civilian control

Civilian control refers to the authority of elected, non-military leaders—such as government officials and politicians—to oversee and make decisions about a nation’s military and defense matters. This principle ensures that the military remains subordinate to civilian leadership, preventing it from acting independently or becoming a threat to democracy. It promotes accountability and maintains the balance of power, ensuring military actions align with the country’s laws and democratic values. Essentially, civilian control keeps the military accountable to the people through their elected representatives.