Military Conscription? Prof. Jarosław Kilias for 'Rzeczpospolita': Those susceptible to arguments about threats will be willing to support it
Sociologist Prof. Jarosław Kilias discusses survey results indicating that susceptibility to fears about national threats could influence public support for military conscription in Poland.
In an interview with 'Rzeczpospolita', sociologist Prof. Jarosław Kilias reflects on recent survey findings regarding public attitudes towards military conscription in Poland. He highlights that the validity of such survey results is often compromised by the respondents’ lack of understanding of the topic at hand, as many answers are influenced by vague media narratives and political rhetoric rather than informed opinions.
Kilias points out that some political leaders argue that Poland is facing serious threats, which cultivates a sense of urgency around the need for military conscription as a means of ensuring the country's defense capabilities. According to him, individuals who are receptive to these arguments may more readily support conscription, even if they are not fully aware of what it entails and how it might affect their own lives.
More than half of respondents in a recent Opinia24 survey commissioned by RMF FM expressed support for conscription, a notable statistic that Kilias underlines indicates a significant influence of media and political messaging on public opinion. He also cautions that a portion of the surveyed individuals might not have personal stakes in the issue, raising concerns about the depth of public understanding and the implications of potential policy changes regarding conscription in Poland.