Civil-Military Relations in Latin America: The Hedgehog and the Fox Revisited
Abstract
This article argues for a new focus in the study of civil-military relations. It seeks
to provide civilian policymakers with ideas and information to help them best
carry out their responsibilities as democratically elected leaders. Referring to
knowledge of military matters as “one big thing,” it argues that it is not necessary
for policymakers to know as much about matters of defense as their military
counterparts. Based on the academic literature and the author’s experience in
Latin America and other regions, this article suggests that civil-military relations
are best understood in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and civilian control of
the armed forces. These relations will only be effectively normalized when
institutions incorporate and personalize understanding and mechanisms of control
at both executive and legislative levels.
Rights
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