Egyptian security forces are undoubtedly the center of headlines for the region.  Some blame them for not doing more to protect the people and preventing violence.  However, upon closer inspection, we may realize that in of themselves a military power is not suited for the role of an interest aggregator.   In order to resolve the problems facing Egypt, perhaps those protesting should take an initiative to understand why security forces are not able to do more to help.  The purpose of my blog today is to explain why the military power needs to step aside and voluntarily withdraw from the political presence in Egypt.

Military powers are generally useful in situations where there is an absence of a strong organizational leadership.  In the case of Egypt, the military took power following the overthrow of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.  The problem is that many Egyptians fear they may never cease power.  In addition to those fears, the military powers struggle to satisfy the needs of those protesting their presence due to their own internal incompetence’s.    Military powers have a weakness in interest aggregation because they are not designed for the role of interest aggregation.   The military is intended to provide a determined command structure.  In short, the military is designed to take orders and follow in line with an efficient system.  Unfortunately, interests are not always efficient.  Does this make the military bad?  Not really, but certainly not ideal for the role of policy making outside their command hierarchy.

In addition, the military is not structured to facilitate compromise.  The problem in Egypt may likely be the circumstances of multiple anomic groups seeking their own self interest.  Whether some are seeking freedom of religion, capitalism, or if they just want better parking,  not all people want the same things.  Those who do may find they want it all  in separate degrees.  How is the military power to facilitate the interest of groups that may not even know what they want themselves? For Egypt to effectively achieve peace one thing is certain, people must be able to negotiate and reach reasonable compromises.

Lastly the military is not structured to mobilize popular support.  As mentioned previously, the military is not structured to facilitate any type of compromise.  They essentially take orders from those above them.  Military powers are not designed to communicate with interest groups outside of their command structured so identifying with those protesting them is not easily done.

In conclusion, while I am sure the military powers have their reasoning for their continued presence and power, there are generally accepted principles as to why they should voluntarily remove themselves from policy.  The function of a military is not structured to benefit society as a whole and potentially raises concern of a statist approach to government.  In the end, hopefully the people of Egypt can communicate their wants interests and needs with leaders who can make it better for everyone.