Civil-Military Discordance and The Political Culture of Pakistan

Abstract

Throughout history, the relationship between civilian governments and military institutions has been debated. Scholars like Huntington emphasized division of powers, while Schiff advocated collaboration. Pakistan's weak democratic foundation has led to struggles between governmental power and public demands. Unique challenges, including conflict with India and historical inequities, have amplified the military's political role, particularly due to the Kashmir conflict. Recent events, like the 2014 protests, strained civil-military relations, exacerbated by social media. This article uses mixed methods to assess trust between civilians and the military and explores expert insights into civil-military relations. The main objective of the article is to determine how a weak political culture has led to strained civil-military relations in Pakistan. Findings of the article indicate urban dissatisfaction with military politics and disillusionment with government and judiciary. The article recommends that improving relations requires a new political agreement, redefined military roles, more democratic political parties, a stronger Parliament, and enhanced civic culture, underdeveloped since 1947.