On Order, Authority, and Modern Civil-Military Relations

In On Order, Authority, and Modern Civil-Military Relations, Lindsay P. Cohn presents a compelling challenge to the dominant normative framework in U.S. civil-military relations, questioning Huntington’s paradigm of military professionalism. By skilfully comparing and synthesizing Augustine’s insights, democratic political theory, and social science research, Cohn illuminates the complexity of contemporary military ethics and roles within democratic societies. Her interdisciplinary approach, effortlessly weaving together centuries of literature with incisive analysis, invites deep reflection and offers a fresh perspective on the crucial normative foundations of modern civil-military relations. * David Kuehn, German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Germany *This book has an incredibly tough but important task: to use Augustine to rethink the ethics of military officers fit into increasingly politicized circumstances. That Professor Cohn exceeds her ambition is not surprising as she is one of the most respected scholars of contemporary civil-military relations. * Stephen M. Saideman, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Canada *Lindsay Cohn’s book provides a refreshing perspective on contemporary civil-military relations by examining them through the lens of Augustine. Cohn explores how Augustine’s insights could shed light on fundamental questions inherent in civil-military debates, such as the role of the military in society or the tensions between conscience and authority. This work offers a valuable theoretical framework for transcending the prevalent Huntingtonian model of civil-military relations, which currently dominates academic and policy discussions. * Chiara Ruffi, Sciences Po, France *

Lindsay P. Cohn is Associate Professor in the Department of National Security Affairs, U.S. Naval War College, USA.