The legitimacy of military involvement in governance remains a contentious issue, with varying perspectives on its necessity and risks.
Historical examples of military-civilian partnerships provide insights but also highlight the complexity of such relationships.
The debate underscores the need for clear frameworks that define the roles and limits of military and civilian authorities.
Future governance models may increasingly seek to balance military and civilian roles to ensure stability without compromising democratic values.
Countries experiencing political transitions may face heightened scrutiny over military involvement in governance, impacting public trust and legitimacy.
Civilian-Military Partnerships: Perspectives and Challenges
The debate surrounding the partnership between civilians and the military has intensified, with experts and academics presenting contrasting views on its feasibility and implications. In a recent episode of 'Bab Dialogue' aired on Al Jazeera 360 on November 9, 2024, participants discussed the potential risks and benefits of such collaborations.
Researcher and civil society activist Iman Bin Mohammed argues against the viability of this partnership, asserting that it creates an imbalance of power between armed forces and civilian institutions. She warns that this dynamic could destabilize governance and negatively impact the state. Supporting her stance, researcher Anas Yalman expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of military-civilian partnerships, stating that historical attempts have yielded little success, with military entities often prolonging their grip on power under the guise of transitional governance.
Conversely, academic Tayeb Al-Nour suggests that a conditional partnership could be possible if civilians respect military boundaries and refrain from compromising national sovereignty to external influences. He believes that adhering to these conditions could foster a partnership that benefits national stability and development. University student Ayman Al-Yousfi Al-Madani adds that a natural partnership can exist when the military's role is confined to security matters, citing the U.S. experience where several presidents have military backgrounds.
However, Taqaddam Al-Khatib, an academic at the University of Berlin, challenges this comparison, emphasizing that the U.S. context differs significantly, as military leaders enter politics only after a period of civilian governance. He raises critical questions about legitimacy, pondering whether it derives from elected civilians or an unelected military establishment.
Political researcher Mahmoud Ibrahim offers a broader perspective, arguing that governance inherently requires collaboration among all societal components, including the military. He highlights the military's potential role in economic development, particularly in developing nations where its resources can be harnessed for growth.
- The discussion reflects broader global concerns regarding the role of military institutions in governance and the delicate balance needed to maintain democratic integrity.
