Drivers Keeping Civil-Military Relations in Equilibrium in Malawi: A Quantitative Approach

Abstract

This study examined the factors that keep civil-military relations in equilibrium in Malawi. A quantitative approach was used in descriptive and explanatory research designs. The response variable of the study is the military as a fulcrum of civil-military relations. Eight explanatory variables; merit-based promotions, merit-based appointments, joint training and education between the military, citizenry and government officials, representational recruitment, reforms of the military institution, specialisation of the key civil-military relations players on defence matters, professionalization through professional military education and delivery of public goods and services were identified and responded to by civilians, the military, elected authorities, civil authorities and the judiciary. The structured questionnaire survey was used to collect data. Cronbach’s alpha technique was used to test the instrument’s reliability. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression in SPSS version 20. The results revealed that all eight explanatory variables have a significant positive impact on keeping civil-military relations in equilibrium in Malawi. The study found that the contribution of the factors varied in influence. Delivery of public goods and services had more influence, seconded by merit-based promotions and joint training and specialisation on defence matters being the least influential variables of the military as a fulcrum of civil-military relations and a precondition for democratisation. Further research is recommended to assess the roles of the key civil-military relations players in Malawi.