Call of Duty? German Public Opinion on Compulsory Service in Post- <i>Zeitenwende</i> Times

As the strategic certainty of a solid transatlantic axis backing European security is openly called into question from the US administration, the debate on whether to reintroduce compulsory service is gaining momentum in Germany. Based on a February/March 2025 survey, we analyze German public opinion regarding compulsory service. We study which partisan, age, and social groups are most supportive of a (re)introduction of compulsory service for all young people. Does the more imminent threat of Europe losing its most important ally lead to general support for compulsory service? In comparison with a June/July 2022 survey, we find that support of compulsory service developed according to party lines, but overall, only grew slightly. Those who performed some service in the past are more supportive toward compulsory service than those who did not—particularly if they regarded this service as meaningful. The same accounts for more traditional-authoritarian-nationalist individuals and older people.