Defence Forces Review 2010

Defence Forces Review 2010What Influences the Nature of Military Societal Relationsin Ireland?Comdt Raymond O’Lehan. BA, MComm.ABSTRACTThe effects of globalisation, technology and downward economic trends in a rapidly changingenvironment have necessitated a re-examination of all organisations, including the military.Moreover, the roles of the armed forces in the new security situation have become morecomplex with a resultant effect on how society considers the relevance of the military. In sucha setting the relationship between the military and society in Ireland offers an intriguing subjectfor study primarily because it has been neglected by academic researchers, but also because itprovides a greater appreciation of the internal and external factors that shape domestic politicsand culture. The purpose of this study is to examine the nature of military societal relations inIreland with the aim of enhancing our understanding of this dynamic.This thesis analyses theories in the literature review and outlines the distinction betweencivil-military relations, which concerns civilian control of the military, and the more refinedsubject of the relationship between society in general and its military. The natural gap thatexists between the military and society is highlighted, but the research focuses on the nationalinfluences that shape the military societal dynamic. An analysis of documentary evidence wascombined with the semi-formal interview process to uncover current discourse and reach aninformed outcome which is both valid and reliable.The findings indicate that society expects security as a basic precept and does not reflecton matters military as a general rule. Alternatively, the military are more expectant ofrecognition and understanding of their role than society consider necessary to accord. Theresearch uncovers that each state has particular historical, cultural and political influences thatimpact on this dynamic and therefore, it is concluded that no singular theory can be appliedto individual states.The military is a product of its society and therefore, the necessity for the public and themilitary to better understand their relationship is significant and important. A more informedstudy of this dynamic can stand independently as a mechanism to enlighten perspectivesacross the broad spectrum of social, political and cultural areas in a national and internationalcontext.120