The Politics of Military and Democratization in a World of Inequality (RC44.02)

The session on politics of military and democratization in a world of inequality was chaired by Prof. Steven Ratuva, and it consisted of 2 presentations by Dr. Radomir Compel on "Democratization Through Military Occupation: Are the Lessons from MacArthur’s Japan the Right Ones?," and by Prof. Maria Helena Castro Santos on "The Path and Pace of Democratization in Southern Cone South America: Types of Transition, Level of Repression, Society Demand and Other Independent Variables."

Militaries in the 21st century often are required to play multi-faceted, complex political roles within the ranks and beyond by promoting democratization, modernization, social stability, human security, and peace. Embedded within such roles are addressing matters pertaining to gender, sexuality, ethnicity, nationality, religion, class, single parent families, and other variables where inequalities and marginalization have been present. Papers examine these dynamics in view of democratization movements or lack thereof within the military.