This article argues for a new focus in the study of civil-military relations. It seeksto provide civilian policymakers with ideas and information to help them bestcarry out their responsibilities as democratically elected leaders. Referring toknowledge of military matters as “one big thing,” it argues that it is not necessaryfor policymakers to know as much about matters of defense as their militarycounterparts. Based on the academic literature and the author’s experience inLatin America and other regions, this article suggests that civil-military relationsare best understood in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and civilian control ofthe armed forces. These relations will only be effectively normalized wheninstitutions incorporate and personalize understanding and mechanisms of controlat both executive and legislative levels.
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