
Civilian-Military Relations from the Founding to Today
About this episode
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.
Subscribe to The American Idea podcast: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea
Visit the show's homepage: https://ashbrook.org/viewpoints/
Read Miles' article on Law & Liberty: https://lawliberty.org/the-lesson-of-newburgh/
Host: Jeff Sikkenga
Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer
Producer: Jeremy Gypton
Get every episode summarized
Each time The American Idea publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The American Idea

The Last Adieu: Lafayette and Early America
The American Idea

Completing the Founding: The Northwest Ordinance of 1787
The American Idea

Fact or Fiction? Historians Discuss Young Washington
The American Idea

America's First Citizen: Character Lessons from George Washington
The American Idea