Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi’s Democratic Transition

Thokozani Andrew Chazema; Mavuto Tembo; Chrispin Mphande; Robert McNab Kerr; David Kumwenda

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11

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Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi’s Democratic Transition

Thokozani Andrew Chazema^*

, Mavuto Tembo

, Chrispin Mphande

, Robert McNab Kerr

, David Kumwenda

Published in International and Public Affairs (Volume 9, Issue 2)

Received: 3 November 2025 Accepted: 12 November 2025 Published: 9 December 2025

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Abstract

This article examines the strategic equilibrium of civil-military relations in democratic Malawi, focusing on the effectiveness of institutional actors in striking a balance between military professionalism and democratic accountability. Drawing on qualitative data from 65 informants across the judiciary, legislature, civil society, and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the study conceptualizes effectiveness as a dynamic interplay of constitutional fidelity, participatory engagement, and operational legitimacy. It integrates four theoretical traditions: Huntington’s Institutional Theory, Schiff’s Concordance Theory, Feaver’s Agency Theory, and Janowitz’s sociological perspective, providing a multidimensional lens for evaluating actor performance in transitional democracies. The Rhombus Diamond Framework is introduced as a diagnostic tool that positions the military as a fulcrum balancing four civilian nodes: elected authorities, civil authorities, civil society/media, and the judiciary. Effectiveness is assessed using five indicators: deliberative participation, monitoring mechanisms, judicial responsiveness, operational satisfaction, and peace/security outcomes. Findings reveal that while the MDF enjoys high public trust and operational competence, civilian actors face persistent challenges, including technical capacity gaps, politicization, and institutional inertia. Comparative insights from Ghana, Zambia, and Argentina underscore the importance of meritocracy, civic education, and institutional integrity in fostering effective civil-military relations. The study highlights the need for recalibrated actor roles, joint training programs, and decentralized security structures to bridge the familiarity gap and enhance participatory governance. By integrating indigenous epistemology with comparative analysis, the article presents a context-sensitive model for assessing institutional performance and informing policy reform. Ultimately, this study contributes to academic and policy debates by offering a grounded, actor-specific framework for strengthening democratic oversight and sustaining strategic equilibrium in civil-military relations. It advocates for embedding the Rhombus Diamond Framework into national security policy to promote balanced governance, safeguard constitutionalism, and ensure resilient civil-military synergy in transitional democratic contexts.

Published in	International and Public Affairs (Volume 9, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11
Page(s)	52-58
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Strategic Equilibrium, Transitional Democracies, Civil-Military Effectiveness, Institutional Legitimacy, Rhombus Diamond Framework

References

[1]	Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis. Sage Publications.
[2]	Chazema, T. A. (2024). Reframing civil-military equilibrium in transitional democracies: Indigenous models and strategic diagnostics from Malawi. AfroISME Working Paper Series, 3(1), 15-38.
[3]	Chazema, T. A. (2025). Balancing Power and Democracy: A Framework for Managing Civil-Military Relations in Democratic Malawi (PhD Thesis). Mzuzu University.
[4]	Feaver, P. D. (1996). The Civil-Military Problem: Huntington, Janowitz, and the Question of Civilian Control. Armed Forces & Society, 23(2), 149-178. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327X9602300203
[5]	Griner, A. (2016). Parliamentary oversight of the security sector: Principles, mechanisms and practices. Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). https://www.dcaf.ch/parliamentary-oversight-security-sector
[6]	Huntington, S. P. (1957). The soldier and the state: The theory and politics of civil-military relations. Harvard University Press.
[7]	Janowitz, M. (1960). The professional soldier: A social and political portrait. Free Press.
[8]	Owens, M. T. (2012). What military officers need to know about civil-military relations. Naval War College Review, 65(2), 67-80. https://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/7e3c2e2e-5c5f-4b2f-9b3e-3c3e5f4a3d2e/Owens,-What-Military-Officers-Need-to-Know-about-Civ.aspx
[9]	Schiff, R. (1995). Civil-military relations reconsidered: A theory of concordance. Armed Forces & Society, 22(1), 7-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327X9502200102
[10]	Williams, R. (2017). Civil-military relations in Africa: Navigating the democratic terrain. African Security Review, 26(1), 3-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2016.1266223
[11]	Welch, C. E. (1976). Civilian Control of the Military: Theory and Cases from Developing Countries. SUNY Press.
[12]	Williams, R. (2015). Enhancing Democratic Control of the Armed Forces in Africa: A Review of Policy Instruments. ISS Monograph Series.
[13]	Ylönen, A. (2016). Political Settlements and Security Sector Governance in Africa. African Security Review, 25(4), 400-413. https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2016.1206253
[14]	Young, T. (2004). Governance, the World Bank, and liberal theory. Review of African Political Economy, 31(99), 411-430. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305624042000262265
[15]	Zürcher, C. (2007). Post-conflict development: A weak state and strong international support. Conflict, Security & Development, 7(2), 173-200. https://doi.org/10.1080/14678800701333045

