Yes, it's a very sticky wicket. In Israel's case you can just be a conscientious objector and either make up an excuse for non-service, or take the jail time. In places that don't even pose as Liberal democracies that's not an option, and you're best off trying to defect to someone else. If you can't manage that either, it's basically just time to survive while choosing kindness wherever you can, even if it means some loss and some risk. The soldier in The Pianist giving the guy cake comes to mind.