Civil Military Relations in Iran: An Inside Look on Control and Fragmentation

Abstract

The degree of military autonomy and its impact on civilian life is a frequent topic of concern when determining a state’s ability to execute its policy. An evaluation of the components that constitute a functional civil-military relationship is integral in ensuring a state’s protection from unrest and valid representation of its sovereignty and overarching ideology. This commentary aims to articulate the key factors contributing to the establishment of a synergistic relationship between civilians and the military. The determination of adequate civil control, methods of integration of the military into societal values and beliefs, and the establishment of an identity that instils unity across varying backgrounds are the factors that will be examined. An application of political theories to Iran will illustrate the divergence between a functional and dysfunctional state. This paper will contend that there are two models presented in Iran’s case, Model A: which presents a more liberal and Westernized method of operation; and Model B: a post revolutionary and Islamic model which will be shown to be the most effective model for the current regime which embodies radical Islam in the political realm.