Doctoral defence: Eleri Lillemäe “Pragmatic conscription: Perceptions and experiences of conscripts in Estonia”

On 22 August at 14:00 Eleri Lillemäe will defend her doctoral thesis “Pragmatic conscription: Perceptions and experiences of conscripts in Estonia” for obtaining the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (in Sociology).

Supervisors:

Professor Kairi Kasearu, University of Tartu
Dr Eyal Ben-Ari, Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security

Opponent:

Professor Torunn Laugen Haaland, Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies (Norway)

Summary

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the question of reinstating conscription has resurfaced in European countries. However, in the centre of the debate is how the traditional tool of conscription aligns with changed societal values. NATO accession also sparked discussions on whether Estonia should abolish it, but due to its geopolitical position and small population, the decision was made to retain it. At the same time, Estonian society has undergone significant transformations since regaining its independence, including digitalisation, globalisation, and value shifts. As a result, Estonia provides a valuable case for studying how conscripts experience their service. Therefore, this doctoral dissertation focuses on how conscripts perceive and interpret their service experience, how the military as an organisation shapes this process, and how societal changes affect the broader meaning of conscription.

The thesis highlights that, alongside traditional motivators associated with conscription, such as a sense of duty, a growing set of practical motivations has emerged. These revolve around opportunities for personal development and acquiring skills necessary for future life. However, the convertibility of the competencies acquired during conscript service to civilian life largely depends on the conscripts' own ability to interpret them. The most significant factor in perceiving conscription as beneficial is family members' and friends' perceived supportive attitude. Psychological hardiness, motivation, and preparation for conscript service also play a role.

As much as the military’s organisational practices and operational goals allow, individual preferences and career aspirations of conscripts are taken into account. While responding to societal values and expectations is essential for the continuity of the armed forces, there is a risk that making service highly flexible may reduce opportunities for self-development, potentially leading to disappointment and lower motivation among conscripts. For example, frequent opportunities to leave the military grounds aim to sustain motivation, but paradoxically, constant contact with the outside world may deepen the sense of falling behind peers and highlight the socioeconomic inequality among conscripts, thereby reducing their internal cohesion.