Dangerous Instrument: Political Polarization and US Civil-Military Relations

by Michael A. Robinson

As increasingly contentious politics in the United States raise concerns over the "politicization" of traditionally non-partisan institutions, many have turned their attention to how the American military has been--and will be--affected by this trend. Since a low point following the end of the Vietnam War, the U.S. military has experienced a dramatic reversal of public opinion, becoming one of the most trusted institutions in American society. However, this trend is more complicated than it just as individuals have become fonder of their military, they have also become increasingly polarized from one another along partisan lines. The result is a new political environment rife with challenges to traditional civil-military norms.

In a data-driven analysis of contemporary American attitudes, Dangerous Instrument examines the current state of U.S. civil-military affairs, probing how the public views their military and the effect that partisan tribalism may have on that relationship in the future. Michael A. Robinson studies the sources and potential limits of American trust in the armed services, focusing on the interplay of the public, political parties, media outlets, and the military itself on the prospect of politicization and its associated challenges. As democratic institutions face persistent pressure worldwide, Dangerous Instrument provides important insights into the contemporary arc of American civil-military affairs and delivers recommendations on ways to preserve a non-partisan military.

Genres: Sociology

310 pages, Hardcover

Published December 8, 2022

Reviews

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

on one side you have trained killers with any weapon imaginable, from knives to intercontinental nuclear missiles and satelites. on the other side you have a disarmed population, and the individuals can't own anything relevant or they risk being put in some dungeon for the rest of their lives.

now, the problem is political polarization.

[Joelle M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work outlining civ-mil relations; very well researched and written! A must read!