Military dictatorships

Definition

Military dictatorships are authoritarian regimes where the military holds significant power, often ruling through force and suppressing political opposition. These regimes typically emerge during periods of political instability, where military leaders justify their takeover as necessary to restore order and security. The rise of military dictatorships has been a common response to perceived threats against state authority, and their impact on society often leads to resistance and opposition movements seeking to restore democratic governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Military dictatorships often arise during crises, such as economic turmoil or civil unrest, when civilian governments are perceived as weak or ineffective.
2. These regimes frequently employ censorship, propaganda, and violent repression to control dissent and maintain power.
3. In Latin America, many military dictatorships were supported or backed by the United States during the Cold War as part of a strategy to combat communism.
4. Resistance movements against military dictatorships often emerge from various social sectors, including labor unions, student groups, and human rights organizations.
5. The legacy of military dictatorships can leave deep scars on societies, including human rights violations, loss of political freedoms, and challenges in establishing stable democracies afterward.

Review Questions

• How do military dictatorships typically justify their rule during times of political instability?
  • Military dictatorships often justify their takeover by claiming that they are restoring order and security in times of crisis. They argue that civilian governments are unable to effectively manage political unrest or economic challenges, positioning themselves as protectors of the nation. This narrative allows them to consolidate power while suppressing dissent and eliminating opposition.
• In what ways do opposition movements challenge military dictatorships, and what strategies do they employ?
  • Opposition movements challenge military dictatorships by organizing protests, engaging in civil disobedience, and mobilizing support across various societal sectors. They may use methods such as underground publications to spread information and raise awareness about human rights abuses. Building coalitions among diverse groups helps amplify their voices and can lead to significant pressure for change within the regime.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of military dictatorships on democracy and civil society in countries that experienced such regimes.
  • The long-term impacts of military dictatorships on democracy and civil society can be profound. These regimes often leave behind a legacy of human rights violations that can erode trust in government institutions. After a dictatorship ends, societies may struggle with establishing stable democracies due to political polarization and trauma from past repression. The challenges in rebuilding civil society can impede progress toward democratic governance, making it difficult for new leaders to gain legitimacy among a wary populace.

Related terms

Coup d'état: A sudden and illegal seizure of power from a government, typically carried out by the military or other elites.

Authoritarianism: A political system characterized by the concentration of power in a leader or an elite not accountable to the public, often involving repression of political dissent.

Opposition Movements: Collective efforts by individuals or groups aiming to challenge and change the policies or leadership of an authoritarian regime.