Dangerous Instrument: Political Polarization and US Civil-Military Relations

by Michael A. Robinson Narrated by Adam Barr

Overview

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 US 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 appears: 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.



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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"The field of civil-military relations theory and scholarship is currently experiencing a revival, both in the aftermath of 9/11 and, most recently, over the past eight years. One of the most recent books on the market is also one of the most impactful and accessible. Dr. Michael Robinson's book, Dangerous Instrument, provides meticulously researched work and findings that are imperative to understanding why and how the military's politicization must be addressed...Robinson explains clearly how the current U.S. political environment threatens the viability of our institutions of government, particularly the military...Military professionals need to read this book." — Col. Todd A. Schmidt, Director of Army University Press and Editor-in-Chief of Military Review

"In Dangerous Instrument, Robinson (independent scholar) examines the increasingly volatile issue of the place of the US military in an increasingly polarized domestic political environment...Highly recommended. Undergraduates through faculty; professionals; general readers." — Choice

"This book is an excellent contribution to the literature on US civil-military relations. It expertly weaves together insights from American politics and civil-military relations and uses advanced experimental and text analysis techniques and analyses of survey and media evidence... Given the clarity and thoughtfulness of Robinson's text, people on both sides of the civil-military relationship, as well as scholars interested in the health of American democracy, should read this book." — Robert Ralston, Perspectives on Politics

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178359358
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	04/11/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos