Legitimacy as the Center of Gravity of Military Forces

Abstract

Legitimacy constitutes a strategic factor in fulfilling the constitutional mission of the Military Forces, as their actions depend not only on operational outcomes but also on the trust and support of the civilian population. In this regard, legitimacy transcends legality by incorporating dimensions such as justice, ethics, effectiveness, and respect for human rights (HR) and international humanitarian law (IHL). This article analyzes legitimacy as the center of gravity of the Military Forces, emphasizing the relationship between the institution and the civilian population as a determining factor in achieving the State’s strategic objectives. To this end, it examines respect for HR and IHL, institutional transparency, military ethics, public trust, and comprehensive action, drawing on historical references and the Colombian context.
The analysis establishes that operational effectiveness and institutional legitimacy are complementary dimensions. Consequently, military outcomes become sustainable when achieved through ethical, transparent, and legally legitimate conduct. Public trust therefore constitutes an essential component of institutional power and a determining factor in the sustainable fulfillment of the constitutional mission of the Military Forces.