Civilian-Military Relations
66 Articles
Biden’s Global Priority No. 1: Turn the Authoritarian Tide
Any other challenge will be exponentially harder to address as long as authoritarian leaders and the militarized systems that support them have free rein.
Defense Policy Negotiations Near Completion in Congress, With Human Rights Provisions in Play
Issues at stake include militarization of law enforcement, civilian casualties, military base renaming, arms transfers, and more.
Mali: The “Good” Coup d’État?
Will the military, having violated democratic norms, work with a civilian-led government to bring the country back to rule of law and peaceful development?
Finding the Right U.S. Defense Leaders
Military experience should not be a litmus test for a senior civilian position in the Defense Department, but it should not be a disqualifier either.
Breaking Ranks in a Civil-Military Crisis: Strategic Communication to Register Dissent
Military leaders have principled options to address a legally questionable political decision while maintaining the rule of law and civilian control.
A Military Litmus Test? Evaluating the Argument that Civilian Defense Leaders Need Military Experience
There are several reasons to reject blanket assertions that military service acts as a general qualifier for running or contributing to national security affairs in non-military…
Iraq’s Raid on Iran-Backed Militias: Is the New Prime Minister Ready to Rein Them In?
The units are at last coming under much-needed pressure from Baghdad to adhere to the rule of law. The international coalition can support that effort.
If We Could See Ourselves from the Outside
Can a change of perspective dislodge the assumed inevitability of an enduring democracy?
Behind Myanmar’s Military Alibi: A Path for Compliance with the ICJ’s Order to Protect Rohingya
It will be important to identify the pathways for Myanmar to comply within a governmental system that gives its military extensive autonomy, while not allowing it to hide behind…
After Soleimani Strike, Iran-Backed Militias Threaten Iraq’s Stability: An Explainer
There is a real risk that Iran-backed militias are driving Iraq back towards conflict. And their power is greatly enhanced by their legal status as organs of the Iraqi state.
The U.S. Military Is Increasingly Politicized. Active-Duty Personnel Need to Prepare.
When Americans watch news coverage of any contemporary event, no one’s surprised to see it turn political. We live in a time when we can expect almost any topic – whether it’s…
Legal Analysis of “Cabinet Memo” on the Military’s Role at Southern Border
Avoidance of military involvement in civil society is part of America's political culture and heritage. The new White House order on U.S. Army role at the southwest border threatens…