Unfortunately, The Mexico case is an uncommon one. But others that have succeeded in imposing civilian mastery over politically active armed forces have incorporated some of the elements of the Mexican prescription. The key element seems to be the ability of the civilian leaders to create a strong political party that is able to turn mass numbers into the street to support the leadership. The prospect of facing with guns drawn the citizens they are pledged to support is a powerful deterrent to military political intervention. Few military commanders are willing to run the risk of provoking a civil war that they know will weaken the country they serve and protect.