Civil-Military Relations

Ukranian soldiers examine ballots in Kiev in 2002. (© Reuters/CORBIS)

U.S. military cadets throw their hats in the air upon graduation. A professional military needs to be as well educated as its civilian overlords. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Issues of war and peace are the most momentous any nation can face, and at times of crisis, many nations turn to their military for leadership.

Not in democracies.

In democracies, defense issues and threats to national security must be decided by the people, acting through their elected representatives. A democracy's military serves its nation rather than leads it: Military leaders advise elected leaders and carry out their decisions. Only those who are elected by the people have the ultimate authority and the responsibility to decide the fate of a nation. This principle of civilian control and authority over the military is fundamental to democracy.

Civilians need to direct their nation's military and decide issues of national defense, not because they are necessarily wiser than military professionals, but precisely because they are the people's representatives and, as such, are charged with the responsibility for making these decisions and remaining accountable for them.

The military in a democracy exists to protect the nation and the freedoms of its people. It must not represent or support any particular political viewpoint or ethnic or social group. Its loyalty is to the larger ideals of the nation, to the rule of law, and to the principle of democracy itself. The purpose of a military is to defend society, not define it.

Any democratic government values the expertise and advice of military professionals in reaching policy decisions about defense and national security. But only the elected civilian leadership should make ultimate policy decisions regarding the nation's defense — which the military then implements.

Military figures may, of course, participate as individuals in the political life of their country, just like any other citizens. Military personnel may vote in elections. All military personnel, however, must first withdraw or retire from military service before becoming involved in politics; armed services must remain separate from politics. The military are the neutral servants of the state and the guardians of society.