Type of Government In an autocracy, of course, the regime tends to be supported by a loyal military establishment. Civil and military power, in effect, are coterminous, and much of the bureaucracy tends to consist of inactive military personnel. Where there is a hereditary aristocracy, moreover, the officer corps tends to be drawn from that stratum and enlisted personnel from commoners.

In new nations, or nations recently emerged from colonialism, those who fought for freedom (veterans of the revolution) will probably have a high degree of motivation to be involved in the political process. Their countrymen, moreover, will have become accustomed to looking to them for leadership. The dynamic of the revolution can, under such circumstances, continue into the emerging regime. By the same token, veterans of a defeated regime may continue for some time to engage in protest and disruptive activity.