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Book
Author Gibson, Christopher P. (Christopher Patrick)

Title Securing the state : reforming the national security decisionmaking process at the civil-military nexus / Christopher P. Gibson
Published Aldershot, England ; Burlington, VT. : Ashgate, [2008]
©2008

Copies

Location Call no. Vol. Availability
 W'PONDS  322.50973 Gib/Sts  AVAILABLE
 W'PONDS  322.50973 Gib/Sts  AVAILABLE
Description ix, 162 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Series Military strategy and operational art
Military strategy and operational art.
Contents The civil-military dynamic : a relationship adrift -- Excesses and over-corrections in US civil-military relations since the Second World War and the return of Donald Rumsfeld in 2001 -- The search for role models -- Normative theory in civil-military relations during the Cold War : the objective control and subjective control models -- The search for new normative theory in the Post-Cold War Era -- A Madisonian approach for civil-military relations
Summary "Focusing on top civilian and military advisors within the national security establishment, this significant book looks at four case studies and concludes that when it comes to civil - military relations within the Department of Defense, balanced approaches produce more effective policies and outcomes than dominating structures. Perhaps counter-intuitively, Gibson also argues that this partnership approach at the Pentagon also facilitates more effective civilian control of the military where elected leaders provide direction, decisionmaking and ensure accountability. What is required is different (although not new, as Gibson points out while reviewing the historical record) thinking concerning how key relationships of the Pentagon ought to be arranged
Specifically, Gibson argues that there needs to be recognition that top-level political appointees and the highest ranking generals in the US military form a 'civil-military nexus' and this entity has the primary responsibility for providing elected leaders (both the President and Congress) with strategic analysis, options, and advice as they sort through alternatives prior to making weighty decisions."--BOOK JACKET
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (page 207) and index
Subject Civil-military relations -- United States.
Civil supremacy over the military -- United States.
Government consultants -- United States.
Military policy -- Decision making.
SUBJECT United States -- Armed Forces -- Management. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85139843
United States -- Politics and government -- 2001-2009. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2001002071
United States -- Politics and government -- 20th century. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85140455
LC no. 2007027829
ISBN 9780754672906 alkaline paper