Even if only 2 percent of those assigned to perform…
“Even if only 2 percent of those assigned to perform military service should announce their refusal to fight, governments would be powerless, they would not dare send such a large number of people to jail.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
If a small minority refuses military service, governments would be unable to imprison many, limiting their power to enforce conscription.
In simple terms: A tiny refusal could cripple a government’s ability to enforce war.
Key Takeaway
Consider civil disobedience as a powerful deterrent.
Themes
civil disobedience
power
government
military
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
argument
hypothetical
When to use this quote
- draft protests
- peace movements
- policy debates
Key Concepts
political theory
nonviolent resistance
collective action
Questions to Reflect On
- What conditions make large‑scale refusal feasible?
- How does public opinion affect governmental response?
A Different Perspective
Mass refusal may be unrealistic without widespread support.