Military governments are those that are governed by military forces. The spelling of this word can be broken down into IPA phonetic transcription as: /ˈmɪlɪtərɪ ˈɡʌvnəmənts/. The first syllable is pronounced as "mil-i-ter-i", the second syllable as "gəv-nə-mənts". The stress is on the second syllable of both "military" and "governments". This term is often used in political and international affairs to refer to countries that have been placed under military rule, which can have major impacts on their citizens, political systems, and international relations.
A military government refers to a form of governance where the military assumes control and exercises political power over the state or a nation. In such a system, the military establishment becomes the ruling authority, responsible for making and implementing political decisions in place of civilian institutions and elected representatives. This typically occurs through a coup d'état or other coercive means, resulting in the overthrow of the existing government and the establishment of military rule.
Under a military government, the armed forces take charge of administrative functions, including law enforcement, legislation, and policy-making. The military leadership, often comprised of high-ranking officers, holds substantial control over the government's structure, institutions, and policies. Their primary objective is to maintain stability, security, and control within the nation. Military governments may suspend or even dissolve democratic institutions, such as legislatures and political parties, and restrict civil liberties, including freedom of expression and assembly.
The duration of military governments can vary. Some may be short-lived, intending only to temporarily restore order during times of crises, while others may endure for significant periods, leading to prolonged periods of authoritarian rule. The motives behind military takeovers can range from a perceived need to address corruption, civil unrest, or threats to national security.
The international community often regards military governments with scrutiny due to concerns about human rights violations, suppression of political dissent, and lack of democratic representation. However, military governments may argue that their rule is necessary to restore stability, implement reforms, or transition to civilian rule. The transition back to civilian governance can be challenging, requiring deliberate efforts to reestablish democratic institutions and ensure civilian oversight of the military.
The word "military" originated from the Latin word "militaris", which means "of soldiers" or "warfare". The term "government" comes from the Latin "gubernare", which means "to govern" or "to pilot a ship".
The etymology of the phrase "military government" is a combination of these two words. "Military" refers to anything related to soldiers or war, while "government" refers to the governing or ruling authority of a particular entity or territory.
The concept of military governments, where the ruling authority is predominantly composed of military personnel, has existed throughout history. These types of governments typically occur during times of national crisis, such as in countries under martial law or under circumstances where the military has overtaken civilian rule.