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9780415770088

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Civilian control of the American military has rarely been as severe a problem as in other countries. Behind this record of stability lies a fascinating and complicated story of constitutional, political, and bureaucratic maneuvers -- especially the unique relationship of the military to competing civilian masters, president and congress. A veteran observer in the Washington trenches, Stevenson tells this story with clarity, insight, and remarkably readable style. Prof. Richard Betts, Columbia University 'Recent books on American civil-military relations at the highest level have tended to be so focused on a single theory or so to push a particular school of thought, ala' the crisis school, that it takes more than several of them to teach a responsible course. But now, with a broad historical view and an unusual descriptive clarity, Professor Stevenson has provided a very insightful analysis as to why U.S. military leaders and their dual civilian masters are often at odds. And he has done so just in time to help interpret the growing contretemps, post-Iraq War.' Prof. Don Snider, West Point US Military Academy

Civilian control of the American military has rarely been as severe a problem as in other countries. Behind this record of stability lies a fascinating and complicated story of constitutional, political, and bureaucratic maneuvers -- especially the unique relationship of the military to competing civilian masters, president and congress. A veteran observer in the Washington trenches, Stevenson tells this story with clarity, insight, and remarkably readable style. Prof. Richard Betts, Columbia University 'Recent books on American civil-military relations at the highest level have tended to be so focused on a single theory or so to push a particular school of thought, ala' the crisis school, that it takes more than several of them to teach a responsible course. But now, with a broad historical view and an unusual descriptive clarity, Professor Stevenson has provided a very insightful analysis as to why U.S. military leaders and their dual civilian masters are often at odds. And he has done so just in time to help interpret the growing contretemps, post-Iraq War.' Prof. Don Snider, West Point US Military Academy

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Charles A. Stevenson

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