The end of the Cold War brought widespread optimism about the future of civil-military relations. But as Michael Desch argues in this thought-provoking challenge to Harold Lasswell's famous "garrison state" thesis, the truth is that civilian authorities have not been able to exert greater control over military policies and decision making. In wartime, civil authorities cannot help but pay close attention to military matters. In times of peace, however, civilian leaders are less interested in military affairs-and therefore often surrender them to the military. Focusing on a wide range of times and places, Desch begins with a look at changes in U.S. civil-military relations since the end of the Cold War. He then turns to the former Soviet Union, explaining why it was easier for civilians to control the Soviet military than its present-day Russian successor. He examines the Hindenburg-Ludendorff dictatorship in World War I Germany, Japan during the interwar era, and France's role in the Algerian crisis. Finally, he explores the changing domestic security environment and civil-military relations in South America.

About the Author
Michael C. Desch is associate director of the Patterson School at the University of Kentucky.

Reviews
A courageous, definitive work. -- Joseph J. Collins Joint Force Quarterly Desch's book... already has proven influential in shaping the debate within the academic and the policymaking communities. The book is important because it makes a bold argument based on a clearly advanced theory and tests it against an extraordinary range of cases... A landmark study. American Political Science Review A refreshing addition to the literature on civil-military relations. It challenges traditional explanations and contributes to several different important theoretical and policy debates. Journal of Military History A timely book with a provocative thesis. -- Glen M. Segell Millennium



Book Information
ISBN 9780801866395
Author Michael C. Desch
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint Johns Hopkins University Press
Publisher Johns Hopkins University Press
Weight(grams) 312g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 13mm