Chp 9 summarization - Essay Example

Chapter 9 Summarization Chapter 9 Summarization Although the prevalence of military rule was rife in third world countries beforethey embraced democracy, some governments are still significantly influenced by the military in policy making while some do not have exclusive control over the military. This is a common phenomenon in sub Saharan Africa and Asia, even in governments elected democratically. However, to strengthen democracy, third world countries need to professionalize their military and keep them out of politics.

The military must also subordinate itself to civilian political leaders elected democratically and accept the formulated policies on protecting the country’s borders. Politics only divides the military on basis of interest groups. This is bound to get worse as the military is known to react negatively to political unrest and instability (Handelman, 2010). On the same note, civilian leaders in politics must acknowledge and respect the military fraternity and its structure of operation. Some potential political candidates politicize the military when they seek their support into office.

Most of the time, this does not work in the interest of the nation because even some known well to do military governments limit political development. They tend to impose their bureaucratic nature on the whole society and inhibit civilian led political procedures. This also leads them away from their fundamental roles in a country (Handelman, 2010). Civilian governments should improve the relationships between the military and the civilian community, especially if it is a state that has been through military rule before.

This should start with the training the military officers receive in the academies. Both the military and civilian community must recognize the direct power of a civilian president over the state and military, including a civilian, elected defense minister (Handelman, 2010). ReferenceHandelman, H. (2010). The challenge of third world development (6th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice.