Civil-military relations in Nigeria and Tanzania : a comparative, historical analysis
Date
2008-12
Authors
Hoel, Ragnhild
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
Civil-military relations play an important role in Africa as these relations strongly influence the
processes of development and democratisation. This thesis examines civil-military relations in
Nigeria and Tanzania, as these two countries have experienced very different ‘patterns of
influence, control, and subordination between the armed forces and the wider social
environment’. Most theories of civil-military relations have been formulated by Western scholars
and this study investigates if these theories are applicable to Nigeria and Tanzania. As only two
cases are under focus, this thesis does not aim to dismiss any of the theories or to develop new
theory; rather, I suggest new aspects and factors that should be included when studying African
civil-military relations. The theoretical framework includes theories by Huntington, Finer, and
Janowitz, as well as theories by more recent scholars. After presenting the history of civilmilitary
relations in Nigeria and Tanzania, I analyse the theories’ validity in the two cases by
evaluating five hypotheses based on these theoretical frameworks. The thesis concludes that even
though the prevailing theories contain factors that are very important in the two countries and in
Africa in general, it is important to keep the specificity of African countries in mind when
studying their civil-military relations. The domestic context and internal factors in both Nigeria
and Tanzania are very significant. The importance of identity and the economic situation should
especially receive more attention in theories addressing civil-military relations in Africa. There is
a strong interrelationship between the various theories, and as a result a holistic approach
including all factors, actors and aspects should be used when studying civil-military relations in
Africa and elsewhere.
Description
Thesis (MA (Political Science. International Studies))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
Keywords
Civil-military relations, Nigeria and Tanzania relations, Theses -- Political science, Dissertations -- Political science