Civil & Military Relations
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Snapshot,
March 14, 2013
This week, the Pakistani government is set to dissolve the National Assembly and call for new elections. The outgoing administration made more progress toward institutionalizing democracy than many expected. Even so, the army is not ready to go quietly and is crafting its own plans for the country's future.
Two new books lament the outsized role of the military in Israeli national security decisionmaking, blaming the generals for favoring force over diplomacy. But the military has sometimes been a force for peace and moderation, and in truth the persistence of the Arab-Israeli conflict is the result of far more than just Israel's bureaucratic politics.
Snapshot,
January 15, 2013
In the run up to elections this spring, the complicated power struggle between Pakistan's politicians, judiciary, and military has erupted, resulting in the judiciary issuing an arrest warrant for the prime minister and the military perhaps backing a huge protest demanding the government's dissolution. If Pakistan's elected government weathers the storm, it will become the country's first to complete a full term in office -- a feat that might not be as impossible as it seems.
Snapshot,
December 20, 2012
In recent months, the Egyptian military has struck a quiet alliance with the country's president, believing that he and the Muslim Brotherhood will keep winning elections. In return for their support, the generals got a draft constitution that protected the many of their core interests. Yet the military also preserved its appearance of neutrality -- leaving it room to change horses should the Brotherhood fall behind.
Snapshot,
December 9, 2012
From a liberal democratic perspective, there is much to like in Egypt's new constitution and some things to worry about as well. There are also gaping holes and ambiguities that only politics can fill in -- and, given the current state of Egyptian democracy, that is where the real problems lie.
Snapshot,
November 5, 2012
Retired military officers have played a serious role in this presidential election, endorsing candidates and appearing at campaign events. With their experience, they bring expertise to the public discussion, but their involvement is threatening one of the most cherished principles of the U.S. military: its independence from partisan politics.
Essay,
Nov/Dec
2012
The U.S. Department of Defense has announced that it will lift the ban on women in combat. That change is long overdue. The exclusion rested on false stereotypes and an outdated understanding of war.
Essay,
Nov/Dec
2012
With the rise of endless irregular wars playing out in the shadows, special operations have never been more important to U.S. national security. But policymakers and commanders focus too much on dramatic raids and high-tech drone strikes. They need to pay more attention to an even more important task these forces take on: training foreign troops.
Snapshot,
July 5, 2012
The Muslim Brotherhood now controls Egypt's parliament and presidency. But there is a catch: most of its power exists in name only. Rather than confront its enemies head-on, the Brotherhood will aim for calm in the short run so that it can win more authority in the future.
Snapshot,
June 27, 2012
Since Recep Tayyip Erdogan took power, the world has watched closely to see if Turkey would become more democratic or more autocratic. Yet it is doing both simultaneously, and the incongruity is threatening its international standing.
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