National Security and Double Government

National Security and Double Government examines the evolution of America's national security apparatus and its impact on democratic governance. Building on his extensive experience in government and law, Michael J. Glennon presents evidence of a parallel power structure operating alongside traditional elected leadership. The book traces how military and intelligence institutions have maintained consistent policies across different presidential administrations, particularly in the transition from Bush to Obama. Glennon draws from his firsthand observations as a former Senate Foreign Relations Committee counsel and State Department consultant to illustrate this phenomenon. The analysis focuses on the tension between America's visible democratic institutions and what Glennon terms the "Trumanite network" - the vast web of national security bureaucrats who shape policy behind the scenes. Through case studies and historical examples, the book demonstrates how this system has developed since World War II. The work raises fundamental questions about accountability in modern democracy and the balance between security and constitutional governance. Its core argument about the disconnect between formal political structures and actual centers of power has implications for understanding contemporary American politics.

Readers found the book presents a compelling case about the reality of power structures in US government, backed by detailed research and concrete examples. Many noted it explains previously confusing aspects of why policies persist across administrations. Likes: - Clear writing style makes complex concepts accessible - Academic rigor and extensive citations - Builds effectively on Bagehot's theory of dual government - Provides specific examples of bureaucratic continuity Dislikes: - Some sections become repetitive - Limited discussion of potential solutions - Academic tone can be dry in places - Could be more concise Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (219 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (98 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Finally explains why Obama continued Bush policies" - Goodreads "Dense but rewarding analysis of structural power" - Amazon "Should be required reading for understanding modern governance" - LibraryThing Common criticism: "The first half proves the point well; second half feels padded" - Multiple reviewers

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🔍 The term "double government" was first coined by Walter Bagehot in 1867 when analyzing the British political system 🏛️ Prior to writing this book, Glennon served as legal counsel to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and drafted numerous pieces of legislation 📊 The book documents how approximately 46 national security policies remained largely unchanged between the Bush and Obama administrations 🔐 The author identifies roughly 500 people in the military, intelligence, diplomatic, and law enforcement communities who form the core of this "Trumanite network" 🎓 Glennon developed these theories while teaching at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, one of America's oldest schools of international affairs