Military Domestic Deployments Rise Globally
Between 1970 and 2024, military involvement in domestic roles across 32 countries surged from roughly 18% to about 32%, according to data collected by the Security Forces, Rights and Society (SFRS) lab. This expansion encompasses tasks traditionally managed by civilian agencies, ranging from law enforcement to disaster response and public welfare missions. The SFRS lab identified 27 distinct domestic roles assigned to armed forces, with notable increases occurring in the mid-2000s and following the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
This steady rise in domestic militarization alters how citizens interact with armed forces on a daily basis. Governments worldwide frequently deploy soldiers to support or substitute for civilian authorities during emergencies and social unrest. While these operations often address immediate security or logistical challenges, political scientists examine how routine contact between soldiers and civilians reshapes public expectations of governance.
Street Patrols and Security Operations in Democracies
Armed forces around the globe routinely participate in domestic policing, urban surveillance, and protest response. Similarly, Italy launched Operation Strade Sicure in 2008 under Law n. 25, authorizing the government to employ members of the military as domestic security officers.
Other nations rely on troops to combat organized crime. El Salvador deployed more than 10,000 soldiers to areas affected by gang violence in 2022.
Welfare Missions and Disaster Response
Beyond law enforcement, militaries frequently manage public health, infrastructure protection, and environmental programs.
Environmental management also falls under military mandates in several countries.
Public Support and the Risk of Political Spillovers
Civilian populations often welcome military assistance during crises, leading to high levels of trust. Data from Afrobarometer surveys conducted between 2021 and 2023 indicate that while about two-thirds of respondents prefer democracy, more than half would support a military coup if it was in response to an elected leader abusing their power. Nearly 80% of successful military coups since 1950 involved some form of civilian support.
However, scholars warn that expanding domestic roles carries distinct risks. Prolonged military involvement in civilian life can build public confidence in the armed forces as a competent, present, and compassionate institution, potentially eroding civilian control and increasing the likelihood of military intervention in politics. Furthermore, certain domestic roles can foster rent-seeking behavior or corporate interests within the military, while deploying combat-trained soldiers to handle protests often increases human rights violations without necessarily lowering crime rates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Military Domestic Roles
How many coup attempts occurred in Africa between 2020 and 2026?
Africa experienced 18 coup attempts between 2020 and 2026, and 11 of those were successful.