Civil control of the military

Doctrine concerning civil authority over military decisions

Civil control of the military is a doctrine in military and political science that places ultimate responsibility for a country's military strategic decision-making in the hands of the civil authority, rather than with the military leadership itself. Civil oversight over militaries, mainly used in democratic governments, puts the power to take military action in the hands of a civil leader or legislative agency. Allowing the civil component of government to retain control over the military or state security shows a healthy respect for democratic values and good governance.

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