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This course introduces students to the field of military sociology through the study of civil–military relations and the political challenges arising from interactions between armed forces and civilian leaders. It surveys foundational concepts and theoretical approaches explaining civilian control, military effectiveness, and the occurrence of coups. By the end of the course, students will have a working knowledge of key theoretical debates, be able to distinguish mechanisms of civilian control, understand the determinants and consequences of military coups, and critically assess military effectiveness. They will apply these tools to empirical evidence from all world regions and across regime types, including democracies, autocracies, and hybrid regimes.
The course consists of two parts. Two initial remote sessions introduce core concepts and theories of civil–military relations, providing the analytical framework for empirical analysis. The second, in-person part applies these ideas to military coups, civilian control and military effectiveness in autocracies and democracies. Teaching activities combine short lectures, structured discussions, interactive group exercises, and student presentations.
Evaluation is based on a group presentation delivered during the course and an individual written analytical essay.
- Teacher: David Kuehn