Security Providers: Obstacles to Effectiveness in Democracies

Abstract

To usefully discuss security, one must analyze the security providers states utilize to enhance international and domestic security. These are the armed forces, police, and intelligence agencies. This paper analyzes the implications of democratization on the requirements-posited as strategies, resources, and coordination institutions-these providers require in order to achieve the goals civilian leaders set for them. In analyzing case studies of how nations implement six different tasks, it becomes clear that the absence, or weakness, in any of the requirements leads to serious weakness in implementation. Two findings from the case studies are particularly important for policy. First, presidents, who are elected directly and for fixed terms, may ignore or even abolish institutions, including national security councils, that are created to coordinate policy. Second, as civilians are in control, if they lack clear incentives they are not willing to provide the necessary requirements for the security providers.

Chile’s Peacekeeping and the Post-UN Intervention Scenario in Haiti

“…Along with Chilean personnel, other delegations from the region, including those from Argentina, Mexico, Bolivia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Paraguay and Uruguay were involved. The bulk of the endeavour was categorized by the UN as comprising 'experts on a mission' (Bruneau, 2017;Contreras, 2016).…”