A new era of total war: Are young Canadians prepared?

Ira Wells is an associate professor at Victoria College in the University of Toronto and the President of PEN Canada.

As universities across Canada send out acceptance letters, Grade 12 students are navigating a pivotal moment in their lives. This milestone represents not just academic achievement but a culmination of years filled with hard work, extracurricular activities, and personal growth.

This familiar narrative of success—graduation ceremonies, starting jobs, purchasing homes—does not typically include military service or the concept of going to war. A recent Angus Reid poll revealed a stark reality: around half of Canadians expressed willingness to engage in armed conflict, but only a minority would do so unconditionally for their country. This raises critical questions about the evolving identity of Canadians and their willingness to defend their homeland in a changing global landscape.

Changing Attitudes Towards Military Service

Canada's historical stance has often leaned towards peacekeeping rather than active warfare. This sentiment appears to be shifting, particularly among younger generations. According to the same Angus Reid survey, only 21% of Canadian men aged 18-34 indicated they would enlist if called upon, while a significant 36% outright refused. Such statistics indicate a troubling trend: a potential crisis in military recruitment.

In the context of Canada's current military force—comprising just 63,000 active members from a population of 41.5 million—this reluctance to serve poses serious questions about national security and defense capabilities. The stark contrast to World War II, when approximately 1.1 million Canadians served, illustrates how our collective mindset has evolved.

Consequences of Global Instability

The world is witnessing a dramatic transformation, with threats to territorial integrity becoming increasingly apparent. Recent military modeling by Canadian forces has begun to consider responses to hypothetical scenarios, such as an American invasion, highlighting a new urgency in defense strategy.

As NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted, we must prepare for conflicts that could rival those faced by prior generations. The ongoing war in Ukraine serves as a painful reminder of the potential for state-on-state conflict, which many believed had faded in the 21st century.

The Era of Comprehensive Conflict

Scholars like Mara Karlin argue that we are entering a new age of “comprehensive conflict,” where warfare may require societies to mobilize entirely. This contrasts sharply with the limited wars and counter-terrorism operations that dominated the early 2000s. Future warfare, as posited by Karlin, will likely necessitate a societal commitment that parallels the total wars of the last century.

For Canada, this shift demands a reassessment of the societal expectations we place on young Canadians. As we prepare them for futures that may no longer align with the traditional scripts of education and career, we must also equip them with the resilience and mental fortitude required for the challenges ahead.

The Psychological Shift Required

One of the most pressing questions is how young Canadians would respond if faced with the call to arms. Would they rise to the occasion, or would the nation falter under external pressures? Personal accounts from Ukrainian soldiers offer valuable insights into this dilemma. Many of them, like Stan and Darwin, were once ordinary individuals pursuing typical careers until the reality of war forced them into action.

Stan, a game developer from Kyiv, never envisioned a future in the military; yet, the impending threat of invasion transformed his priorities. He felt compelled to enlist after realizing he wanted to demonstrate to his son the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and homeland.

Darwin, who also began his military journey motivated by a sense of justice amidst early conflicts, highlights how the perception of war can shift dramatically. He illustrates that the societal norms we take for granted can dissolve when faced with the stark realities of conflict.

Learning from Ukraine's Experience

The war in Ukraine serves as a critical case study for Canadians contemplating military service. The experiences of young Ukrainian soldiers reveal a stark shift in identity and purpose when confronted with warfare. The realization that their personal dreams may be secondary to the fight for national survival emphasizes the psychological transformation that occurs during such crises.

Darwin's reflection on his past beliefs illustrates a broader societal tendency to view war as a distant concern, something that only impacted others. His assertion that the capacity for war resides within everyone challenges Canadians to reconsider their own assumptions about military service and national defense.

Mobilizing a Nation for Defense

If Canada were to face a direct threat, would the current attitudes shift significantly? History suggests that major events can dramatically alter public opinion. The recent federal election illustrates how perceptions of sovereignty can mobilize citizens. However, transitioning from casting a ballot to taking up arms requires a fundamental change in mindset.

• Acknowledge the reality of conflict and its potential impact on daily life.
• Rethink societal narratives that prioritize traditional career paths over military service.
• Foster a culture where military service is viewed as a noble and viable career choice.

The insights from Ukrainian soldiers indicate that preparation for potential conflict may be the best deterrent against future threats. Building a robust military presence sends a clear message to potential aggressors and reinforces national unity.

Reimagining Military Service in Canadian Society

One of the most critical aspects of this shift will be redefining military service's role in Canadian society. Currently, many perceive it as a last resort for those lacking direction. Instead, we should promote the idea of military service as a pathway to personal and professional growth.

Investment in military infrastructure, new platforms, and increased defense budgets is essential. Yet, equally important is the need for a cultural shift that elevates military service's status in society, akin to the respect afforded to those in other esteemed professions.

By integrating military service into the broader narrative of national identity, we can encourage young Canadians to view enlistment not as a sacrifice but as an opportunity to contribute to a greater cause.

Preparing the Next Generation

Ultimately, it is crucial to inspire young Canadians to envision themselves as defenders of their nation. This involves instilling a sense of purpose and the understanding that their contributions matter. Military history and the realities of modern warfare should be incorporated into educational curricula to foster informed perspectives on service and sacrifice.

• Encourage discussions about the importance of national defense in schools.
• Highlight stories of valor and commitment from Canadian history.
• Promote mentorship programs connecting veterans with youth.

Through these initiatives, we can bridge the gap between traditional aspirations and the realities of a world where the threat of conflict looms ever closer. The time has come for Canadians to embrace their identity as a nation capable of defending its values and way of life, ensuring that the ideals of peace and freedom endure for generations to come.