Introduction

The backgrounds of conscientious objectors and the circumstances which led them to question the normalisation of militarisation show a considerable variety. The motivations behind their non-conformity with the law also differ. This makes it difficult to come to a unified definition because people attribute different meanings to conscientious objection and base their objection on various philosophical, moral, political or religious beliefs. Conscientious objection is defined in its general sense as ‘refusal to participate in the armed services based upon opposition to war. This opposition may rest upon reasons of religious belief, philosophy, morality or political ideology’ (Lippman 1990: 31). The term ‘conscientious objector’ generally refers to ‘a person who refuses either to bear arms or to serve in the military or continue to serve in the military because of religious or moral beliefs that are opposed to killing, or, more recently, are opposed to relying on nuclear weapons for deterrence’ (Moskos and Chambers 1993c: 5). These definitions focus only on non-participation in the army. They do not capture the critique of militarism that is embodied in the act of refusal. This chapter seeks a broader understanding of conscientious objection. It follows Moskos and Chambers's (1993a) typology of conscientious objection: first, private or political objection; second, universalist or selective objection; and third, alternativist or absolutist objection. It examines various motivations behind the act of conscientious objection and addresses the question of whether – in addition to religious motivations – ‘moral, ethical, humanitarian, or similar convictions’ constitute legitimate grounds for asserting the right to conscientious objection (Major 2001: 5).

The Nature of Conscientious Objection to Military Service in Turkey

Conscientious objectors might be secularly (private or political objection) or religiously motivated (Moskos and Chambers 1993c: 5). Whereas moral and ethical convictions are accepted as sources of objection in some states, religious motivations might be the only recognised source of objection to serving in the military in other states (Marcus 1997: 539). Historically, conscientious objectors initially refused military service because of their religious belief.