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APA Style

Chazema, T. A., Tembo, M., Mphande, C., Kerr, R. M., Kumwenda, D. (2025). Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi’s Democratic Transition. International and Public Affairs, 9(2), 52-58. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11

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ACS Style

Chazema, T. A.; Tembo, M.; Mphande, C.; Kerr, R. M.; Kumwenda, D. Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi’s Democratic Transition. Int. Public Aff. 2025, 9(2), 52-58. doi: 10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11

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AMA Style

Chazema TA, Tembo M, Mphande C, Kerr RM, Kumwenda D. Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi’s Democratic Transition. Int Public Aff. 2025;9(2):52-58. doi: 10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11,
  author = {Thokozani Andrew Chazema and Mavuto Tembo and Chrispin Mphande and Robert McNab Kerr and David Kumwenda},
  title = {Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi’s Democratic Transition},
  journal = {International and Public Affairs},
  volume = {9},
  number = {2},
  pages = {52-58},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ipa.20250902.11},
  abstract = {This article examines the strategic equilibrium of civil-military relations in democratic Malawi, focusing on the effectiveness of institutional actors in striking a balance between military professionalism and democratic accountability. Drawing on qualitative data from 65 informants across the judiciary, legislature, civil society, and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the study conceptualizes effectiveness as a dynamic interplay of constitutional fidelity, participatory engagement, and operational legitimacy. It integrates four theoretical traditions: Huntington’s Institutional Theory, Schiff’s Concordance Theory, Feaver’s Agency Theory, and Janowitz’s sociological perspective, providing a multidimensional lens for evaluating actor performance in transitional democracies. The Rhombus Diamond Framework is introduced as a diagnostic tool that positions the military as a fulcrum balancing four civilian nodes: elected authorities, civil authorities, civil society/media, and the judiciary. Effectiveness is assessed using five indicators: deliberative participation, monitoring mechanisms, judicial responsiveness, operational satisfaction, and peace/security outcomes. Findings reveal that while the MDF enjoys high public trust and operational competence, civilian actors face persistent challenges, including technical capacity gaps, politicization, and institutional inertia. Comparative insights from Ghana, Zambia, and Argentina underscore the importance of meritocracy, civic education, and institutional integrity in fostering effective civil-military relations. The study highlights the need for recalibrated actor roles, joint training programs, and decentralized security structures to bridge the familiarity gap and enhance participatory governance. By integrating indigenous epistemology with comparative analysis, the article presents a context-sensitive model for assessing institutional performance and informing policy reform. Ultimately, this study contributes to academic and policy debates by offering a grounded, actor-specific framework for strengthening democratic oversight and sustaining strategic equilibrium in civil-military relations. It advocates for embedding the Rhombus Diamond Framework into national security policy to promote balanced governance, safeguard constitutionalism, and ensure resilient civil-military synergy in transitional democratic contexts.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi’s Democratic Transition
AU  - Thokozani Andrew Chazema
AU  - Mavuto Tembo
AU  - Chrispin Mphande
AU  - Robert McNab Kerr
AU  - David Kumwenda
Y1  - 2025/12/09
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11
T2  - International and Public Affairs
JF  - International and Public Affairs
JO  - International and Public Affairs
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EP  - 58
PB  - Science Publishing Group
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UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11
AB  - This article examines the strategic equilibrium of civil-military relations in democratic Malawi, focusing on the effectiveness of institutional actors in striking a balance between military professionalism and democratic accountability. Drawing on qualitative data from 65 informants across the judiciary, legislature, civil society, and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the study conceptualizes effectiveness as a dynamic interplay of constitutional fidelity, participatory engagement, and operational legitimacy. It integrates four theoretical traditions: Huntington’s Institutional Theory, Schiff’s Concordance Theory, Feaver’s Agency Theory, and Janowitz’s sociological perspective, providing a multidimensional lens for evaluating actor performance in transitional democracies. The Rhombus Diamond Framework is introduced as a diagnostic tool that positions the military as a fulcrum balancing four civilian nodes: elected authorities, civil authorities, civil society/media, and the judiciary. Effectiveness is assessed using five indicators: deliberative participation, monitoring mechanisms, judicial responsiveness, operational satisfaction, and peace/security outcomes. Findings reveal that while the MDF enjoys high public trust and operational competence, civilian actors face persistent challenges, including technical capacity gaps, politicization, and institutional inertia. Comparative insights from Ghana, Zambia, and Argentina underscore the importance of meritocracy, civic education, and institutional integrity in fostering effective civil-military relations. The study highlights the need for recalibrated actor roles, joint training programs, and decentralized security structures to bridge the familiarity gap and enhance participatory governance. By integrating indigenous epistemology with comparative analysis, the article presents a context-sensitive model for assessing institutional performance and informing policy reform. Ultimately, this study contributes to academic and policy debates by offering a grounded, actor-specific framework for strengthening democratic oversight and sustaining strategic equilibrium in civil-military relations. It advocates for embedding the Rhombus Diamond Framework into national security policy to promote balanced governance, safeguard constitutionalism, and ensure resilient civil-military synergy in transitional democratic contexts.
VL  - 9
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Thokozani Andrew Chazema

Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi;College of International Security Affairs, National Defence University, Washington, DC. USA

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0002-5563-2753
Mavuto Tembo

Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2464-1876
Chrispin Mphande

Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-5808-4919
Robert McNab Kerr

US Naval War College, Centre for Naval Warfare Studies, Rhode Island, USA

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-7855-1089
David Kumwenda

Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-4598-2146

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Chazema, T. A., Tembo, M., Mphande, C., Kerr, R. M., Kumwenda, D. (2025). Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi’s Democratic Transition. International and Public Affairs, 9(2), 52-58. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11

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ACS Style

Chazema, T. A.; Tembo, M.; Mphande, C.; Kerr, R. M.; Kumwenda, D. Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi’s Democratic Transition. Int. Public Aff. 2025, 9(2), 52-58. doi: 10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11

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AMA Style

Chazema TA, Tembo M, Mphande C, Kerr RM, Kumwenda D. Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi’s Democratic Transition. Int Public Aff. 2025;9(2):52-58. doi: 10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11,
  author = {Thokozani Andrew Chazema and Mavuto Tembo and Chrispin Mphande and Robert McNab Kerr and David Kumwenda},
  title = {Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi’s Democratic Transition},
  journal = {International and Public Affairs},
  volume = {9},
  number = {2},
  pages = {52-58},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ipa.20250902.11},
  abstract = {This article examines the strategic equilibrium of civil-military relations in democratic Malawi, focusing on the effectiveness of institutional actors in striking a balance between military professionalism and democratic accountability. Drawing on qualitative data from 65 informants across the judiciary, legislature, civil society, and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the study conceptualizes effectiveness as a dynamic interplay of constitutional fidelity, participatory engagement, and operational legitimacy. It integrates four theoretical traditions: Huntington’s Institutional Theory, Schiff’s Concordance Theory, Feaver’s Agency Theory, and Janowitz’s sociological perspective, providing a multidimensional lens for evaluating actor performance in transitional democracies. The Rhombus Diamond Framework is introduced as a diagnostic tool that positions the military as a fulcrum balancing four civilian nodes: elected authorities, civil authorities, civil society/media, and the judiciary. Effectiveness is assessed using five indicators: deliberative participation, monitoring mechanisms, judicial responsiveness, operational satisfaction, and peace/security outcomes. Findings reveal that while the MDF enjoys high public trust and operational competence, civilian actors face persistent challenges, including technical capacity gaps, politicization, and institutional inertia. Comparative insights from Ghana, Zambia, and Argentina underscore the importance of meritocracy, civic education, and institutional integrity in fostering effective civil-military relations. The study highlights the need for recalibrated actor roles, joint training programs, and decentralized security structures to bridge the familiarity gap and enhance