Comparative Civil-Military Cooperation Impact on National Security: Options for Lebanon

Abstract

Throughout history, nations have faced a variety of challenges, ranging from crises to civil wars, and economic collapses. Addressing such societal discontent requires strategic governmental intervention. One effective approach involves engaging the military to support civilian needs, a practice commonly referred to as civil-military cooperation. Military personnel have been crucial in crisis, offering both short-term assistance and long-term recovery support. This paper explores the implementation of civil-military cooperation in countries such as Somalia, Rwanda, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. By analyzing these examples, we aim to draw parallels and examine how this strategy has been applied in Lebanon. Specifically, we assess the extent to which civil-military cooperation has contributed to Lebanon’s national security and stability.