A military dictatorship is a form of government where the military controls the political power of a country. In this system, military leaders often suspend the constitution, limit civil liberties, and suppress political opposition. Decisions are made by military officials rather than elected representatives, leading to a lack of democratic processes. These regimes typically arise during times of crisis, such as civil unrest or war, when the military claims it can restore order. Examples of military dictatorships include those in countries like Chile under Augusto Pinochet and Argentina during the Dirty War.