ABSTRACT
T he military elite-heading one of the most formidable organizations in the modem state-enjoys considerable power, which may easily be diverted for domestic use. Hence analysts have long recognized the importance of civil-military elite relations in shaping a country’s political regime and determining whether or not it will be democratic. Recent (actual or attempted) transitions to democracy in various parts of the world make it especially topical to examine which relations work in fa vor, and which to the detriment, of democracy.
