Impact of the Military on Civil Uprisings for Democratic Reforms: Comparative Analysis of Pakistan and Egypt in the 21st Century

Civil uprisings and role of military is a vast phenomenon. Political institutions such as military has played a crucial role for the implications of civil uprisings for democratic reforms. This case study analysis provides an extensive insight into the role of military behaviors during major civil uprisings in Pakistan and Egypt. In this regard, major protests held in 21st century were chosen for the study. The study showed that due to the long-standing influence of military in Pakistan and Egypt, the success and failure of civil uprisings have critically relied on military behaviors. Civil -military relations shaped over time have shown that weak civil organizations lead to military intervention in politics. During political instability such as a major civil uprising, the state opts to put military in power as a savior. As a result, countries like Pakistan and Egypt are left with military institutions that are highly influential, and sometimes, overpowering civil institutions. Such implications of military rule hinder the process of democratic transition in a country. Moreover, in various situations, military rule succeeds to secure additional political power in form of state resources to strengthen its position in politics.