Abstract

This study discussed the civil-military relations in the United States during George W. Bush's presidency(2001-2006)and focused on civilian control, notions and fulfillment of military professionalism. The key points included American civil-military relations theories, wars and military transformations led by civilians, civilian leadership styles, conflicts between the civilian and military top rankings, criticisms on civilian leaderships by retired generals, and reviews of civil-military relations theories. Civilian and military conflicts originated primarily from disagreements and arguments regarding military operation planning and executions in the Afghan and Iraqi wars after 911, and from dissatisfactions with Donald Rumsfeld's(then Secretary of Defense)leadership style from the generals. The changes in civil-military relations has several implications:(1)The norm theory of civil-military relations and the notions of civilian control were challenged again;(2)The armed forces became "partisan" and subjected to increasing political influence;(3)Civilian control often overpowers the military during war time, resulting in increased pressure of transformation; and(4) Civilian control remains the central belief and tradition of American civil-military relations. Tension and conflicts may occur; however, American civil-military relations generally resemble a dynamic balance.

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