Military transition. Reflections on the democratic reform of the armed forces

One issue that is of fundamental importance in the organisation of a society is its links with the military classes, as expressed in the classic formula: "Who watches over the watchers?” In a process of democratic transition, the reform of the military and the reformulation of relations between civil governments and the armed forces are two of the basic issues that have to be resolved. “Military reform” reflects on the processes of military transition, the civil control of the armed forces and military autonomy. Likewise, his analysis of the Spanish process of military reform enables the author to assess the possible measures, their advantages and dangers, as well as their integration into a global policy of military reform. In short, this work represents a series of reflections and suggestions on military reform policy in transition processes and on the control of the armed forces in any circumstance. The work has been written for the benefit of those responsible for drafting proposals or making decisions in this sphere, as well as to reveal to those interested in the subject the dynamics of such a large-scale reform.

Narcís Serra

Date of publication: 04/2008