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Originally Posted by Comrade Joe
If a state has a constant policy of conscription, does that make every citizen a legitimate target for an enemy army ? Discuss.
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Theoretically and ideally, no.
BUT, war has changed in that uniforms and easily identifiable distinctions between soldiers and civilians aren't as cut-and-dried as they used to be. (Example: Vietnam) If it's the case where anyone could be, has been, and is willing to fight in combat, but not technically be part of the Army, then things get problematic. It's not like you check IDs before you shoot someone.
Overall, I think the era of the "honorable" war is over.