Politics & Government
How Military Professionalism Influences Civilian Control in Fragile Democracies
Quick fact
In 2019, Sudan's military removed a civilian transitional government, while in 2021 Myanmar's professional military staged a coup—showing that even professional forces can act when they perceive threats to their corporate interests.
Why this is interesting
Most democracies hold elections, yet in fragile ones the military sometimes overthrows the government. Why do some armies rebel while others stay in the barracks?
Read the full explanation
Understanding How Military Professionalism Influences Civilian Control in Fragile Democracies
Civilian control means the military obeys elected leaders rather than making policies itself. In fragile democracies—young states with weak institutions—this control is precarious. Military professionalism refers to soldiers developing specialized expertise, a depoliticized ethos, and loyalty to the nation rather than a party. A professional military is generally less likely to stage a coup because its members value discipline and subordination to civilian authority. Think of a fire department: trained to respond to emergencies, not to decide which buildings deserve protection. Similarly, a professional military focuses on national defense, not politics. This ethos is cultivated through education, training, and service norms that emphasize obedience to lawful orders. When professionalism is strong, officers internalize that intervening in politics violates their duties. Conversely, when professionalism is weak, armies can become tools of political factions, increasing the risk of coups.
A deeper explanation
Professionalism influences civilian control through several mechanisms. First, it creates an organizational identity that values autonomy—professional armies want leeway in military operations but avoid broader political roles. This leads them to defend the boundary between military and political spheres, reducing coup incentives. Second, professionalism fosters a sense of honor and code that stigmatizes political intervention. Third, it produces a preference for institutional stability; coups disrupt the very hierarchy that gives officers their status. However, professionalism is not a guarantee. Even professional militaries have staged coups when they believed the civilian government threatened institutional interests, as in Myanmar in 2021. In fragile democracies, weak civilian institutions—such as legislatures that cannot oversee the military or executives who politicize promotions—undermine professionalism. When civilians ignore merit, promote loyalists, or use the army for internal repression, they erode professional norms and increase the likelihood that officers will step in to 'correct' the situation. Thus, civilian control is a two-way street: civilians must respect military professionalism while maintaining oversight. This is why democracies invest in civilian expertise on defense matters, transparent budgets, and clear legal boundaries. In fragile democracies, the absence of such mechanisms makes professionalism fragile itself.