PSC 646SEM - Civil Military Relations

The military is a key actor in societies, and its relationship to civilian governments is one that has been deeply questioned and studied over many years. From the social scientific perspective this course will explore how civilian governments can maintain control over the military despite the latter’s potential for violence. It will explore cases in which the military becomes a threat to the government (or becomes the government) and explore their causes. It will study how the relationship between the military and civilians is established and the gaps between the two realms. It will also explore how military effectiveness is affected by civil military relations. Finally, it will study the variation in civil military relations across different regions of the world.

Credits: 3