The policy towards Conscientious objection in Israel, West Germany and Switzerland

What is it about?

different states deal with the challenge of objection to military service in different ways. Are these divergent policies derived from "objective" factors, such as their security situation? This article argues otherwise: It shows that Israel and Switzerland - having nothing in common when it comes to security considerations - have nonetheless treated objectors through similar practices, refusing to recognize the right to conscientious objection. the article argues that states' willingness to recognize conscientious objection depends primarily on the place and roles of the army in society.

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Photo by Daniel Stuben. on Unsplash

Photo by Daniel Stuben. on Unsplash

Why is it important?

It offers a systematic explanation for understanding states' policies toward conscientious objection, which could be examined on other case studies. In addition, it offers a distinction between two possible state responses: accommodation and recognition. This implies that the lack of recognition does not necessarily mean a harsh or confrontational treatment of objectors.