Role of Civil Military Relations in Stability Operations in Chile

This study investigates the role of civil military relations in stability operations in Latin America, using Chile as a case study. This study analyzes the pattern of civil military relations that exists in Chile according to a model constructed on Huntington's theory of civil military relations. Objective control of the military by the legitimate government, as opposed to varying forms of subjective control, is the most effective pattern of civil military relations in modern society. This study examines the factors necessary to achieve objective control, beginning with the establishment of a professional, nonpolitically involved military. The resulting analysis provides a basis for determining what measures may be taken by Chile to achieve an objective pattern of civil military relations that supports regional stability. The model used in this study, based on Huntington's theory of civil military relations, analyzes three primary factors to determine the pattern of civil military relations. The factors used are the relative power that the military has in relationship to other institutions or groups within the government, the level of professionalism within the military, and the political ideology that exists within the nation in terms of supporting the military.