Civilian-Military Relations
48 Articles
How the Pentagon Personnel Firings Threaten Our Apolitical Military
This unprecedented purge of the nation’s top brass suggests that Trump may attempt to fill these roles with officers he perceives as loyal.
As Ukraine Struggles for Troops, Its Constitutional Court Considers the Rights of Conscientious Objectors
A court case shows the complexity of weighing a constitutional guarantee against the obligation to protect the State in war.
Much Ado About Nothing: Recent Changes to Department of Defense Directive 5240.01
Recent changes to this Defense Department directive do not reflect any change in policy and provide no new authority to deploy the military domestically or to use lethal force…
Lessons from Around the World: Engaging ‘Pillars of Support’ to Uphold and Expand Democracy
Cross-partisan movements that defeated far-right autocrats in Brazil and Poland demonstrate that crucial groups can propel democratic success.
The Anonymous Military Leaders with the Weight of the Election on Their Shoulders
The legal and ethical frameworks that senior civilian and military leaders need to consider.
With Watershed Election, Claudia Sheinbaum Must Address Mexico’s Human Rights Crisis
Winning the most votes ever and controlling Congress and most state legislatures, the first woman to hold the office will have the power.
In Shifting US Ties with Niger and Africa, Focus on Human Rights and Democracy to Strengthen Partnerships
After a series of coups in the region following years of counterterrorism cooperation, the US needs a new approach to recover its stride.
Expert Backgrounder: Federalizing the National Guard and Domestic Use of the Military
An expert explainer on when the President of the United States can 'federalize" the National Guard and deploy U.S. military forces domestically.
How Military Leaders Can Navigate a Crisis of Democracy: Lessons from the Reservist Protests in Israel
Leaders must communicate carefully with the public and subordinates, and minimize damage to the military, without adding to societal tension.
Senator Tommy Tuberville’s Dangerous Military Promotion Ploy
The U.S. military already faces a recruitment crisis. Senator Tommy Tuberville's politicization of the promotions process over abortion makes things worse, violating civil-military…
How Does Putin’s Response to Prigozhin’s Mutiny Change the Threat from Russia?
The U.S. government is likely reassessing Russia's stability and predictability, which are clearly diminished coming out of this episode.
The All-Volunteer Force at 50: Civil-Military Solutions in a Time of Partisan Polarization
Civilian and military elites, as well as the general public, have work to do to combat politicization of the all-volunteer force and help it survive another 50 years.