Do Fewer Resources Mean Less Influence? A Comparative Historical Case Study of Military Influence in a Time of Austerity
Abstract
It is common in post-conflict situations for a societal conversation about defense cutbacks to take place. Regardless of the time period or country in which such conversations occur, some universal themes can be identified: 1. A claim (which appears in the media and in the legislature) that cost savings will be realized, and that these savings are collective property owed to citizens as a reward for supporting the effort. 2. A redefinition of the utility of traditional military tools in a changed, post-conflict society, accompanied sometimes by a larger conversation about the utility of the hegemon s leading position in the international system. 3. A tendency for new presidential doctrines to emerge that drive defense policy, including defense cuts. 4. A search for new, cheaper military technologies developed during wartime to be used in place of conventional military forces. 5. A sense that the military, which grew powerful during wartime, should now take a backseat in society while problems like social welfare are tackled by policymakers. 6. A tendency for threats to be redefined in both the short and long term.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA615535
Entities
People
- Mary Manjikian
Organizations
- United States Army War College