A REVIEW OF HISTORICIZING CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS AND ITS CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES IN A DEMOCRATIC NIGERIA

A REVIEW OF HISTORICIZING CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS AND ITS CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES IN A DEMOCRATIC NIGERIA BY ABDULLAH I ADAM, Ph.D, AND ARORIODE REBECCA, Ph.D.

This explores civil-military relations in democratic Nigeria, as the power allocation and relations between the civilians and the military components of the society while considering the perspectives of scholars such as Sun Tsu, Carl Von Clausewitz, Finer, Nordlinger, Dunmoye, Omari, Huntington, and Burk. It examines the historical context and different models of civil-military relations in Nigeria, as well as the challenges faced in a democratic society.

Introduction 

The authors introduce the concept of civil-military relations and highlight its importance in safeguarding the territorial integrity of a state in many developing countries. They discuss different models of civil-military relations observed globally, as well as their application in Nigeria across different historical periods. The models mentioned include the Intervention model, Liberal model, Traditional model, Penetration model, and Instrumental model.

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Conceptual Discourse 

The scholars and contributors examined the concept of civil-military relations, tracing its roots to the historical development of power dynamics between civilians and the military. Different perspectives were discussed, including Sun Tsu and Clausewitz's views on the military's role as servants of the state and Finer's belief in the military filling political leadership gaps in underdeveloped states due to civilian incapacity. 

Also, Nordlinger's typology of civil-military relations includes, Traditional model based on the fusion of the civilians and military powers, Liberal model based on depoliticising the military, and Penetration model based on the penetration of the military with political ideas personells. Dunmoye added the Intervention model premised on military participation in state political affairs when the needs arise and Instrumental model posit military as instrument for attaining political and economic means. 

The importance of power bargaining and unity of interests between civilians and the military, and the powers being as crucial as those who wield them was also emphasized by Omari, while Huntington's dichotomy between civilians and the military was challenged by Dunmoye with his argument premised on the lack of unity of interest, skills or viewpoints among the military, and even if such differences exist, it is incomparable to those among the civilians. The complexity of civil-military relations and the preference for civilian control were also noted. Burk on the other hand showed more preference to the civilian control of the military and opines to the divergent areas of CMR comprising inter alia , military professionalism, war, civilian operations etc.

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Civil Military Relations In Pre-colonial, Colonial and Post-colonial in Nigeria 

The authors present a case study of civil-military relations in Nigeria, examining different models practiced throughout the country's history. They analyze power dynamics between the military and civilian authority in the Old Oyo Empire and Ilorin Emirate, highlighting the balance of military professionalism and civilian supremacy. During the colonial era, the instrumentalist model was employed to serve British economic interests. In the post-colonial era, Nigeria experienced transitions between unstable liberal models and military dictatorships rooted in penetration, instrumentalist, and interventional models.

Challenges Of Civil Military Relations In A Democratic Nigeria 

In this section, the authors highlight challenges in Nigeria's liberal model of civil-military relations, including lack of awareness, knowledge gaps, non-adherence to professional ethics, poor policing, inadequate funding, military involvement in internal affairs, irregular defence budgeting, and corruption. The authors proposed suggestions to improve civil-military relations in Nigeria, including proper funding and maintenance of security institutions, regulation of military ethics, and empowering law enforcement to address corruption.

A REVIEW OF CIVIL MILITARY RELATION AND SECURITY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA BY RAUF AYO DUNMOYE Ph.D.

Dunmoye's work offers a detailed analysis of civil-military relations within the Nigerian democratic system and their connection to globalization and other international concepts, the justification and challenges inherent. It covers topics such as democracy, militarism, and the subordination of the military to civilian authority, referencing works by scholars like Foster, Sun Tsu, and Huntington.

