Military-Civil Interaction and Political Affiliations within the Armed Services
In the final episode of Season 1 of the Social Science of War podcast, produced by the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, host Kyle Atwell delves into the complexities of civil-military relations and partisanship within the armed forces.
The conversation, featuring scholars and practitioners, emphasizes the importance of military leaders maintaining apolitical professionalism while remaining politically aware. This approach is crucial to preserving the military’s legitimacy and trust with the American public and civilian leadership.
One of the guests, Major Michael Robinson, an active duty US Army officer and recent assistant professor in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, discusses his book, "Dangerous Instrument: Political Polarization and US Civil-Military Relations", based on his PhD research at Stanford University. The book critiques Samuel Huntington’s concept of objective control, a model of civil-military relations widely taught in US professional military education.
Dr. Kori Schake, the director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute and a former State Department, Defense Department, and National Security Council official, also contributes to the discussion. She has authored five books and held multiple academic positions, including as the distinguished chair of international security studies in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point. Schake is also a co-author, with General Jim Mattis, of the book "Warriors and Citizens: American View of Our Military".
The dangers of political polarization in U.S. civil-military relations are significant. The U.S. faces a widening gulf between the public and the military, partly due to the shrinking portion of Americans serving and the emergence of a "warrior caste." This separation risks weakening the military’s connection to civil society and undermining civilian trust, which is critical for effective national security policy execution.
Military leaders must guard against being perceived as partisan actors. Optimal approaches for military leaders emphasize maintaining professionalism, fostering understanding across civilian and military communities, and enhancing civil-military cooperation through education, engagement, and transparent communication.
Programs that foster interaction between military personnel and civilians, such as mentorship initiatives at academic institutions, can bridge ideological and experiential divides. This helps inform military leaders about broader societal perspectives and inspires recruitment while reinforcing democratic norms.
Congress has a responsibility to strengthen civil-military relations by actively engaging with military leaders through hearings, briefings, and oversight, helping ensure civilian control and informed policy decisions.
Military leaders should develop and train in civil-military operations that integrate civilian considerations into planning and execution, especially when working with local populations or partner nations, to enhance cooperation and security goals. Given challenges from reduced civilian government humanitarian capacity, military leaders should implement coordinated approaches to working with humanitarian actors to reduce civilian harm and maintain moral and strategic advantage.
For those interested in learning more about these topics, the Department of Social Sciences at West Point offers a wealth of resources, including opportunities to connect with instructors like Dan Helmer, a delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates, an Army lieutenant colonel with tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Korea, and an instructor in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point.
The Social Science of War podcast can be shared on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, sent via email, or printed, making it an accessible resource for all.
Image credit for this article goes to Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kathryn E. Holm, US Navy.
[1] Robinson, M. (2020). Dangerous Instrument: Political Polarization and US Civil-Military Relations. Stanford University Press. [2] Schake, K., & Mattis, J. (2018). Warriors and Citizens: American View of Our Military. Hoover Institution Press. [3] Schake, K. (2017). Civil-Military Relations in the Information Age. Cornell University Press. [4] Huntington, S. P. (1957). The Soldier and the State. Simon and Schuster. [5] Schake, K. (2009). Decision Points: Civil-Military Relations and the War on Terror. Cornell University Press.
- The podcast Social Science of War, produced by the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, highlights the significance of civil-military relations and partisanship within the armed forces, emphasizing the need for military leaders to maintain apolitical professionalism.
- Major Michael Robinson, a guest on the podcast, discusses his book, "Dangerous Instrument: Political Polarization and US Civil-Military Relations," critiquing Samuel Huntington’s concept of objective control in professional military education.
- Dr. Kori Schake, another guest, emphasizes the dangers of political polarization in U.S. civil-military relations, pointing out the widening gulf between the public and the military and the need for military leaders to avoid being perceived as partisan actors.
- To bridge ideological and experiential divides, programs that foster interaction between military personnel and civilians, such as mentorship initiatives at academic institutions, are crucial.
- Congress has a responsibility to strengthen civil-military relations by actively engaging with military leaders, ensuring civilian control and informed policy decisions.
- Military leaders should develop and train in civil-military operations that integrate civilian considerations into planning and execution, enhancing cooperation and security goals.
- For those interested in learning more about these topics, the Department of Social Sciences at West Point offers resources, including opportunities to connect with instructors and the Social Science of War podcast, which is accessible via social media, email, or print.
