The Changing Face of Civil-Military Relations: An Examination in the Post 9/11 Environment
Abstract
The history of civil-military relations reflects attempts to conceptualize the interactions between the civilian and military spheres. This thesis studies American civil-military relations after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Using Samuel Huntingtons seminal work The Soldier and the State as the theoretical model, this study examines the effects of Private Military Companies (PMCs), homeland security, and combatant commanders against Huntingtons prescriptions. Huntingtons influence on the field of civil-military relations remains formidable, yet these three areas introduced new complexities to the civil-military relationship Huntington did not foresee. The approach of examining how private institutions, a large government organization, and a singular senior military commander affect civil-military relations provides yet another way to synthesize the civil-military field of study. The growth in influence of these three areas underscores the importance to understand their impact. Failure to address these tensions threatens the nation and causes it to approach war with the wrong ideas on the kind of war faced. I devote one chapter to each area, and develop the historical background, relevant issues, and impacts to civil-military relations each topic levies. The final section summarizes the key findings of the study and suggests recommendations for extending this line of research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- AD1019689
Entities
People
- Scott M. Wiederholt
Organizations
- Air University