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Civil-Military Relations

RAND research on civil-military relations includes studies of how a military employs civilian contractors, how military bases interact with their neighbors, and how a nation's military affects its politics—and vice versa.

Report
Military and Local Governments Could Coordinate Climate Adaptation Plans
Contending with and preparing for the effects of climate change is a critical global challenge that will shape the security landscape over the next 20 years. What role can collaboration play in military and local government climate resilience planning?
Apr 28, 2020
Report
The Utility of Military Force and Public Understanding in Today's Britain
This study challenges the traditional relationships between the UK's military, government and people. It examines the relevance of the construct for the 21st Century and what this evolving relationship means for the nature of the utility of force.
Apr 16, 2020
Commentary
Family Matters: More of the Same in Togo
Faure Gnassingbe was reelected in February to a fourth term as president of Togo. The result was no surprise. Due to the stacked system he and his father built, Faure is likely to rule until 2030 or beyond.
Mar 6, 2020
Report
Seizing the 'Golden Hour' of Stability Operations
The early phases of stability operations are critical for improving the odds of success and reducing the costs of achieving an acceptable outcome. Both diplomatic and military actions to provide security in the postconflict country are essential and should be integrated. Past U.S. interventions offer valuable lessons.
Feb 11, 2020
Report
Do Civilians Receive the Support They Need After Deployment?
As more U.S. government civilians have been deployed over the past two decades, increasing numbers have been exposed to high-threat environments. Combat exposure and related stressors correlate with significant levels of health conditions. How are these civilians reintegrated when they return?
Feb 11, 2020
Commentary
African Dictators Have Been Losing Power—Some to Democratic Governments. Militaries Can Tip the Scales Toward Democracy
Africa's security forces most often make headlines when they commit atrocities, crack down on protesters, or seize power in coups. But Africa's troops can also contribute to democracy and peace when they lay down their arms or refuse orders to turn their guns against the people.
Sep 16, 2019
Report
Improving Army Installation Facility and Land Use Deals and Partnerships
Army installation facility and land use deals and partnerships can provide substantial benefits such as include saving costs and improving installation operations. What are the most promising approaches and practices that can be used to develop and implement these deals and partnerships?
Sep 16, 2019
Commentary
Americans Have Faith in the Military, but They Don't Understand It
The U.S. military is a central element of America's power and history. It dominates discretionary spending and remains the country's most trusted institution. However, it is peripheral to the daily life of most citizens.
Sep 13, 2019
Research Brief
Why Understanding 'Will to Fight' Is Crucial
Arguably, will to fight is the most important factor in war. The best technology in the world is useless without the force of will to use it and to keep using it even as casualties mount and unexpected calamities arise. Ignoring will to fight can contribute to tactical or even strategic defeat.
Sep 13, 2019
Journal Article
From Ballot-Boxes to Barracks: Votes, Institutions, and Post-Election Coups
If war is too important to be left to the generals, politics may be too contentious to be left to the civilians. At least this is what frequent military forays into the political arena suggest. But when and why does the military actively intervene in politics?
Mar 26, 2019
Report
An Evaluation of the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety
The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act required an evaluation of the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety and its Civilian Marksmanship Program. This report summarizes the RAND Arroyo Center evaluation.
Feb 25, 2019
Report
Organizational Dynamics Between the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Manpower and Reserve Affairs (SAF/MR) and the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Services (AF/A1)
This Perspective offers recommendations on how the relationship between the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Manpower and Reserve Affairs and the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Services might be further refined.
Jan 4, 2019
Commentary
Partner Capacity-Building's Next Phase—Embracing Civil Works?
The way ahead for civil works capacity-building is not without its challenges. But in places that are plagued by extremist violence and irregular warfare, fostering civil society's trust and confidence isn't just an added benefit. It could instead be a targeted outcome.
Oct 16, 2018
Report
What Shapes a Nation's Will to Fight?
When considering threats from Russia and North Korea, it is natural to focus on military capabilities. But incorporating will to fight into the analysis of actual or potential conflicts will enhance strategic planning. A model that can be tailored and applied to various conflict scenarios can help U.S. leaders better understand and influence will to fight.
Sep 20, 2018
Research Brief
Evaluation Finds Excess Property Program Is Efficient and Effective, but Perceptions About Militarized Police Persist
The Law Enforcement Support Office program is efficient and effectively reuses excess Department of Defense property, but perceptions persist that the program contributes to the militarization of police.
May 21, 2018
Report
DoD's Excess Property Program Works, but Perceptions About Militarized Police Persist
The Department of Defense provides excess equipment—everything from desks to rifles to airplanes—at little or no cost to law enforcement agencies across America. This program is efficient and effective, but there are perceptions that it contributes to the militarization of police.
May 14, 2018
Report
Force Presentation in U.S. Air Force History and Airpower Narratives
USAF leaders are concerned that their force presentation construct is lacking. This report presents historical analysis and recommendations to inform USAF deliberations regarding future force presentation constructs.
May 7, 2018
Commentary
Stabilization Is Essential to Accomplishing the Mission
There's good reason to hope that the forthcoming policy on stabilization in places like Iraq will get the United States to the right middle road. But this new effort will fall short if Congress doesn't maintain the necessary funding for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Apr 24, 2018
Commentary
To Protect Interests Abroad, China Will Feature a Diverse Array of Military, Non-Military Forces
As Beijing grapples with the realities of an economy increasingly susceptible to disruption from distant influences, experts debate how the Chinese military might protect overseas interests. Some have speculated that China may seek a military like that of the United States. Others have dismissed such a possibility.
Apr 9, 2018
Report
What Should DoD's Role in Stabilization Be?
The U.S. military has historically shied away from stabilization activities, only to find itself tasked with performing that role. The experience of the past 15 years provides insights into what DoD should and should not be expected to undertake and into how a more effective approach to stabilization might be developed.
Apr 5, 2018

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RAND Topic:
Civil-Military Relations

Topic Synonyms:
Civil Affairs Activities;
CMR

Research conducted by

Researcher Spotlight

James A. Schear

Adjunct Senior Political Scientist

James (Jim) A. Schear is an adjunct senior political scientist at the RAND Corporation. Early in his career, he worked at the United Nations, supporting implementation of the 1991 Gulf War cease-fire resolutions and, shortly thereafter, as an advisor to UN missions in Cambodia and former…
J.D. Williams

Senior International and Defense Policy Researcher

J.D. Williams is a senior defense policy researcher at the RAND Corporation focusing on national security, intelligence, and military issues. His recent work encompasses investigation of new concepts for amphibious and naval warfare, Russian and Chinese military strategy, and intelligence…

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