Battle Lines Europe is mobilising to face Russia. Is the UK falling behind?
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Dec 1, 2025 Dr. Lynette Nusbacher, a military historian, and James Crisp, The Telegraph's Europe editor, discuss Europe's military shifts in response to the Russian threat. They dive into Macron's revival of military service in France and its cultural implications. The conversation highlights Britain's resistance to mass mobilisation and contrasts it with European nations embracing conscription. They also explore the implications of modern warfare, AI, and the need for a skills-oriented approach to defence in the UK.
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France's Three-Tier Military Vision
- Emmanuel Macron's voluntary service is framed as a stepping-stone toward potential conscription if needed.
- The policy aims to create professionals, reservists and volunteers as a three-tier force to boost European strategic autonomy.
UK's Professional-Army Mindset
- Britain historically prefers a professional army and resists politicising military recruitment.
- That cultural reluctance makes large-scale youth mobilisation or conscription politically unlikely in the UK.
Recruit For Tech Skills, Not Just Numbers
- Design future recruitment around data and technical skills like drone operation and cyber rather than mass infantry.
- Use hyperscaled computing and targeted selection to match recruits to specialised roles.