Civilmilitary

Civilmilitary, usually written civil-military relations, refers to the interaction and balance of power between civilian political authorities and military institutions within a state. It encompasses how policy is formulated by civilians, how the military advises and implements policy, and how accountability and control are maintained. A core principle in many democracies is civilian control of the military, placing ultimate political leadership in civilian hands.

The study and practice of civilmilitary relations involve mechanisms such as executive leadership, parliamentary oversight, defense budgeting, and civil control of strategic planning. Key concepts include civilian oversight, professionalization of the armed forces, lines of command, and the separation of defense from political power. The relationship is shaped by institutional design, culture, and historical legacies.

Challenges include risk of politicization, coups or attempted interventions, and tensions between secrecy and accountability. In some countries, weak civilian institutions or powerful security sectors impede effective oversight, while in others the military is deeply embedded in governance. Global variations reflect different constitutional arrangements, professional norms, and security threats.

In policy and scholarship, civilmilitary analysis informs defense reform, governance, and security sector reform, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights. The term can also appear in contexts like civil-military operations in humanitarian or peacekeeping settings, though the primary focus remains governance and civil supremacy within the security domain.