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Using Military Force. Wilson 20 C. Military I ndustrial C omplex. G reat power vs. weak power Great responsibility End of cold war not the end of war Majoritarian view Military exists to defend the country Client politics
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Using Military Force Wilson 20 C
Military Industrial Complex • Great power vs. weak power • Great responsibility • End of cold war not the end of war • Majoritarian view • Military exists to defend the country • Client politics • The real beneficiaries are the unified bloc of military leaders and defense contractors
Spending • How much? • Before WWII – armed for war and disarmed after • After WWII – spending driven by containment • After USSR – forced to redefine principles • After 9/11 – changed paradigm of war • Liberals = peace dividend, no more threat • Conservatives = world a dangerous place
Spending • On what? • Personnel – all volunteer force after Vietnam • Women and gays • Big-ticket items – highly specialized weaponry • Cost overruns • Hard to predict costs • Underestimate quotes • Gold plating request • Sole-sourcing items • Stretching out payments • Small-ticket items are unique to military
Spending • On what? • Readiness • Client politics interferes with preparation • Pork emphasizes jobs over training • Bases • Epitome of client politics • Fight to open new base in district • Don’t close old base in district • Commission on Base Realignment and Closure • 1988, 1991, 2001, 2005
Decision-making • Civilian control over the military • Founding principle • National Security Act of 1947 • Defense Department headed by civilian • Joint Chiefs of Staff coordinates autonomous services • Coldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 revised procedures • Commanders oversee discipline and training • Civilian leaders purchase, PR, audit, Congress • Chain of command • Continuing debate over coordination and consolidation
Terrorism • From bipolar to unipolar world • Not challenged militarily • Vulnerable to terror attacks What to do with nations who harbor terrorists? • Doctrine of preemption • Political divide • Dominate elections since • More ideological • Nation-building • Arab Spring