ABSTRACT
This entry examines the many dimensions of civil–military relations in democratic states. Nation-states use the military to protect them from external threats. To do this, militaries must develop capabilities that are strong enough to threaten the polity. A democratic nation-state ensures civilian control of the use of force by granting their military institutional autonomy. Key to success is a professional officer corps who leads an effective military and ensures an ethical institutional ethos loyal to the state. This entry examines the policy and administration issues that emerge in civil–military relations by focusing on the relationship between: 1) civilian leaders and military elites; 2) military leaders and their profession; 3) the military and the society it serves; and 4) the challenges of civil–military relations as states transition to democracy.
