Leadership Norms as a Form of Internal (Self-)Control of the Armed Forces

Abstract

This chapter discusses the role of leadership norms as a specific form of internal control of the armed forces. To this end, the compatibility between (military) leadership norms and general civilian and societal norms shall be scrutinized and the question raised whether and how military leadership norms are of relevance for civilian control of the armed forces. A special focus will be laid on the multi-ethnic Russian armed forces since the problem of abuse and brutality due to leadership deficiencies, and hence the lack of control, are especially pronounced there. Delineating the traditions of leadership standards and education norms in the Russian military history, a tension between progressive and traditionalist tendencies towards norms of behavior, determined by moral-psychological norms, will be identified. The contemporary phenomenon of ethnic collectives and racial discrimination in the Russian armed forces serves as an example for the importance of civilian control in this sphere. The chapter argues that civilian actors, such as state institutions or societal organizations, regardless of the nature of the political system, should have influence on leadership standards and norms in order to foster internal control of the armed forces. The chapter concludes by drawing implications of leadership norms and control standards for the integration of armed forces with society and society-military relations in general.