Integrating Research on Civil–Military Relations and Interstate Conflict and Crisis Engagement: A Systematic Review

This systematic review investigates how patterns of civil–military relations (CMR) influence the interstate conflict and crisis engagement. Despite a proliferation of theories and methodological innovations, the field remains fragmented, with persistent gaps and conflicting empirical results. Examining 31 studies from diverse academic journals, the review maps trends in the use of CMR-related variables and synthesizes findings from 98 explanatory concepts associated with interstate conflict and crisis engagement, ultimately identifying eight key CMR factors. The analysis, drawing on sign-test results, reveals that while some CMR dynamics—such as militarism in autocracy, military influence in CMR, and structural coup-proofing mechanisms—show potential influence, no single factor emerges as a definitive or consensus determinant. This result underscores the urgent need for more integrated theoretical frameworks and a deeper exploration of causal mechanisms, offering clear priorities and directions for advancing future research in the field.