The Soldier and the State

First published in 1957, this classic text develops and advances Huntington’s theory of the ideal model of civil-military relations that advocates for a stark division between politics and the military. The text’s salient focus is Huntington’s account of historic and contemporaneous US civil-military relationships where, examining the historical conflict between the imperatives of military professionalism and a liberal culture, he critiques the undesirable (and escapable) politicisation of the military and the concomitant political influence of military in public life. A military populated by professional soldiers is essential – and The Soldier and the State advocates for a professional officer class arising from those who both bear responsibility and possess the requisite expertise coupled with the crucial dedication to service. In a contemporary society with increasing investment in the ADF’s role in Australian society and actions both at home and abroad, this text poses important questions for all ranks about the intersection between the military and the political world.