Mission Creep: The Militarization of US Foreign Policy?

Has the Department of Defense (DOD) assumed too large of a role in influencing and implementing US foreign policy? After the Cold War, and even more so after September 11th, the United States has adjusted to the new global environment by drawing upon the enormous resources of DOD. This book investigates and offers different views on the extent to which military leaders and DOD have increased their influence and activity in areas such as foreign aid, development, diplomacy, policy debates, and covert operations. The book concludes that there has been a militarization of US foreign policy. It explores the institutional and political causes and the implications. "Militarization" as it is used here does not refer to generals directly challenging civilian control over policy; it is a more subtle phenomenon wherein the military more and more becomes the primary actor and face of US policy abroad. The book offers policy recommendations about how to rebalance the role of civilian agencies in foreign policy decisionmaking and implementation.