Redefining Political-Military Relations in Latin America: Issues of the New Democratic Era

Abstract

With the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new democratic era, Latin America's militaries have plunged into a period of dramatic redefinition. New issues have emerged regarding how militaries are (or are not) incorporated into new democracies, and what those militaries should now be doing. At the same time, these changes have created fresh opportunities for deepening studies of military involvement in politics, comparing Latin American cases to cases outside the region, and furthering historical analysis. This article looks at new developments in the study of political-military relations in Latin America, beginning by exploring some new perspectives on more traditional questions in this area. It then moves on to explore some of the major new issues that have emerged in this period, from transitions to democracy and democratic consolidation, to alternative military missions in the post-Cold War period.