ABSTRACT
The movement toward Washington-advocated free market mechanisms and dependence on American-dominated lending institutions may provide the United States (US) with an important tool which can be utilized to support military withdrawal and democratization. The antagonistic rhetoric of civilian leaders toward the military has abated considerably, especially in cases where such leaders have been given or gained responsibility in governing after military rule. Public opinion polls in Argentina, Greece, and Portugal indicate that public support for civilian institutions is growing and willingness to experiment with praetorianism has declined. The general failure of the military as a generator of social change has done a great deal to dispel previously held notions among officers that their professional training, discipline, devotion, managerial skills, and incorruptibility gave them the ability, duty, and even the moral right to save their countries from the bickering and self-centered politicians. Strangely enough, US influences on many developing countries may be greater than ever.
