Strengthening the Tunisian armed forces? Reforming defense and military policy-making in Tunisia

Abstract

Since the fall of the Tunisian authoritarian regime on January 14, 2011, the on-going redefinition of civil-military relations in the country has been quite paradoxical: If according to some models of democratic control of the armed forces, militaries have to be kept away from politics, strengthening democracy in Tunisia rhymes with a strengthening of military capabilities and efficiency as its internal security forces (ISF) are weak and fragmented, and as security concerns rise inside and outside the country due to jihadi threats and overall regional instability. The environmental threat, the definition of a clear defense strategy, the redefinition of the missions and roles of the ISF as well as their interactions and cooperation with the armed forces are the main challenges Tunisia is facing today. All these factors impact the reform of the Tunisian defense sector during democratic consolidation. If control and modernization of the armed forces are two sides of the same coin, establishing a link between control and effectiveness of the military is sensitive. The major constraint to defense policy reforms and to military effectiveness remains the weakness of the ISF.