Military Conscription & its Role in Nation-Building

Abstract

Established for the purpose of obtaining and protecting territory and resources, the military has played and continued to play a significant role in state formation and building. Consequently, the state’s intertwined relationship with the army has attracted a significant amount of scholarly attention. However, the existing literature only goes so far in explaining the role of the military vis-à-vis nation-building. Thus, the main objective of this research paper is to assess the degree to which the military, particularly through conscription, has the ability to break down existing ethnic barriers and unite citizens with a common national identity. This will be done by examining two case studies that have demonstrated the potential of conscription to ameliorate ethnic divisions. Despite being from two different continents and regions, both Switzerland and Singapore have successfully maintained their conscription programs in a world where all-volunteer forces are the trend. Thus, this study will compare both countries to assess and identify common variables that have ensured the successful establishment and continuation of their conscription programs. By identifying the necessary conditions for the successful use of conscription as a national-integration strategy, this study will draw comparative lessons for other divided places.