Small Wars Journal

civil-military relations

Recent Wars: The Civil-Military Health of the Nation is Strong

Sat, 07/13/2019 - 8:33am
A Pew Research Center report published on July 10 suggests that most veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan believe these wars are “not worth fighting.” What are the implications of these findings? What can they reveal about the health of U.S. civil-military relations? Is it dangerous for the guardians to be opposed to the mission they are directed to accomplish? At first glance, the data is troubling.

About the Author(s)

Deriving a Solution to Venezuela: Civil-Military Relations Can Help SWJED Wed, 07/03/2019 - 1:54am
How does one define “healthy” civil-military relations? The simplest definition would suggest a nation’s military is subordinate to its ruling body. In other words, the guys with all the guns listens to those without any. So how then would we evaluate this relationship in a country like Venezuela? The military has remained loyal and subordinate to the ruling body, so does it meet the criteria?
Civ-Mil Relations: 6 Lessons from a Tweet SWJED Mon, 02/11/2019 - 9:31am
Despite the dangers of the current dynamic, observers say, retired officers should be free to express their views and policy ideas in a way that is respectful of the commander in chief. "Americans want and, really, need to be able to consider the views of those who served, along with others with expertise," Mr. Dunlap said. "It should be the brightness of their ideas, not that of the stars they previously wore, that should carry the day."

Win Friends, Kill Enemies: An Unyielding Call for Warrior-Diplomats in Modern Warfare

Thu, 09/06/2018 - 12:47am
The uncomfortable truth that many in modern western society do not want to face is that war, by its very nature, will kill people and break things. However, in the midst of that truth is a second truth that many seem to forget: Namely, that the United States of America, more so than any other nation, expends great resources to develop and implement the means of mitigating the effects of the first truth on noncombatants and infrastructure in the war zone. No other nation in the history of the world has so earnestly sought to conduct military operations while simultaneously striving to minimize the killing and breaking.

About the Author(s)

The Danger of Military Partisanship SWJED Sun, 07/01/2018 - 3:19pm
Throughout most of human history, societies and governments have failed to maintain the balance between liberty and security. It is not something we should take for granted. If we do, we once again will have realized the worst fears of the Framers and that would be a “dire” consequence indeed.
Did Obama Snub the Joint Chiefs on Afghanistan? Peter J. Munson Tue, 05/28/2013 - 3:30am

If the Joint Chiefs only learned about the withdrawal scheme a mere few hours before the State of the Union was given, then it is appropriate to question whether the state of civil-military relations is as strong as it should be.

Capo-Militaries: An Illicit Modus Operandi of Armed Forces and Intelligence Services in Peru, Mexico, and Venezuela Peter J. Munson Mon, 02/18/2013 - 3:30am

Capo-militaries, by their diverse portfolio of activities, such as the use of sophisticated weapons, logistics, and tactics, have become threats to national and international security.

Book Review: Democracy, Islam and Secularism in Turkey Peter J. Munson Thu, 08/30/2012 - 5:30am

A look inside the increasingly pivotal nation.

Subscribe to civil-military relations