Military government

Military dictatorship
Military regimes

Nature

Military governments tend to have little respect for freedom nor for many human rights. Military strength involves laying plans for possible wars, and this necessarily leads to viewing other countries or internal factions as possible enemies. The result may be an oversimplified, black-and-white view of the world, divided into friends and enemies. In a country in which the ultimate control of policy rests with a civil government, these trends can be balanced, although an intense military preparedness tends to give the military men more influence on policy; a military government might not be subject to this restraining influence. When its position is insecure, it may attempt to strengthen it by exaggerating the threat from possible enemies, and if carried far enough, this trend may turn a country into an armed camp.

Background

The global significance of military government emerged prominently in the 20th century, as coups and military juntas disrupted civilian rule across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. International concern intensified during the Cold War, when superpower rivalries often fueled or opposed military regimes. Over time, human rights organizations and political analysts increasingly documented the widespread impacts of military rule, leading to a deeper understanding of its implications for governance, civil liberties, and international stability.

Incidence

Typically the military seizes power in the midst of a crisis and attempts to restore order and rationalize the economic system. Whatever promises are made to the population, there is a tendency for the military to retain their hold over the political institutions. Examples include: Argentina (1966 and 1976), Bolivia (1971), Brazil (1964), Chile (mid-1973), Indonesia (1966), Turkey (1971 and 1980), and Uruguay (mid 1970s). Of the 45 black African nations, in 1990 23 were military dictatorships where no political parties were permitted.

Claim

Military government is a grave threat to democracy and human rights. When armed forces seize power, they undermine civilian authority, suppress dissent, and often rule through fear and violence. This destroys the foundations of free society, stifles progress, and breeds instability. The world must recognize military government as a critical problem that demands urgent attention and action, because it endangers not only the affected nation but also global peace and security.

Counter-claim

Military government is not an important problem at all in today’s world. Most countries are stable democracies, and the few military regimes that exist have little global impact. Concerns about military rule are exaggerated, as modern societies overwhelmingly reject authoritarianism. Focusing on military government distracts from real issues like climate change, economic inequality, and technological disruption. It’s simply not a pressing concern in the current international landscape.