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US Civil-Military Relations Under Stress: An Analysis of Recent Cases and Historical Context

Dan Bell

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Published in Warriors And Politicians: US Civil Military Relations Under Stress (Cass Military Studies)

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The relationship between the US military and civilian society is a complex and evolving one. Over the years, there have been periods of both cooperation and tension between the two. In recent years, this relationship has come under increasing stress, due to a number of factors, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the rise of social media, and the increasing polarization of American society.

This article will examine the current state of US civil-military relations. It will analyze recent cases of stress between the two, and explore the historical context that has shaped their interactions. The article will conclude by offering insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving civil-military relations in the 21st century.

Warriors and Politicians: US Civil-Military Relations under Stress (Cass Military Studies)

by Charles A. Stevenson

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Recent Cases of Stress

There have been a number of recent cases that have highlighted the stress between the US military and civilian society. These include:

* The use of military force to quell protests in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. * The military's response to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in 2016. * The deployment of National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border in 2019. * The military's involvement in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

These cases have raised a number of concerns about the role of the military in a democratic society. Some critics have argued that the military is becoming too involved in domestic affairs, and that this is a threat to civilian control. Others have argued that the military is not ng enough to protect civilians, and that this is a failure of its duty to serve the nation.

Historical Context

The current stress between the US military and civilian society has its roots in a number of historical factors. These include:

* The American Revolution, which created a deep distrust of standing armies. * The Civil War, which pitted the military against civilians in a bloody conflict. * The Vietnam War, which further eroded public trust in the military. * The War on Terror, which has led to an increase in the military's role in domestic affairs.

These factors have created a complex and often contradictory set of expectations for the US military. On the one hand, the military is expected to be a powerful and effective fighting force. On the other hand, it is expected to be subservient to civilian authority and to respect the rights of civilians.

Challenges and Opportunities

The challenges facing US civil-military relations in the 21st century are significant. These include:

* The continuing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. * The rise of social media and the spread of misinformation. * The increasing polarization of American society. * The changing nature of warfare.

These challenges will require the US military and civilian society to work together to find new ways to cooperate and build trust. There are a number of opportunities for ng this, including:

* Increasing public education about the military. * Building stronger relationships between the military and local communities. * Promoting dialogue and understanding between the military and civilian leaders. * Developing new policies and procedures that respect both the rights of civilians and the needs of the military.

The future of US civil-military relations is uncertain. However, if the military and civilian society can work together to address the challenges facing them, they can build a stronger and more resilient relationship.

The relationship between the US military and civilian society is a critical one. It is a relationship that has been tested in recent years, but it is a relationship that is essential for the health of American democracy. The challenges facing US civil-military relations are significant, but there are also a number of opportunities for improvement. If the military and civilian society can work together, they can build a stronger and more resilient relationship that will serve the nation well in the years to come.

Warriors and Politicians: US Civil-Military Relations under Stress (Cass Military Studies)

by Charles A. Stevenson

4 out of 5