The Theoretical Concept of Civilian Power and The Use of Military Power

Abstract

The application of Elias's Theory of civilisation, in the field of international
relations, is the theoretical concept of civilian power. In this analysis, I
concluded that there are several attributes that allow the use of military
force by civilian power. These attributes consist of: (1) using military force as
a last resort for dealing with conflicts, and only when all other means have
failed; (2) playing an active role in seeking non-militant ways of crisis
resolution and military conflict prevention; (3) conducting only military
operations that conform to international law and (4) that intend to support
and defend human rights while (5) minimising destruction and casualties,
not only on its own side but also on the side of its enemy and finally, (6)
having military operations (with the exception of self defence) take place in
a multinational framework, which would not be used as a tool for unilateral
policies.