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Swedish Inspiration, German Design - Policy Travel and Military Service Reform in Germany

Dorrer, Cedric Ferdinand LU (2026) WPMM43 20261
Department of Political Science
Abstract (Swedish)
This thesis conducts a case study of the policy development and adaptations leading to the New Military Service policy in Germany through a policy travel lens. It follows the policy process over three phases between 2024 and 2025. Moving from policy transfer to policy translation, a framework building on framing vocabulary is developed and guides the analytical focus on how the policy has been adapted over time and in relation to foreign policy models. The policy development is examined through the German Ministry of Defense, drawing on the ministry’s public communications and interviews with policy experts. The findings show that the policy was inspired by the Swedish conscription system. Similarities include a mix of voluntary and... (More)
This thesis conducts a case study of the policy development and adaptations leading to the New Military Service policy in Germany through a policy travel lens. It follows the policy process over three phases between 2024 and 2025. Moving from policy transfer to policy translation, a framework building on framing vocabulary is developed and guides the analytical focus on how the policy has been adapted over time and in relation to foreign policy models. The policy development is examined through the German Ministry of Defense, drawing on the ministry’s public communications and interviews with policy experts. The findings show that the policy was inspired by the Swedish conscription system. Similarities include a mix of voluntary and obligatory aspects. However, differences exist, e.g., regarding gender inclusion. While the broad policy approach has not fundamentally changed between the initial phase and the political decision in December 2025, the meanings and instruments have been adapted over time, reflecting, among other factors, the change in government in spring 2025. The paper also discusses the position of the German case within the broader European trend of restrengthening and modernizing multifaceted military services and finds that, despite German particularities, it is well situated within this trend. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Dorrer, Cedric Ferdinand LU
supervisor
organization
course
WPMM43 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Policy Translation, Policy Transfer, Military Service, Framing, Modernized Conscription
language
English
id
9226804
date added to LUP
2026-06-16 15:22:05
date last changed
2026-06-16 15:22:05
@misc{9226804,
  abstract     = {{This thesis conducts a case study of the policy development and adaptations leading to the New Military Service policy in Germany through a policy travel lens. It follows the policy process over three phases between 2024 and 2025. Moving from policy transfer to policy translation, a framework building on framing vocabulary is developed and guides the analytical focus on how the policy has been adapted over time and in relation to foreign policy models. The policy development is examined through the German Ministry of Defense, drawing on the ministry’s public communications and interviews with policy experts. The findings show that the policy was inspired by the Swedish conscription system. Similarities include a mix of voluntary and obligatory aspects. However, differences exist, e.g., regarding gender inclusion. While the broad policy approach has not fundamentally changed between the initial phase and the political decision in December 2025, the meanings and instruments have been adapted over time, reflecting, among other factors, the change in government in spring 2025. The paper also discusses the position of the German case within the broader European trend of restrengthening and modernizing multifaceted military services and finds that, despite German particularities, it is well situated within this trend.}},
  author       = {{Dorrer, Cedric Ferdinand}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Swedish Inspiration, German Design - Policy Travel and Military Service Reform in Germany}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}