Military Dictatorship

Definition

A military dictatorship is a form of authoritarian regime where the military exerts significant control over political authority, often through the use of force or coercion. In these regimes, power is concentrated in the hands of military leaders who govern without the consent of the populace, frequently suspending constitutional rights and undermining democratic institutions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Military dictatorships often arise after coups d'état, where military leaders seize power from elected officials under the pretext of restoring order or national security.
2. These regimes typically justify their rule by claiming they are protecting the country from threats such as political instability, terrorism, or foreign intervention.
3. Military dictatorships often employ censorship and propaganda to control public perception and suppress dissent against their rule.
4. Human rights abuses are common in military dictatorships, as political opponents are frequently persecuted, imprisoned, or executed to maintain power.
5. Examples of historical military dictatorships include those in Argentina during the Dirty War and Chile under Augusto Pinochet, both of which involved severe repression and human rights violations.

Review Questions

• What are the key characteristics that define a military dictatorship and how do these characteristics compare to other types of authoritarian regimes?
  • Military dictatorships are defined by their reliance on military authority to govern and often feature a lack of political pluralism and civil liberties. Unlike other authoritarian regimes that may have civilian leadership or ideological foundations, military dictatorships prioritize stability and security as their justification for power. This often results in a more direct and violent suppression of dissent compared to regimes that might use softer forms of control.
• How do coups d'état typically lead to the establishment of military dictatorships, and what factors contribute to the success or failure of these coups?
  • Coups d'état often result from a combination of political instability, dissatisfaction with current leadership, and military discontent. The success of a coup can depend on various factors, including the level of public support, loyalty within the armed forces, and the response from foreign governments. If a coup is successful, it can quickly lead to a military dictatorship as leaders consolidate power and suppress opposition to establish control.
• Evaluate the long-term effects that military dictatorships have on democratic governance and civil society in countries where they occur.
  • Military dictatorships can have profound long-term effects on democratic governance and civil society. They often leave behind weakened institutions and an environment of fear that discourages political participation and activism. After transitioning back to civilian rule, countries may struggle with legacies of repression, human rights abuses, and a lack of trust in governmental structures. These challenges can hinder efforts towards building stable democracies, as societal divisions may deepen and democratic norms may be difficult to restore.

Related terms

Authoritarianism: A political system characterized by the concentration of power in a leader or an elite, where political pluralism is absent and civil liberties are restricted.

Coup d'état: The sudden overthrow of a government, often executed by the military or a faction within the state, leading to a change in leadership without a democratic process.

Martial Law: The imposition of military control over normal civilian functions of government, usually in response to a crisis or emergency situation.