Civilian-Military Relations from the Founding to Today

Jeff discusses the unique history of American civilian-military relations with Miles Smith IV of Hillsdale College in today's episode.Suspicious of standing armies, but cognizant of the need for military power, the Founders were emphatic about civilian supremacy over the military - especially senior officers. From George Washington's handling of the Newburgh Conspiracy to Lincoln's relations with his generals, to the Cold War and Ike's concerns about the "military-industrial complex," we trace the evolution of ideas and norms in government and our culture from the Founding to today in this fascinating and thought-provoking episode.

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Read Miles' article on Law & Liberty: https://lawliberty.org/the-lesson-of-newburgh/

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer

Producer: Jeremy Gypton