The Warrior State: How Military Organization Structures Politics

Putting into question the conventional view that the military is detrimental to democratic development, Dolman provides a multifaceted examination of the institutional incentives of the military and its relations with civilian authorities. Drawing on classical political theory, a wide range of historical examples, and statistical findings, The Warrior State argues that the military can facilitate democracy as the result of specific norms and conditions that focus on individual action. Ironically, this may be best inculcated through a focus on the offensive, precisely the military doctrine commonly seen as most likely to result in international conflict. The paradox of offensive strategies possibly increasing international conflict while also enhancing democracy, which is supposed to decrease such conflict, from a core of this provocative book.

Table of Contents:
Arms and States: Introduction The Authoritarian Bargain and the Democratic Moment The Socio-Political Effects of Military Organization Proto-States: Athens and Sparta Early Modern Warfare: Swiss, Dutch, and French Military Reforms and the Transition to Democracy Military Organization and the Prusso-German State Post-Cold War Implications and the American Military Conclusions

About the Author :
EVERETT CARL DOLMAN is Professor of Comparative Military Studies in the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, at the United States Air Force University, Colorado, USA.

Review :
"The Warrior State now stands as the definitive treatment of civil-military relations and politics. Through case studies that range from antiquity to modern times, the book answers time-honored questions about military structure and war, democracy and the liberal state. The case studies reveal that the military can influence political development through both war and other mechanisms. This well-written book brings out the nuances about military organization and politics on the basis of evidence gathered from places and times as diverse as ancient Athens and Sparta, early republics in Europe, the Prusso-German state and the contemporary United States. In sum, The Warrior State should be required reading for those with interests in international relations, foreign policy and civil-military relations." - Patrick James, University of Missouri "Dolmanbliog s intellectually challenging and courageous book examines the connection between liberty and the growth of the military, arguing that military service promotes social equalization, sustains communal loyalties and supports trust while mercenaries and private militias tend, by contrast, to corrode democracies. In an age when outsourcing military activities to private companies is on the rise, this important and timely study should be read by everyone who is fearful about the future of democracy and the dangers of militarism." - Bryan Turner, Cambridge University "In Warrior State, Professor Dolman has givena powerful statement on the role of the military in state formation throughout history. The book is well written and will be widely read." - Brian Blouet, The College of William and Mary "Dolman makes credible the proposition that military organization, rather than wars, impact the structures of political systems. Using theoretical arguments and cases ranging from classical Greece to today, he specifies the ways military imperatives contribute to the opening and strengthening of liberal democratic institutions. This is a bold and different perspective from that linking the military to authoritarian politics. The conclusion addresses the importance and challenges of a civilian military for democratic development." - Henry Teune, University of Pennsylvania "This study challenges traditional views of the military as a constant obstacle to democratic state development. Using historical case studies, Dr. Dolman makes a persuasive argument that military participation has often been the 'tipping component' in the 'process of democratization.' This volume is must reading not only for students of military history and policy, but for all those concerned with issues of democratization in today's chaotic world." - Dr. Richard Millett, Southern Illinois University "A truly seminal work that brilliantly analyzes the interrelationships between the military and society. Dolman's case studies establish the counterintuitive proposition that structuring a military into a more effective sword against foreign enemies can also make it a better tool for creating and sustaining democracy. The book informs today's debates over critical issues such as women in combat, gays in the military, the role of mercenaries, conscript versus all-volunteer forces, and the democratic peace proposition. The Warrior State is the most comprehensive and thoughtful treatment of civil-military relations in a generation. It clearly deserves a place of honor alongside classics such as Arms and Men, The Professional Soldier, and The Soldier and the State." - Dr. Peter L. Hays, Institute for National Strategic Studies