Introduction

Dunmoye emphasizes the importance of civil-military relations in Nigeria's democratic project, drawing inspiration from the Roman question of "who guards the guardian." The author agrees with Foster's four key factors that determine the convergence between human and military activities, including globalization, global democratization, changing power centers, and military performance and legitimacy as a crucial institution within a democratic state. While globalization and democratization have strengthened democracy, they have also posed challenges like international terrorism. Dunmoye proposes integrating the armed forces under the rule of law to prevent coups and militarization. Civil-military relations are described as complex, involving various relationships and constitutional responsibilities.

Democracy In Theory and Practices

The section explores the concept of democracy, referencing Abraham Lincoln's famous definition. It distinguishes between direct and representative democracy, emphasizing power allocation and representation. The emergence of contemporary democracy is linked to universal democracy based on individual rights. However, different interpretations of democracy have led to various ideologies and systems. Dunmoye highlights six key elements of democracy, including fair elections, political culture, separation of powers, human rights, rule of law, and checks and balances. Factors driving the global shift towards democracy are discussed, but the fragility of democracy in developing countries is acknowledged, pointing to challenges such as poverty, overpopulation, and ethnic/religious conflicts.

Civil Military Relations

The perspectives on civil-military relations vary among scholars were explored. Sun Tsu emphasizes civilian leadership's authority over the military, while General Sir John Hackett believes the armed service is exactly what the society asks for, no more, no less . Omar views civil-military relations as the arrangement of political and military power being crucial as those who wield them, while Huntington compares it to labour-management relationships with conflicting bargaining interests. Dunmoye suggests that civil-military relations involve multiple relationships and interests. Adam Ferguson sees a distinction between the political and military spheres, while Clausewitz views war as a political instrument influenced by the people, military and government which he described as Paradoxical Trinity. Huntington and Finer advocate for civilian control, while Anderson supports apolitical militaries

Military and Civil Military Relations

Here, militarism was defined as a situation where a state prioritizes war and the use of military force to achieve its political objectives. The enactment of the Patriot Act in the US is given as an example that could lead to militarism and influence other countries to adopt similar approaches.

Models Of Civil Military Relations

This section examines the three main models of civil-military relations: the Western liberal model, the penetration model, and the military intervention model, which were previously reviewed. The military intervention model is suggested to arise from challenges in national, class, and institutional interests. In Africa, different models exist, including the aristocratic model, liberal model, totalitarian model, and professional model.

Justification For Military Subordination To Civil Military and The Challenges

Huntington advocates for differentiating military institutions and creating a professional officers corps for civilian control, while Finer argues for adherence to civilian control and military professionalism. Subjective control encourages military participation in politics, while objective control emphasizes apolitical behaviour. In lieu of this, Huntington argues that obedience to legitimate authority is the foundation for military professionalism. On this basis, subordination of the military to civilian authority was justified. The challenges include dependence on the military for power, lack of transparency in defence matters. Dunmoye proposes cultural shifts, elected representatives holding military authority, public disclosure of defence budgets, civil control over armed forces' operations and financing, and military's willingness to work under civilian authority for ensuring control.

Democratic Model Of Political Control of Military Institutions For Ideal Democratic State

This section examines the democratic elements in the constitution, the three branches of government, and the criteria that have shaped civil-military relations in the United States since 1776.

Resigning Civil Military Relations and Security Challenges In Nigeria 

This is a perusal of civil-military relations in Nigeria, focusing on the country's history of military rule, civilians roles in politics, and the challenges posed by insurgencies like Boko Haram. President Olusegun Obasanjo and General Buratai's political endeavour in Nigeria are examined.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident to note that Dunmoye’s work covered a more elaborate concepts and their relations to civil military relations while Abdullah and Aroriode’s work were more restrictive to the historical periods of Nigeria and their challenges as they are evident within the Nigerian democratic society. Irrespective of this notable differences, they equally share similar views while using the arguments and viewpoints of several scholars and contributors as references. 

In the same vein, I am of the opinion that the operation of the civil military relations in a democratic society is germane, especially in a developing country like Nigeria where corruption is prevalent. A swift events could lead to military gaining power if there’s no firm grip on the military professionalism.