Confronting the State: Conscientious Objection in Western Europe

Abstract

Nearly one hundred nations retain conscript armies and, in West Europe alone, approximately three million young people are liable for military service each year. In the postwar period, resistance to such conscript service has greatly expanded, both ter ritorially and functionally. Early objection was re ligious, but it now touches upon political or selec tive resistance to particular weapons or conflicts. The response of the State is influenced by its per ception of the threat which such resistance poses to internal stability and external integrity. The degree of recognition of conscientious objection may be assessed by the availability of information; grounds for recognition; timing of applications; tribunals; and the opportunities for alternative service. In general, the protestant states of Northern Europe adopt the most liberal stance, whilst in Southern Europe li mited concessions have only been achieved after considerable effort. The search for final recognition of conscientious objection as a Human Right has now entered the international arena, but so far with out much success.