UntitledIntroduction
Establishing civilian oversight of the armed forces
represents one of the most difficult challenges facing many
emerging democracies. A legacy of military control of
security affairs leaves political leaders without the expertise
and oversight mechanisms necessary to oversee national
defense. Military leaders, for their part, often lack an
understanding about the role of the armed forces in a
democracy and are reluctant to relinquish their autonomy.
NDI works to strengthen civilian expertise in security affairs,
to promote dialogue and confidence among civic, political
and military leaders, and to enhance understanding about
the role of the armed forces in a democratic society.
NDI has worked to strengthen security sector reform and
civilian oversight of security affairs in Angola, Argentina,
Benin, Guinea, Honduras, Mali, Nicaragua, Panama and
Uruguay. In conducting its programs, the Institute has drawn
upon the talents of volunteer experts such as: Horacio
Jaunarena, former Defense Minister of Argentina; Rudolph
Joo, former Deputy Defense Minister of Hungary; Antonio
Vittorino, former Defense Minister of Portugal; Erik
Kjonnerod, Senior Fellow at the National Defense
University; Brigadier General (Ret.) Nehemia Dagan, former
head of Civic Education, Israeli Defense Forces; Gisela
Von Muhlenbrock, former Senior Foreign Law Specialist at
the U.S. Congressional Research Service; Julio Busquets,
former Vice President of the Spanish Parliament's Defense
Committee; Patricio Rojas, former Defense Minister of
Chile; and Gen. (Ret.) Guilherme Belchior Vieira, former
Director of the Portuguese Superior Military Institute.
Strengthening Civilian Oversight of the Military
Effective oversight of security affairs involves a complex
array of responsibilities. Political leaders in new
democracies must for the first time develop and manage
national defense policy, coordinate the civilian and military
agencies involved in national security and, in some cases,
establish entirely new institutions, such as a ministry of
defense or a congressional defense committee. NDI's
programs emphasize the roles of both the executive and
legislative branches in overseeing national security, as well
as the obligation political leaders must assume to educate
themselves about security affairs in order to exercise this
oversight effectively.
"I have asked NDI to sponsor a civic education
process to achieve, on the one hand, the people's
respect for the army; and, on the other, the army's
respect for the people's decisions and their political
and legal statements."
- Nicaraguan President Violeta
Chamorro, Army Day Speech, 1993
Bridging the Divide Between Civilians and the Military
Civil-military relations are often characterized by mutual
suspicion and a lack of communication. In transitional
societies, this strain can inhibit the development of a
civilian-led national defense policymaking process. Through
forums, workshops and the use of international experts, NDI
helps create a neutral environment where government, civil
society and military leaders can build mutual confidence
and bridge the gap between these distinct communities.
NDI programs also foster an exchange of "lessons learned"
about democratic civil-military relations among countries
that have experienced similar transitions.
Building Civilian Security Affairs Expertise
Confidence and communication alone will not produce
civilian oversight of the military. Before emerging
democracies can establish effective political institutions to
manage military affairs, they need civilians with expertise in
defense issues. It is unlikely that military leaders in new
democracies will defer to the judgments of civilians unless
they have confidence in civilian capabilities to manage
security affairs. Through its programs with international
security sector reform relations experts, NDI helps educate civilians
about topics such as defense budgeting, oversight
mechanisms and the defense policymaking process.
Distinguishing Between National Defense and Internal Security
Drawing a distinction between national defense and internal
security is critical for a democracy. NDI works with political
and military leaders to define the appropriate role of the
military in security affairs and to establish rules of civilian
oversight for those times when civilian agencies call upon
the military to assist them with non-military duties.
Building a Defense "Community"
The formulation of national defense policy requires public
involvement and support through nongovernmental
organizations such as political parties, think tanks,
universities and civic associations. NDI supports local
efforts to build organizations that can both educate and
provide an avenue for public involvement, as well as
participate in a national debate about defense policy. The
Institute also works to bring together civic leaders with
political and military officials to share their perspectives
about civil-military relations.
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