US Civil-Military Relations After 9/11: Renegotiating the Civil-Military Bargain

by Mackubin Thomas Owens

"Civilian control of our military is the fundamental precept of America's Civil-Military Relations. Effectively using history and keen insights into this complex issue, in this book Dr. Owens provides an informed perspective. In doing so, he reminds us of the military's broad and constant advisory role, of Congress' oversight responsibilities, of our civilian leaders' need for military understanding, and of the overarching need for civil military engagement if we are going to achieve the necessary synergy in defense. The concepts illuminated in this book remind us that if our military is expected to act in concert with civilian leadership's aims, a constant dialogue and reciprocal process is necessary. This is the finest work available today for a serious student of how the military can best serve the Republic." James N. Mattis, General, U.S. Marines

"Mac Owens has experienced war as well as studied it, and is, as a result well positioned to write about the way in which politicians and soldiers struggle with the formulation of strategy. This careful study of civil-military relations demonstrates both enduring tensions in the American system and the new stresses brought about by changing geopolitics and evolving military technology. A thoughtful and balanced work." Dr. Eliot A. Cohen, Robert E. Osgood Professor of Strategic Studies, Johns Hopkins SAIS, USA

"In his new book, Mackubin Owens offers a thoughtful synthesis of scholarly debate and incisive analysis of what he terms the `civil-military bargain' in the United States. His analysis demonstrates that contemporary clashes in civil-military relations in fact are expressions of fundamental tensions present since the early days of the Republic. Written in easily accessible language, this book will prove enormously useful to scholars, students and citizens alike." Risa Brooks, Marquette University, USA

"US Civil-Military Relations After 9/11 is an insightful and highly readable analysis by a noted scholar and commentator on the relations between the US military and the society it defends in the wake of September 11. Theoretically grounded, historically aware, and policy-relevant, it is must reading for an understanding of the evolution of civil-military relations in the US. Policy makers should consider carefully Professor Owens' analysis and its implications for strategic development and professional military education. It is also an outstanding choice for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses in civil-military relations and military sociology."John Allen Williams, Professor of Political Science, Loyola University Chicago, Chair and President, Inter-University Seminar on Armed Forces and society

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 2011