The Soldier and the State: The Theory and Politics of Civil–Military Relations (Belknap Press S)

The Military and the Political State by Samuel P.

Huntington is a groundbreaking work that challenges traditional assumptions about the role of the military in society.

This book provides a comprehensive theory of civil-military relations, rigorously tested through historical analysis.

Part One introduces the general theory of the "military profession" and "military mind," while Part Two explores the two constant environmental factors that shape American civil-military relations: liberal values and a conservative constitution. Huntington's work offers a detailed examination of the evolution of American civil-military relations from 1789 to 1940, including the emergence of the American military profession and the impact of intellectual and political currents.

The book also analyzes the revolution in American civil-military relations during World War II, when the military assumed leadership and adopted liberal attitudes. In Part Three, Huntington examines the problems of American civil-military relations in the post-World War II era, including the political roles of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the differences between the Truman and Eisenhower administrations, the role of Congress, and the organization and functioning of the Department of Defense. Throughout the book, Huntington emphasizes the importance of reassessing American liberal values in light of a new understanding of civil-military relations.

The Military and the Political State is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics between the military and political institutions in America.