CIVIL-MILITARY ECONOMIC RELATIONS IN ALGERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF MILITARY INVOLVEMENT IN SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL ECONOMY

Abstract

In many countries including Algeria, the army is not just a beating heart but also a vein. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the contribution of the military institution in supporting the Algerian economy by highlighting shapes of its involvement, and assessing its impact on economic stability and development. Furthermore, it demonstrates the mechanisms of the Algerian military’s economic engagement through direct productive and industrial activities, the provision of security, border protection, and safeguarding citizens and properties, thereby creating an environment for investment.

The significance of the study lies in understanding the relationship between the military establishment and the economy in Algeria, alongside its subsequent implications for governance and institutional balance. Given the limited public disclosure and the inherently sensitive nature of certain security-related information, the study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology and a case-study approach.

The study concludes that the Algerian army's contribution to supporting the national economy is not confined to direct productive dimensions; rather, it extends to indirect roles with substantial economic impact, particularly through sustaining stability and securing both national territory and vital infrastructure. Conversely, this contribution raises a series of challenges concerning governance, transparency, competition, and the overlap between civil and military entities. All in all, dealing with a vein is challenging but its role should be highlighted and elevated.