Introduction

The juridical principles upon which the political systems of different states are based vary significantly, and contrasts between the states’ central organizations of defense will be immediately apparent on these grounds alone. In some cases the emphasis is more on the domestic arena and in others, the international; but in all instances there is, within the structure of political authority of each state, a government department, ministry, organization, bureau, and the direction, use, and control of the activities of armed force. The other concerns France, whose Gendarmerie Nationale is as much a fourth armed service as it is a national police force; this duality is reflected in its accountability to three political masters: the Departments of Defense, Interior, and Justice. The hallmark of any effective democratic system is the degree to which governments and those who exercise political power are accountable and answerable to those whom they ostensibly serve, and in whose names policies are formulated and executed.