CHALLENGES FACING CIVILIAN CONTROL OF THE MILITARY AND THEIR IMPACT ON DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION: THE CASE OF SIERRA LEONE
Authors
Dumbuya, Abdul K.
Subjects
civilian control
military prerogatives
ministry of defense
civilian supremacy
civil-military relations
military prerogatives
ministry of defense
civilian supremacy
civil-military relations
Advisors
Matei, Cristiana
Sigman, Rachel L.
Date of Issue
2021-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Developing democracies, especially in countries such as Sierra Leone, that have experienced military interventions in politics, face challenges in establishing civilian control over their armed forces. Until the UK-led post-war defense reform of 2002, Sierra Leone’s military was politicized and had a history of intervening in politics following the country’s independence in 1961. While the government is still consolidating post-reform gains, attendant problems of civilian control are apparent. Using a case study method, this thesis investigates the challenges to civilian control of the military in Sierra Leone. The study tests four hypotheses that relate to military prerogatives, politicization of the military and acceptance of civilian supremacy, engagement in domestic security, and limited civilian defense expertise or interest. The thesis finds that military engagement in domestic security and civilian leadership’s limited defense expertise or interest pose potential risks to democratic civilian control of the military. The risks of heightened military prerogatives and politicization are currently low, making them less worrisome. Failing to address these two challenges, however, increases the likelihood for the latter two to become risks as all four factors are found interrelated. The thesis recommends policy action to enhance and strengthen military acceptance of civilian supremacy, civilian defense expertise and interest, institutional control, and resource provision.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited
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