The Untold Story: Crisis Agency And Law In US Civil Military Relations

When we talk about US civil-military relations, it's often centered around the political interactions between civilian leaders and the military. However, a critical element that often goes unnoticed is the presence of crisis agencies and the role of law in shaping these relations. In this article, we delve into the intricate connection between crisis agency, law, and the dynamics of civil-military relations in the United States.

Crisis agency refers to the various governmental bodies responsible for managing and responding to national crises. These agencies are designed to address a wide range of challenges, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and pandemics, among others. Within the realm of civil-military relations, crisis agencies play a crucial role in coordinating responses with the military, thereby establishing the foundation for effective collaboration.

One such notable crisis agency in the US is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). With its primary objective of disaster response and recovery, FEMA operates with the understanding that crisis situations often demand a joint effort between civilian and military entities. By working together, FEMA acts as a bridge between civilian leadership and the military, ensuring a harmonious response to crisis situations.

Crisis, Agency, and Law in US Civil-Military Relations

by Daniel Maurer(1st ed. 2017 Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	701 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	345 pages

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However, the involvement of the military in domestic affairs poses significant legal challenges due to the longstanding principle of civilian control over the military. As per the US Constitution, the President, as the civilian commander-in-chief, holds ultimate authority over the military. Consequently, the law plays a pivotal role in delineating the boundaries within which civil-military relations operate during a crisis.

The Posse Comitatus Act is a cornerstone of US law that addresses the use of the military in civilian law enforcement. Passed in 1878, the Act restricts the deployment of federal troops for domestic policing purposes. Its purpose is to prevent the military from becoming a tool of oppression and to uphold the democratic principle of civilian control. However, the Act does allow exceptions, such as cases where military assistance is requested by civilian authorities, or during emergencies that threaten lives and property.

This delicate balance between crisis agency, law, and civil-military relations becomes even more complex during times of national emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues such as curbing civil liberties, enforcing lockdowns, and ensuring public safety require close coordination between crisis agencies and the military. In this context, crisis agency decisions need to align with existing legal frameworks to maintain the delicate balance between civil rights and national security.

Another critical aspect of crisis agency and law in civil-military relations is the role of public perception and media coverage. The boundary between competence and overreach can easily be blurred without effective communication and transparency. Public trust in crisis agencies and the military heavily relies on the perception of legality and appropriateness in their actions. Any perception of lawlessness or misuse of power can erode public trust, thereby straining civil-military relations.

, the intertwined relationship between crisis agency, law, and civil-military relations is crucial to maintaining security and addressing national crises effectively. Crisis agencies act as the bridge between civilian leadership and the military, ensuring a coordinated response. However, this cooperation must occur within the confines of the law and respect the principle of civilian control. Public perception and trust are paramount in navigating these complex dynamics and upholding the democratic principles of the United States.

Crisis, Agency, and Law in US Civil-Military Relations

by Daniel Maurer(1st ed. 2017 Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	701 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	345 pages

FREE

This book develops a responsible and practical method for evaluating the success, failure, or “crisis” of American civil-military relations among its political and uniformed elite. The author’s premise is that currently there is no objectively fair way for the public at large or the strategic-level elites to assess whether the critical and often obscured relationships between Generals, Admirals, and Statesmen function as they ought to under the US constitutional system. By treating these relationships—in form and practice—as part of a wider principal (civilian)-agency (military) dynamic, the book tracks the “duties”—care, competence, diligence, confidentiality, scope of responsibility—and perceived shortcomings in the interactions between US civilian political authorities and their military advisors in both peacetime and in war.