The Military in Politics: Civil-Military Relations and Political Power in the Developing World
Description
In large parts of the developing world military organizations play central roles in shaping domestic political processes. In his classical Political Order in Changing Societies (1968, p. 192), Samuel Huntington even suggested that military interventions in domestic politics were an “inseparable part of political modernization […].” Scholars count more than 400 successful and attempted coups since 1950 (Powell & Thyne, 2012)—most of them occurring in the global south—and, according to Geddes, Wright, and Frantz (2014), the military played an important political role in almost 30% of all authoritarian regimes in the post-war period.
Course Objectives
This course explores the causes and effects of military intervention in domestic politics. Why do some military organizations take on an overtly political role while others stay in the barracks? What are the effects of military rule in terms of political and economic development? Do military regimes display specific dynamics when it comes to regime change and democratization?
The course is divided into two main parts. The first part covers central conceptual notions in the study of civil-military relations, while the second turns to case studies from Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Mode of Instruction:
Lectures, seminar discussions, as well as individual and group assignments.
Study Material:
The syllabus with a list of journal articles and book chapters will be available on Blackboard. Readings for the first session will be announced on Blackboard two weeks before the start of the course.
Assessment Method:
Group assignment (presentation) (30%), midterm exam (30%), reaction paper (30%), participation (10%). Students may miss two classes without penalty; any other absences will be reflected in the participation grade.
Registration
See general information on tab 'Year 3'