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Civil–Military Relations and Civil War Recurrence: Security Forces in Postwar Politics

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  • Louis-Alexandre Berg

Abstract

Does restructuring security forces reduce the risk of civil war recurrence? Prior research has examined effects of military integration in alleviating commitment problems, but the evidence has been inconclusive. Other aspects of civil–military relations have received less attention. This article examines the effects of civil–military relations in the context of postwar struggles to consolidate authority. It outlines three pathways through which security forces contribute to renewed civil war: by excluding rival factions and facilitating insurgent mobilization, by exploiting control over resources to challenge the regime, or by escalating incipient insurgency through repression. Analysis of original, cross-national data on postwar civil–military relations shows that reducing the potential for exclusion and exploitation through diverse officer appointments and robust civilian oversight lowers the risk of civil war. These findings emphasize the distributive effects of restructuring security forces and highlight the value of examining political contests around state institutions to understand why civil wars restart.

Suggested Citation

  • Louis-Alexandre Berg, 2020. "Civil–Military Relations and Civil War Recurrence: Security Forces in Postwar Politics," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 64(7-8), pages 1307-1334, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:64:y:2020:i:7-8:p:1307-1334
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002720903356
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Oeindrila Dube & Suresh Naidu, 2010. "Bases, Bullets, and Ballots: The Effect of U.S. Military Aid on Political Conflict in Colombia," Working Papers 197, Center for Global Development.
    2. Weeks, Jessica L., 2012. "Strongmen and Straw Men: Authoritarian Regimes and the Initiation of International Conflict," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 106(2), pages 326-347, May.
    3. Girod, Desha, 2015. "Explaining Post-Conflict Reconstruction," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199387878.
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