By Atiq Raja
In the complex landscape of developing countries, the relationship between military and civil establishments is often fraught with tension and conflict. This dynamic interplay can shape the trajectory of a nation’s political, economic, and social development. Understanding the roles these institutions play, and the causes that lead to military takeovers, is essential for comprehending the broader challenges faced by developing nations. In many developing countries, the military is not just a defensive force but also a powerful political player. This role stems from various factors: In many developing nations, the military has historically played a crucial role in the struggle for independence. This legacy often translates into a continued involvement in national governance and decision-making.
The military is often viewed as a stabilizing force in countries plagued by political instability, corruption, and weak governance. In the absence of strong, effective civil institutions, the military may be seen as the only entity capable of maintaining order. In some countries, the military controls significant economic resources and enterprises. This economic influence allows the military to wield considerable power, often beyond its traditional security mandate. In certain contexts, the military sees itself as the guardian of national unity and sovereignty, especially in countries with diverse ethnic or religious groups. This self-perception can lead the military to intervene in politics, particularly when it believes the civil government is failing to protect national interests.
The civil establishment, typically encompassing the government, judiciary, and bureaucracy, is theoretically responsible for the governance and administration of the state. In developing countries, the civil establishment’s role includes: The civil establishment is tasked with formulating and implementing policies that drive national development, economic growth, and social welfare. Ideally, the civil establishment upholds democratic principles, ensuring that political power is exercised through elected representatives, and that the rule of law is maintained. The civil government is responsible for providing essential services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social security, which are crucial for improving the quality of life of citizens.
The civil establishment should ideally act as a mediator in conflicts, promoting dialogue and reconciliation, particularly in societies with deep-seated divisions. Despite the distinct roles of the military and civil establishments, developing countries have witnessed numerous instances of military takeovers. These coups d’état are often driven by a combination of factors: When civil institutions are weak, corrupt, or ineffective, they lose legitimacy in the eyes of the public and the military. A lack of confidence in civilian leadership can create a power vacuum that the military might feel compelled to fill. Frequent changes in government, electoral fraud, and political violence can lead to a breakdown in law and order. In such situations, the military may justify its intervention as a necessary step to restore stability.
Poor economic performance, rising unemployment, inflation, and widespread poverty can erode public trust in the civil government. Economic crises often lead to social unrest, which can provide a pretext for military intervention. In some cases, foreign powers may support or even instigate military coups to protect their strategic interests in a region. The Cold War era, for example, saw numerous military interventions backed by either the United States or the Soviet Union. Ambition within the military ranks, personal rivalries, or a desire for power can also lead to coups. In some instances, military leaders may simply see an opportunity to seize control for their own benefit. Military coups frequently lead to the suspension or dissolution of democratic institutions, undermining the rule of law and civil liberties.
Military regimes are often associated with repression, censorship, and human rights abuses, as they prioritize maintaining control over protecting individual freedoms. While some military regimes have managed to stabilize economies in the short term, long-term economic development typically suffers under military rule due to a lack of transparency, corruption, and the misallocation of resources. Military takeovers can exacerbate existing divisions within society, particularly when the military aligns with certain ethnic or religious groups against others. The relationship between military and civil establishments in developing countries is complex and often contentious. While the military may play a role in maintaining stability, its involvement in politics often comes at a high cost to democratic governance and long-term development. Understanding the causes of military takeovers and addressing the underlying issues within civil institutions are crucial steps toward building more resilient, democratic societies in the developing world.
The writer is a rights activist and CEO of AR Trainings and Consultancy, with degrees in Political Science and English Literature, can be reached at news@metro-morning.com
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