Military rule

Definition

Military rule refers to a form of governance where the military exerts significant control over the political system, often replacing or sidelining civilian authorities. This type of government can emerge during periods of crisis, such as war or civil unrest, when the military steps in to restore order and maintain stability, sometimes at the expense of democratic processes and civil liberties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Military rule can result in the suspension of democratic institutions and civil rights, leading to authoritarian governance.
2. In many cases, military rulers justify their actions by claiming the need for stability and security during times of crisis.
3. Military regimes often struggle with legitimacy, facing resistance from civilians who may demand a return to democratic governance.
4. Some countries have experienced cycles of military rule followed by democratic transitions, showcasing the ongoing struggle between these two forms of governance.
5. The international community's response to military rule varies; while some regimes receive support due to geopolitical interests, others face sanctions and condemnation.

Review Questions

• How does military rule impact civilian governance and political processes?
  • Military rule significantly disrupts civilian governance by sidelining elected officials and institutions. The military often takes control of key government functions, leading to the suspension of democratic processes such as elections and legislative activities. This shift can result in a lack of accountability and transparency in governance, as military leaders may prioritize security over civil rights and freedoms.
• What are some reasons that a military might justify its takeover of government during periods of crisis?
  • Military forces may justify their takeover by citing the need for stability and security during crises such as civil unrest, war, or economic turmoil. They often claim that civilian authorities are unable to maintain order or address pressing issues effectively. This rationale is frequently used to legitimize the suspension of democratic norms and to garner public support for their rule, despite potential negative consequences for civil liberties.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of military rule on a nation's political landscape and society as a whole.
  • The long-term effects of military rule can be profound, often resulting in entrenched authoritarianism, weakened democratic institutions, and diminished civil liberties. Societal divisions may deepen as resistance movements emerge against military governance, leading to cycles of conflict and instability. Additionally, once a country returns to civilian rule, it may face challenges in rebuilding trust in governmental institutions and ensuring political participation among citizens who experienced repression under military leadership.

Related terms

Coup d'état: A sudden and illegal seizure of power from a government, often orchestrated by military forces.

Authoritarianism: A political system characterized by the concentration of power in a single authority or a small group, limiting political pluralism and individual freedoms.

Martial law: The imposition of direct military control over normal civilian functions of government, often enacted in response to emergencies or unrest.