Abstract

THE MILITARY IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The increasingly important role of the military in U.S. politics and society gives cause for alarm: firstly through the enormous expansion of armaments and military expenditures; secondly through the intervention of the military in civil activities. The expansion of budget, manpower and technology have inevitably led to fundamental changes in the U.S. political system, Almost half of foreign aid is now in the form of military aid, Many money wasting projects are justified in the name of national security, Suppression of rebellion and unrest by the military has led to an intense involvement with internal politics of other nations. It is difficult to determine how this role-expansion occurred. Possible explanations are: bureaucratic inertia - it is difficult to let go of functions even if the original need no longer exists - and the willingness of citizens to shove unpleasant taks on the military apparatus. And finally, military activities give many civilians economic benefits; the military-industrial complex with all its branches. Replacing civilians by military, no matter how attractive at first, means finally that we are playing with democratic procedures.