2025

Security and Defence Quarterly

Journal year: 2025 | Journal volume: Online first | Journal number: -

review

english

EN State securityMilitary securitySocial and societal security This book is probably the best research on civil–military relations (CMR) that I have read in a while. Ian Westerman’s book is potentially interesting to a wide range of professional researchers, including those studying CMR, security sector reforms (SSR), international relations, and military studies. It is also a valuable resource for military anthropologists due to the research method chosen by the author. The stated goal of this research is to provide alternatives to orthodox Western models of SSR in post-conflict countries, with the aim of maintaining a balance between civil authorities and a strong military. To address this objective, Westerman begins by exploring an unconventional CMR model. He selects a state that aligns with the Western criteria for SSR, while also being a post-conflict or conflict-affected country suitable for SSR programs as suggested by international organizations. Westerman chooses Israel, a nation perpetually in a post-conflict or war-affected state, yet one that maintains an admirable balance in its CMR. In addition to a thorough review of the available literature on CMR in Israel (Chapter 2 and Annexure C), which he approaches both synchronically and diachronically, Westerman includes a chapter on the impact of political and military personalities in sustaining the balance of CMR (Chapter 7). Westerman’s strength, however, lies in his methodology, which justifiably occupies an entire chapter and an additional annexure (Chapter 3 and Annexure A). Methodologically, this book is a gem. The structure of the author’s research method is highly recommendable, not only for future studies in SSR and CMR models but also in the broader sociological field of polemology.

22.01.2025

https://securityanddefence.pl/Book-Review-Ian-Westerman-2024-Israel-s-civil-military-relations-and-security-sector,197251,0,2.html

Corresponding author Vivod Maria none, Independent, NOVI SAD, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia. Online first

CC BY (attribution alone)

open journal

final published version

25.01.2025

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