Insider Monkey
20 Countries with the Strongest Paramilitary Forces in the World
Rabeeta Abbas
13 min read

In This Article:

In this article, we list and discuss the 20 Countries with the Strongest Paramilitary Forces in the World. If you would like to skip our detailed discussion of the topic, you can go directly to the top 5 Countries with the Strongest Paramilitary Forces in the World.

In recent years and throughout history, governments have involved paramilitary forces on many occasions, mostly to counter the ongoing tense situations within the country. For example, in 2014, when Russian-backed armed forces were taking charge in Ukraine, a self-funded paramilitary group, Azov Battalion, was formed to fight the crisis. Another time, in 2019, the Chinese government deployed a paramilitary force, the People’s Armed Police (PAP), to quell the protests in Hong Kong. 

A paramilitary force or quasi-military is basically a semi-militarized force that has the same organizational structure, tactics, and training, as well as functions as a professional military force. But formally, it is neither a part of a military force nor a civil force. Although paramilitary forces may seem similar to military forces, there are subtle differences in both forces. 

A military force is a highly trained armed force formally organized and operated under the sovereign government with the primary role of defending the country from external threats, upholding national security, and engaging in warfare when necessary. Military forces are often subject to strict hierarchical command structures and operate according to established laws and regulations.

On the other hand, paramilitary forces are deployed with a specific purpose; internal security, counter-insurgency (action taken against revolutionaries), or assisting military forces in non-combat operations. Unlike the traditional military, paramilitary forces operate with more flexibility and less accountability. 

In global politics and conflicts, paramilitary forces help counter unforeseen internal events, such as violence, protests, ethnic riots, etc. Moreover, these forces are often on the front lines when it comes to protecting high-profile sites and infrastructure, as well as protecting VIPs and fighting terrorism within the country. For instance, in September of 2023, when six footballers were abducted by a militant group in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, Pakistan’s government turned to paramilitary forces to rescue the players. 

While paramilitary might help with stability within the country, if not managed by the government, the same forces can become the reason for igniting civil unrest. Since these forces are used during unforeseen emergencies, such as violent civil protests against the sovereign government, they operate more flexibly. They might act outside the law, committing human rights abuses and engaging in unlawful activities against the protesting civilians, which can pose a threat to public safety. However, the risks vary from country to country. For instance, in its Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act of 2024, the Congress of the United States declared unauthorized private paramilitary forces as unlawful. So individuals who consider joining such groups can face potential legal consequences. 

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