Developing Civil-Military Competencies Among Senior National Security Practitioners in Democratizing Latin America
Abstract
This paper evaluates the process of normalizing civil-military relations in Chile and Argentina. "Normalized" civil-military relations confine the military to the national security arena and are characterized by collaborative interactions between the civilian and military spheres. Such "normal" or "routinized" civil-military relations would represent a significant increase in civil-military interaction over that which has occurred in the past. The full or partial assumption of decision-making authority on the part of civilians in the defense bureaucracy would be one indicator of "normalizing" civil-military relations. Field research in Chile and Argentina indicates that as democratic institutions mature, interest in civilian oversight of national security matters is increasing. Civilian Ministries of Defense are increasingly interested in acquisition, budgetary, and deployment issues. Effective civilian management and control, however, depends on the preparedness of the senior civilian and military leaders for their national security roles. New attitudes toward using the military to achieve national interests through the application of national power are evolving in these cases, however the expertise to conduct "normalized" civil-military relations is still lacking. This paper examines the strategic education and professional development opportunities that senior military, civilian, and defense bureaucrats have to support their national security responsibilities. Additionally, it discusses the progress of "normalization" of civil-military relations in the two cases and proposes recommendations for U.S. policymakers interested in positively influencing this process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA539974
Entities
People
- Marybeth P. Ulrich
Organizations
- United States Air Force Academy