International studies, Vol. II No. 3, 2002.
Original scientific paper
Democratic Control over the Armed Forces: Common Denominators
Tomo Radičević
; Ministry of Defense, Republic of Croatia
Abstract
Democratic control over armed forces bears significance for development of democracy in a society as well for development of well organised armed forces and their social legitimacy. In terms of foreign affairs, it represents a factor of peace, stability and security. It has been developing through different manifestations and thus deserves a constant analytical observation and theoretical generalization. One of important analytical and heuristic tools forms a definition of so-called "common denominators" which can serve in comparative analysis of position of practice in various countries, as well as in "case studies" in certain countries. Furthermore, certain practical political relations can be formed and regulated in accordance with these denominators. This paper thus aims at their authentic definition on the basis of analysis of existing theory and generalization of practice as it is in developed democratic countries. As common denominators, 10 fundamental principles, subject, mechanisms and factors of democratic control have been defined. Quality, i.e. applicability and cognitive range of established methodological model can be verified only by the means of its pragmatic valorization - analysis and evaluations of concrete position of democratic control in certain countries or group of countries.
Keywords
democratic control over the armed forces; civil-military relations; defense policy
Hrčak ID:
286472
URI
Publication date:
30.9.2002.
Visits: 254 *