Military forces and non-traditional military roles: Assessing post-Cold War developments and considering some implications for the SANDF

Abstract

Historically, military forces are organised to fight on land, at sea and in the air. In this regard, the functions of military forces were emphasised, specifically in the conduct of war. Although such functions may still be a primary role of military forces, their functions have been broadened to include a range of other tasks: defence against external aggression; deterrence against various types of threat; coercion as a means of supporting diplomacy; and a protective structure for the operation of other instruments of foreign policy.