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What is it? -

When martial law is declared, ordinary laws and governance in a country are temporarily suspended, placing authority in the hands of the military. It is typically enacted during severe emergencies to restore order when civilian systems are deemed inadequate.

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Reasons for declaring martial law -

Governments may declare martial law during crises such as wars, uprisings, or natural disasters. It is often justified as a last resort to prevent societal collapse, protect national security, or even suppress perceived threats to the state.

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Shift in authority -

When martial law is enacted, civilian governance (including legislative and judicial processes) is suspended or overridden. The military assumes control, and they typically impose strict measures such as curfews, censorship, and restrictions on freedoms to ensure order.

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Impact on civil liberties -

Martial law essentially bypasses fundamental rights, such as freedom of assembly and speech, to enforce compliance. Governments may detain individuals without warrants, suppress dissent, and prioritize military objectives over democratic processes.

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Controversies surrounding martial law -

While intended to restore stability, martial law often leads to unrest, especially as civilians raise concerns over democratic abuse. It is seen as a drastic measure that risks undermining trust in the government.

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Political tension -

On December 3, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law in South Korea, accusing opposition forces of being "anti-state" and sympathetic to North Korea. The bold move was made to address growing political tension and block parliamentary interference in governance.

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In history -

Yoon’s martial law declaration is the first since South Korea became a democracy in 1987. It rekindles memories of the country’s last period of martial law in 1979, and raises concerns about whether the country would return to being an authoritarian state.

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Opposition and allies unite -

Surprisingly, criticism of the martial law declaration came not only from the opposition Democratic Party (pictured) but also from leaders within Yoon’s own conservative People Power Party.

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Parliamentary suspension and civil restrictions -

The military announced the suspension of parliament and other political gatherings that were deemed potentially destabilizing. Doctors on strike were also ordered to return to work under threat of arrest.

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Opposition thwarted -

South Korean legislation allows for martial law to be rescinded by a parliamentary vote. But attempts by opposition leaders to assemble lawmakers to vote against the declaration were hindered by police blocking their access to the National Assembly.

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Patriotism -

In a televised address, President Yoon defended martial law as necessary to prevent national collapse, vowing to eradicate “anti-state forces” while asking citizens to endure temporary inconveniences for the country’s stability.

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Uncertain future -

The martial law declaration has plunged South Korea into uncharted territory, with military-enforced restrictions challenging democratic norms. But it certainly isn’t the only country in history to have made such a declaration.

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The United States -

The US declared martial law during the Civil War, notably in border states, to suppress Confederate sympathizers. It was also briefly imposed in Hawaii during World War II after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as in Chicago following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

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Canada -

In 1970, Canada invoked martial law during the October Crisis to address a domestic terrorist threat from the FLQ (Front de libération du Québec), a Quebec separatist group. The declaration granted sweeping powers, and hundreds of people were detained without charges as the government sought to quell fears of further violence.

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Pakistan -

Pakistan has seen martial law multiple times, notably under General Ayub Khan in 1958 and General Zia-ul-Haq (pictured) in 1977. These declarations often suspended constitutions and centralized power within the military to address political instability.

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Thailand -

Thailand has declared martial law numerous times due to its history of political instability and coups. In 2014, the military imposed martial law to quell protests and maintain order, eventually leading to a full military junta.

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China -

In 1989, China declared martial law in Beijing to suppress pro-democracy protests at Tiananmen Square. The military crackdown that followed, including the infamous massacre, marked a dark chapter in China's contemporary history.

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Myanmar -

Myanmar (Burma) has frequently declared martial law, most recently after the 2021 coup. The military justified its actions by alleging election fraud, using martial law to suppress dissent and tighten its grip on power.

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Poland -

In 1981, Poland’s communist government declared martial law to crush the Solidarity Movement, an independent labor union pushing for reforms. The military rule imposed curfews, censored media, and detained opposition leaders in an effort to control unrest.

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Chile -

After the 1973 coup that ousted President Salvador Allende, the new president, Augusto Pinochet (pictured), declared martial law. The regime used it to quash political opposition and establish a dictatorship that lasted nearly two decades.

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Germany -

In the early 1930s, martial law was declared in parts of Germany to control civil unrest during the collapse of the Weimar Republic. These measures, though temporary, weakened democratic structures and paved the way for Adolf Hitler’s rise to power.

Sources: (Encyclopedia Britannica) (First Alert 4) (CNN)

See also: Why democracy is mathematically impossible

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