Military-Civil Links and Political Allegiances within the Military Forces
In the latest episode of the Social Science of War podcast, produced by the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, the spotlight falls on the intricate relationship between civil and military affairs, with a particular focus on partisanship within the armed forces.
Hosted by Kyle Atwell, the episode delves into the role of service members in public discourse and the oversight of the military. Notable guests on the podcast include Dr. Kori Schake, the director of foreign and defence policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, and Major Michael Robinson, an active duty US Army officer and author of the book "Dangerous Instrument: Political Polarization and US Civil-Military Relations."
Dr. Schake, who has multiple publications on civil-military relations, including a book she co-edited with General Jim Mattis titled "Warriors and Citizens: American View of Our Military," shares her insights on the central takeaway for both scholars and practitioners: military leaders should be politically aware but apolitical in their approach to civil-military relations.
Meanwhile, Major Robinson's research-based book serves as the foundation for a critical discussion of Samuel Huntington's concept of objective control, a widely taught model of civil-military relations in US professional military education.
For those interested in learning more about the Social Science of War podcast or this specific episode, Kyle Atwell can be contacted directly. The Department of Social Sciences at West Point also welcomes inquiries for students, teachers, and connections with instructors based on their expertise.
In addition to the podcast, the Department of Social Sciences at West Point boasts a distinguished faculty, including Dan Helmer, a delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates, an Army lieutenant colonel, an instructor in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, a graduate of West Point, and a master's degree holder from the University of Oxford on a Rhodes scholarship.
Image credit for this article is by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kathryn E. Holm, US Navy.
- The Social Science of War podcast, produced by the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, explores the intricate relationship between civil and military affairs.
- Dr. Kori Schake, a guest on the podcast, emphasizes that military leaders should be politically aware but apolitical in their approach to civil-military relations.
- Major Michael Robinson, another guest on the podcast, discusses Samuel Huntington's concept of objective control, a model of civil-military relations often taught in US professional military education.
- The podcast serves as a valuable resource for those interested in national security, defense, and war-and-conflicts, providing insights on policy-and-legislation and politics.
- For lifelong learning and education-and-self-development, the department's distinguished faculty, including Dan Helmer, offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise in civil-military relations.
- The department at West Point also produces general news relevant to security studies, providing a platform for civil-military dialogue and collaboration.
- The podcast episode, along with the department's resources and faculty, serves as a testament to the importance of military education in fostering a deeper understanding of civil-military relations and strengthening national security.
