Undue military influence

Military influence in politics
Undue military control
Military domination of civilian government

Nature

Military influence in political, social and economic spheres of national or international life may be direct, in the form of dictatorship, or less direct, in influencing the size of defence budgets or the orientation of foreign trade agreements and alignments. Foreign powers may give military aid to others which they wish to influence in political or economic matters.

Background

Undue military influence emerged as a recognized global concern in the aftermath of World War II, when military interventions in governance became increasingly visible across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The Cold War era further highlighted the problem, as superpower rivalries often empowered military establishments. Scholarly and policy attention intensified following numerous coups and the persistent erosion of civilian authority, prompting international organizations to monitor and address the implications for democracy and human rights.

Incidence

In 1993, elite army units were placed on red alert and the Chilean high command met several times in combat uniform to consider a list of complaints against President Patricio Aylwin's centre-left government, which which they, under General Pinochet who led the military coup, have uneasily coexisted since elected rule in 1990. One complaint from the leader of the main conservative party, criticized political pressure on his party by the military.

Claim

Undue military influence is a grave threat to democracy and civil society. When the military oversteps its bounds, it undermines civilian authority, erodes public trust, and stifles dissent. This unchecked power can lead to human rights abuses, corruption, and the suppression of free expression. Allowing the military to dominate political or social spheres is a recipe for authoritarianism and instability. We must urgently confront and curtail this dangerous encroachment.

Counter-claim

The notion that undue military influence is a significant problem is vastly overstated. In reality, modern democratic systems have robust checks and balances that prevent any single institution, including the military, from wielding excessive power. Concerns about military overreach are largely hypothetical and distract from more pressing societal issues. Focusing on this supposed problem only fuels unnecessary paranoia and undermines the trust and respect our armed forces have rightfully earned.