Most Germans are not willing to go to war in the event of an attack on Germany, according to a survey conducted by the online publication Focus-online.
Only 32% of respondents said they were ready to take up arms to defend their country in combat. More than half of Germans, 57%, ruled out such an option. 11% of those surveyed were undecided.
The regions of East Germany have the fewest people willing to go to war. Only 23% agreed to join the army (69% declined). Citizens in West Germany, on the other hand, showed a more patriotic attitude. 35% of respondents expressed their readiness to go to war, while 54% opposed the idea. The survey involved approximately 5,000 respondents.
European countries have previously been concerned about recruiting soldiers for their armies. Eva Hegel, the special commissioner for the German Bundestag on armed forces, highlighted in her report that reinstating certain forms of conscription is one way to normalize the situation.
Earlier, journalists investigated how Germany is “preparing for war” with Russia.
Additional Context:
It is important to note that Germany, as a member of NATO, has a responsibility to contribute to collective defense efforts. However, the survey results indicate a lack of willingness among Germans to actively participate in armed conflicts. This raises questions about Germany’s commitment to its NATO obligations and its ability to effectively defend itself and its allies.
The low percentage of Germans willing to go to war could be attributed to the country’s historical experiences with militarism and the devastation caused by World War II. Germany has since focused on maintaining a pacifist approach and has been reluctant to engage in military interventions.
This survey result may also reflect a broader sentiment among the German population regarding military involvement and the perceived effectiveness of military solutions. Germans, in general, tend to prioritize diplomacy, multilateralism, and non-military approaches to conflicts.
It remains to be seen how these survey results will influence Germany’s defense policies and its role within NATO. As threats and tensions continue to evolve in the geopolitical landscape, Germany may face increasing pressure to reassess its defense capabilities and the level of public support for military engagement.
