Balancing power and democracy:A framework for managing civil-military relations in democratic Malawi

Abstract

This study aimed at understanding civil-military relations in a democratic Malawi. Evidence in the global south suggests a recurrent unconstitutional changes of governments through coup d’états, hence portraying militaries negatively. Globally, coup d’états have been given much scholarly attention, but this study focused on situations where civilians and the military have defended democratic values, which have not received adequate pedagogical attention. A mixed-method research design was used, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire and interview guide. A total of 386 respondents completed a structured questionnaire to address the first objective, while 65 key informants were interviewed to address the second and third objectives. The fourth objective synthesised the results of the first three objectives. Quantitative data analysis for objective one used multiple regression. The data from key informants was analysed qualitatively using content analysis, once the data had been saturated. The study found that merit-based promotions, merit-based appointments, joint training, representational recruitment, reforms, specialisation, professionalisation, and delivery of public goods and services are the driving factors of stable civil-military relations and that these factors have a significant contribution to the military as a stabiliser and a precondition for democratisation. The study revealed varied consequences of the interaction of key civil-military relations players, such as upholding constitutionalism and oversight over the military. The study further revealed that there was active participation through deliberations, monitoring and reporting civil-military relations issues, administration of justice, the presence of peace and security and the military's satisfaction of the given tasks and missions as measures of effectiveness. The study integrated data from the three objectives and developed a Rhombus Diamond Framework, which demonstrates that the military is a fulcrum that keeps civil-military relations in equilibrium. The Rhombus Diamond Framework promotes good governance and accountability and informs policy development and decision-making in the security sector. However, politicisation and participation overload of the military, resistance to change, inadequate resources and role familiarisation gaps remained civil-military problematique areas that need improvement. The study recommends awards based on meritocracy and education in the civil-military relations academic field to resolve the civil- military relations problematique areas. The Rhombus Diamond Framework can further be theoretically developed. Further research could refine and expand the framework, exploring its applicability in different contexts and regions