Dangerous Instrument

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As contentious politics in the United States raise concerns over the "politicization" of non-partisan institutions, attention has shifted to the impact on the American military. Following a low point after the Vietnam War, public opinion has dramatically reversed, with the military becoming one of the most trusted institutions. However, this trend is complicated; while individuals have grown fonder of the military, they have also become increasingly polarized along partisan lines. This polarization creates a new political environment that challenges traditional civil-military norms. In a data-driven analysis of contemporary attitudes, the book examines the current state of U.S. civil-military affairs, exploring public perceptions of the military and the potential effects of partisan tribalism on this relationship. The author studies the sources and limits of American trust in the armed services, focusing on the interactions among the public, political parties, media outlets, and the military itself concerning politicization and its challenges. As democratic institutions face ongoing pressures globally, this work offers crucial insights into the current trajectory of American civil-military relations and provides recommendations for maintaining a non-partisan military.