Consists of five case studies of the political role of the military; Ethiopia, Jordan, Pakistan, South Korea, and Burma. Considers its political role in terms of the military's political resources and political perspective and of patterns of demands and supports within the civilian sector. Presents history of the armed forces, organization, training, patterns of social recruitment, and values. Emphasizes causes of political stability of instability. Examines the military reaction to socio-political divisions or presence of an external threat, including coups and permanent military governments. [TAIC]