From Restraint to Readiness? Germany Considers Conscription

In a significant policy shift, Germany is debating the reinstatement of conscription as it seeks to build Europe's strongest conventional army. This move is a central part of its *Zeitenwende*, or "turning point," a national security overhaul prompted by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The debate highlights a deep-seated tension, pitting the nation's post-World War II "culture of restraint" against the urgent need for a more active defense posture. Ultimately, this transformation is a gradual and difficult process, requiring a fundamental reshaping of Germany's strategic culture to embrace power as a responsibility.