The British Social Attitudes survey found that under a quarter of adults under 35 view military readiness as a top personal priority. Report author Sophia Gaston explained that these attitudes are heavily driven by economic strains, including stagnant wages and a perceived breakdown in the social contract. Historical and contemporary evidence, from World War II resistance to modern Ukrainian territorial defence units, demonstrates that younger generations do step up when facing immediate aggression.
Key points
Reluctance to join the military stems largely from domestic economic alienation and a dam…: Reluctance to join the military stems largely from domestic economic alienation and a damaged social contract rather than unpatriotic sentiment.
Scepticism toward military campaigns is informed by the negative outcomes and destruction…: Scepticism toward military campaigns is informed by the negative outcomes and destruction of past foreign interventions like Iraq and Libya.
Younger generations consistently take up arms and support defense efforts when confronted…: Younger generations consistently take up arms and support defense efforts when confronted with direct, existential threats to their nation.
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