participatory governance. By integrating indigenous epistemology with comparative analysis, the article presents a context-sensitive model for assessing institutional performance and informing policy reform. Ultimately, this study contributes to academic and policy debates by offering a grounded, actor-specific framework for strengthening democratic oversight and sustaining strategic equilibrium in civil-military relations. It advocates for embedding the Rhombus Diamond Framework into national security policy to promote balanced governance, safeguard constitutionalism, and ensure resilient civil-military synergy in transitional democratic contexts.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi’s Democratic Transition
AU  - Thokozani Andrew Chazema
AU  - Mavuto Tembo
AU  - Chrispin Mphande
AU  - Robert McNab Kerr
AU  - David Kumwenda
Y1  - 2025/12/09
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11
T2  - International and Public Affairs
JF  - International and Public Affairs
JO  - International and Public Affairs
SP  - 52
EP  - 58
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-4192
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ipa.20250902.11
AB  - This article examines the strategic equilibrium of civil-military relations in democratic Malawi, focusing on the effectiveness of institutional actors in striking a balance between military professionalism and democratic accountability. Drawing on qualitative data from 65 informants across the judiciary, legislature, civil society, and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the study conceptualizes effectiveness as a dynamic interplay of constitutional fidelity, participatory engagement, and operational legitimacy. It integrates four theoretical traditions: Huntington’s Institutional Theory, Schiff’s Concordance Theory, Feaver’s Agency Theory, and Janowitz’s sociological perspective, providing a multidimensional lens for evaluating actor performance in transitional democracies. The Rhombus Diamond Framework is introduced as a diagnostic tool that positions the military as a fulcrum balancing four civilian nodes: elected authorities, civil authorities, civil society/media, and the judiciary. Effectiveness is assessed using five indicators: deliberative participation, monitoring mechanisms, judicial responsiveness, operational satisfaction, and peace/security outcomes. Findings reveal that while the MDF enjoys high public trust and operational competence, civilian actors face persistent challenges, including technical capacity gaps, politicization, and institutional inertia. Comparative insights from Ghana, Zambia, and Argentina underscore the importance of meritocracy, civic education, and institutional integrity in fostering effective civil-military relations. The study highlights the need for recalibrated actor roles, joint training programs, and decentralized security structures to bridge the familiarity gap and enhance participatory governance. By integrating indigenous epistemology with comparative analysis, the article presents a context-sensitive model for assessing institutional performance and informing policy reform. Ultimately, this study contributes to academic and policy debates by offering a grounded, actor-specific framework for strengthening democratic oversight and sustaining strategic equilibrium in civil-military relations. It advocates for embedding the Rhombus Diamond Framework into national security policy to promote balanced governance, safeguard constitutionalism, and ensure resilient civil-military synergy in transitional democratic contexts.
VL  - 9
IS  - 2
ER  -

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