Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1994

Keywords

armed forces, junta, postmodern militarism, civilian control, antimilitarism

Abstract

Colonel Dunlap argues that civilian control of the United States military is eroding as a result of seemingly disparate phenomena. Colonel Dunlap first examines the American tradition of antimilitarism, which he believes no longer effectively restrains the modern armed forces. He then analyzes the effects of the military's elevated public support, the evolving nature of the leadership elite, and the increasing vulnerability of constitutional safeguards to military influence. In an effort to assess the current predicament, Colonel Dunlap introduces the new paradigm of postmodern militarism that challenges traditional notions of civilian control. Noting the potential long-term implications of excessive military influence, Colonel Dunlap concludes that immediate steps must be taken to revitalize civilian control of the military.

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Library of Congress Subject Headings

Militarism, Armed Forces, Civil supremacy over the military, Military government, Postmodernism

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