The Culture of DefenseChris Van Aller demonstrates that a better understanding of the complicated civil-military relationship in the United States is prerequisite to reforming the expensive and often inefficient military establishment maintained since World War II. Arguing that reduced defense expenditures and adequate national security are both possible, this book illustrates how American political culture remains deeply ambivalent about national security. Though significant budget cuts have been implemented over the past five years, Van Aller takes a closer look at the fact that no true reorganization or reconceptualization has taken place. For policy makers, historians of American military history and anyone who cares about this complex topic, The Culture of Defense will be indispensable reading. |
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Contents
Culture and Defense | 1 |
Culture and Military Success | 15 |
The Resistance to Standing Armies | 23 |
An Unmilitary Republic | 43 |
Total War | 57 |
The Search for Identity and Mission | 79 |
The Technology Question | 105 |
Common terms and phrases
American areas armed forces army attack authorities battle became become better British calls cause century citizens Civil civilian Clausewitz Cold combat commitment complex concept consider continued contrast cost culture decisive defeat defense democracy democratic designs despite developments difficult effective employed enemy equipment established European example fact failed fight German Gulf hostilities ideas important improvements increased institutions interest issue leaders less limited Machiavelli machine maintain major military naval navy notes officers operations organization particularly peace peacetime perhaps period political possible prepared present President problem produced professional question reasons reflect reform regular relations remains requirements resistance result serve society soldiers sometimes sort South strategy strengths success superior tactics Tocqueville tradition troops understand United University Press victory Vietnam warfare wars Washington weapons World World War York
Bibliographic information
| Title | The Culture of Defense G - Reference,Information and Interdisciplinary Subjects Series |
| Author | Christopher D. Van Aller |
| Edition | illustrated |
| Publisher | Lexington Books, 2001 |
| ISBN | 0739101765, 9780739101766 |
| Length | 187 pages |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |