The Solider, the Citizen, and The State (LPPP 3559)

 

 

Course Description

There is inevitable tension in the relationship between a democracy and the military that serves it. Security requires a military with an independent and formidable capacity for violence, but that capability could always be turned against the democracy itself. Norms and institutions are critical to ensure a proper equilibrium, so that natural tensions do not break down the relationships among the military, the elected civilian authority, and the population. In states where these measures fail, there are disastrous consequences for democracy and the long-term success of the state.

The United States has historically enjoyed institutions, cultures, and norms of civil-military relations that are global best practices. We regularly host military leaders from around the world at our war colleges to relay the lessons we have learned. This does not, however, mean that the United States is immune to the challenges of civil-military relations. Weakened norms and practices surrounding military politicization threaten democratic values, diminish military readiness, and undermine Americans’ trust in the military.

This course will explore the intersection of U.S. military and democratic institutions. Topics will include conscription versus recruitment, “coup proofing,” limits on political speech, civilian control, and extremism. The course will include a national security simulation in which students will assume roles and responsibilities of civilian and military leaders, hone best practices for healthy civil-military relations, and learn how tactical decisions can have strategic consequences.

Instructor

Melissa G. Dalton has over 20 years of experience in U.S. defense, aerospace, and national security affairs. She served as the 28th under secretary of the Air Force. She was responsible for organizing, training, and equipping the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, overseeing an annual budget exceeding $200 billion, and accountable for the welfare of nearly 700,000 active-duty, guard, reserve, and civilian Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Ms. Dalton performed the duties of deputy under secretary of defense for policy from December 2023 to May 2024, when she served as the principal advisor to the secretary of defense on the formation of national security and defense policy. Additionally, she served as the assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and hemispheric affairs from March 2022 to May 2024. She joined the Biden administration in January 2021 as the principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans, and capabilities. From 2014 to 2021, Ms. Dalton led research and analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, including directing the Cooperative Defense Project and serving as deputy director and senior fellow in the International Security Program. Ms. Dalton served for more than a decade as a career civil servant in the Bush and Obama administrations within the Department of Defense. Ms. Dalton is a recipient of the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal. She was a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She is a Principal at WestExec Advisors, a Non-Resident Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Board Member of the Saber Six Foundation, and is the Principal of Potomac River Strategies, LLC.