The path to war is littered with opportunities to turn back or to carry on yet faster towards the outbreak of war. Conflict can easily spiral out of control. There are very worrying signs just now that the UK and its allies are contributing to possible escalation of conflict with Russia.
The Conservative Party has committed itself to bringing back conscription to national service if it won the July election. The military element would be voluntary although I presume, once set up, military service could easily be made mandatory if it was argued circumstances justified it. The non-military element is only 25 days service so would hardly amount to the major change in young people’s lives that is being claimed for it.
Meanwhile the head of NATO has been arguing in favour of allowing its weapons to be used for attacks on Russia inside Russian territory and the US President agrees – a clear escalation.