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The Changing Role of the Military
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13586 |
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CURRENT ISSUES
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4 / 1988 |
2,389 Words |
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Gordon Sumner, Jr.
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Few subjects generate more emotion and controversy than the military dimension of South American life. As is true of most general attitudes toward South America developed by "gringos," a body of myths and half-truths based on ideological biases and shabby research has developed over the years.
The difficulty separating myth from reality is compounded by the diversity of the countries of South America. Taken as a whole, this continent forms an interesting and sometimes confusing complexion. Extremes range from the highly organized and hierarchical Chilean model to the loose and almost paramilitary formations of Suriname.
Despite this variety, certain trends and common problems emerge that capture the attention and imagination of the American public, rightly or wrongly.
Perhaps the most common misperception is that the military of South America forms a united front solidly opposed to any political or social change that would threaten its power over society or its ironfisted grip over a corrupt and venal economic system. The reality is somewhat different. In almost every country of South America significant numbers within the military have been dedicated to political and social change. These groups have varied widely from country to country and from Left to Right on the political spectrum. They also have enjoyed a wide range of success, from actually taking over the government (Peru and Brazil, for example) to merely irritating the political organism (as in Venezuela, at least in recent years).
These young military technocrats have in many cases been the leaders of social and political change. Educated in Europe and the United States, they have fulfilled the traditional role as protectors of the people from the grasping exploiters represented by civilian oligarchies. A notable example of this type of leadership is Peru, where Gen. Francisco Morales-Bermudez led a military government that attempted to bring about significant social and economic change.
More recently, this focus has shifted for some military groups to protection of the people from the exploitation of the communists, who have mounted subversive efforts in every country of South America. On the other hand, it is quite clear that some of these young military reformers have been seduced by the broad assault on traditional values and have joined the Marxist-Leninists, as have their brothers of the cloth who have become leaders in the liberation theology movement.
The exceptions are Chile and Paraguay, although the military in these two authoritarian governments are not as different as one might think. The Chilean military, in particular, does not have a tradition of interfering in the political process and is highly respected for its professionalism. The present military government is an aberration, precipitated by the perceived threat of communism and by the support of the people when the military took power to meet this threat.
Since the mid-1960s, concerted effort has been mounted by liberal elements, both within and without the U.S. government, against the U.S. military presence in South America. The myth that supports this attack assumes that the governments of South America are largely military dictatorships (although this is not true today) because of
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