Governing the Military: The Armed Forces Under Democracy in Chile

Governing the military combines the study of governance, democratization, and policymaking to explore how military politics have unfolded since Chile's return to democracy in the 1990s. It offers timely research to understand the challenges presented by novel security demands and their consequences on human rights.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 16 April 2024
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Governing the military is a comprehensive exploration of the complex dynamics that have shaped military politics since Chile's return to democracy in the late 1990s. This book delves into the intersection of governance, democratization, and policymaking to provide a timely and insightful analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the armed forces in the twenty-first century.

The book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics that have contributed to the civil-military tension of the 1990s and the ongoing efforts to overcome it. It sheds light on the challenges posed by novel security demands, such as the militarization of urban crime and pandemics, and their implications for human rights. Additionally, the book highlights failed policies, lack of attention to governance, and decaying democratic practices that have hindered the effective management of the armed forces.

The volume examines eight key themes that are fundamental to understanding the modern governance of the armed forces. These themes include:

State of Civil-Military Relations: This theme explores the complex dynamics between the military and civilian authorities, including issues of political transition, military subordination, and the balance of power.

Political Transition and Military Subordination: This theme examines the processes and mechanisms that have led to the transition from authoritarian regimes to democratic ones, as well as the challenges faced by the military in adjusting to civilian control.

Roles and Missions: This theme examines the changing roles and missions of the armed forces in the context of global security challenges and the evolving nature of warfare.

Military Effectiveness: This theme explores the factors that contribute to military effectiveness, including training, equipment, leadership, and strategic planning.

Fiscal Spending: This theme examines the financial resources allocated to the armed forces and the ways in which they are used to support their operations and personnel.

Inter-Agency Challenges: This theme explores the challenges faced by the armed forces in working with other government agencies, such as intelligence, law enforcement, and emergency management.

International Engagements: This theme examines the armed forces' involvement in international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, as well as their role in promoting regional and global security.

Transparency and Corruption: This theme explores the importance of transparency and accountability in the armed forces, as well as the challenges faced in combating corruption and promoting good governance.

By examining these themes in depth, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities facing the modern armed forces. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, military leaders, and scholars interested in understanding the dynamics of military governance and the role of the armed forces in shaping the security landscape of the twenty-first century.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 242 x 164 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526161840