social engagement and the importance of self- sacrifice.
Military conscription is also seen by scholars (name) an institutional setting well suited to increase “communicative effectiveness” and thus breaking down dividing lines based on race, ethnicity, religion or class. Since conscripts are required to perform common tasks in a highly structured environment and in close quarters individuals therefore from diverse backgrounds would not just interact but would learn how to effectively communicate with each other.
In this regard, Eritrean military service, for instance, has partially contributed for Eritreans to have a share common identity and solidarity. However, the unconstructive impact outweighed the good given the justification of the current massive Eritrean youth exodus.
Opponents of military conscription argue that it is often divisive and does not unify a nation. In addition, military services do not lead to inclusive common identities or solidarity but rather reinforce existing cleavages.
In South Africa, when military conscription was compulsory for all white males to join the South African Army in the sixties, the Army, was not only used to fight liberation movements in the neighbouring countries such as Angola Mozambique and Namibia, but it was also used to uphold the apartheid regime in the country.
Opponents further argue that conscription limits citizens' opportunity to explore other things other non-military experiences and that might have serious consequences in society such as productivity of the citizens. This has potential to weaken society. Other scholars point out that the negative experiences of some of the conscripts might lead them to detest the military.
In the end the country’s armed forces may face low morale and disciplinary problems due to the presence of unwilling conscripts.
In addition, opponents of military conscription have studied the paradoxes underpinned it. Even though conscription's is seen by governments as a means of building a sense of nationalism or citizenship, it depends whether conscripts come out with a positive attitude.
Studies have shown there is a strong correlation between the professionalism within the army and the willingness of young people to join freely. Nationalism is pointless unless the citizens have the power to achieve their goals, privileged opportunities and have the vision to change their communities and the nation.

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