Key Takeaways
1. Militarism Creeps In: America's Unintentional Drift
Our national security policy isn’t much related to its stated justifications anymore.
Unintended consequences. The book argues that America's increasing militarization wasn't the result of a grand conspiracy, but rather a series of incremental decisions and unintended consequences. The author uses the example of Homeland Security funding leading to absurd security upgrades in her small town to illustrate this point.
Erosion of control. Maddow contends that the US has effectively lost control of its national security policy, which now operates on its own momentum, disconnected from its original justifications. This drift has led to wasteful spending, ill-conceived projects, and a disconnect between the military and the American people.
Call for course correction. The author advocates for a return to constitutional roots and a more conservative approach to national security, emphasizing the need to regain control over defense and intelligence policies. This involves re-evaluating the relationship between national security imperatives and the actions taken in their name.
2. Vietnam's Shadow: The Seeds of a Divided Military
LBJ “tried to fight a war on the cheap,” one of the Johnson administration’s key intelligence men, George A. Carver, would say years later, “and tried to fight a war without acknowledging that he was fighting a war.”
Johnson's fateful decision. President Lyndon B. Johnson's decision not to mobilize the Reserves during the Vietnam War created a deep rift between the military and civilian society. This decision, intended to minimize domestic disruption, ultimately led to a sense of abandonment among soldiers and disillusionment with the war effort.
The draft's unequal burden. The draft system, riddled with loopholes, disproportionately affected certain groups of young men, further exacerbating social divisions. This created a sense of injustice and resentment, as many Americans were able to avoid service while others were forced to fight in an unpopular war.
Civilian-military divide. The Vietnam War era saw a growing disconnect between the military and the country it served, with civilians becoming increasingly critical of the war and the military itself. This divide had lasting consequences, contributing to a decline in public trust and a sense of alienation among veterans.
3. Abrams Doctrine: Reconnecting the Military to the Nation
He wasn’t going to leave them in that position ever again.
Total Force Policy. In the wake of Vietnam, General Creighton Abrams implemented the Total Force Policy, integrating the National Guard and Reserves into the active-duty military. This made it operationally impossible to go to war without mobilizing citizen-soldiers, raising the political threshold for military action.
Raising the stakes for war. The Abrams Doctrine aimed to ensure that any future war would require broad public support and congressional approval, preventing presidents from unilaterally engaging in large-scale conflicts. This policy sought to reconnect the military with the country by making war a shared experience.
Restoring the military's image. By making the Guard and Reserves integral to military operations, Abrams also sought to restore the image of these units, which had been tarnished during the Vietnam era. This integration aimed to ensure that all members of the military, regardless of their status, were seen as essential to national defense.
4. Reagan's Rhetoric: Weaponizing National Security
The evidence mounts that we are Number Two in a world where it’s dangerous, if not fatal, to be second best.
The Soviet threat as a political tool. Ronald Reagan skillfully used the perceived threat of the Soviet Union to justify increased military spending and rally public support for his policies. This involved exaggerating Soviet capabilities and portraying the US as being in a position of weakness.
Committee on the Present Danger. Reagan relied on groups like the Committee on the Present Danger to amplify the sense of threat and advocate for a massive military buildup. These groups often presented skewed or inaccurate information to promote their agenda.
The power of fear. By tapping into Americans' fears about national security, Reagan was able to push through his agenda, even in the face of growing budget deficits. This demonstrated the potent political force of war and the ease with which it can be used to manipulate public opinion.
5. Grenada: A Small Victory, a Big Shift in Power
We got there just in time.
The invasion of Grenada. The 1983 invasion of Grenada, framed as a rescue mission for American medical students, served as a turning point in the assertion of executive power. The Reagan administration bypassed Congress and the press, prioritizing secrecy and control over the narrative.
Executive overreach. The Grenada invasion set a precedent for future presidents to act unilaterally in matters of national security, with limited oversight or accountability. This marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
Public opinion as justification. The Reagan administration successfully used public support for the Grenada invasion to deflect criticism and justify its actions, demonstrating the power of public opinion in shaping national security policy. This highlighted the importance of controlling the narrative and managing public perception.
6. Iran-Contra: The Perils of Unchecked Executive Power
We only had to heed the words of Lenin, which was what was guiding them, when Lenin said that the Soviet Union would take Eastern Europe, it would organize the hordes of Asia and then it would move on Latin America.
The Boland Amendment. Congress attempted to limit the Reagan administration's involvement in Nicaragua through the Boland Amendment, but the administration circumvented this restriction through covert operations. This led to the Iran-Contra affair, a scandal that exposed the dangers of unchecked executive power.
The Iran-Contra scandal. The Iran-Contra affair involved the illegal sale of arms to Iran in exchange for the release of American hostages, with the profits being diverted to fund the Contras in Nicaragua. This scandal revealed a pattern of deception and disregard for the law within the Reagan administration.
Erosion of accountability. The Iran-Contra affair highlighted the erosion of accountability in national security policy, with the executive branch operating outside the bounds of the law and Congress failing to provide adequate oversight. This scandal had lasting consequences for American democracy and the balance of power between the branches of government.
7. The Post-Cold War Military: A Search for Purpose
I am tonight setting the further goal of cutting our dependence on foreign oil by one-half by the end of the next decade.
Carter's energy war. President Jimmy Carter's attempt to frame the energy crisis as a "moral equivalent of war" failed to capture the public's imagination, highlighting the unique political potency of military conflict. This underscored the difficulty of mobilizing national unity around non-military challenges.
Holmes's "Soldier's Faith". Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.'s "A Soldier's Faith" speech encapsulates the American attraction to war, viewing it as a source of existential meaning and personal uplift. This romanticized view of war can make it difficult for the country to remain peaceable.
The allure of conflict. The book suggests that Americans have developed a "war jones," becoming accustomed to being in a state of conflict and struggling to find purpose and meaning in times of peace. This highlights the need to re-evaluate the country's relationship with war and its role in national identity.
8. Privatization of War: Outsourcing Responsibility
The world is changed a lot, but this division continues to serve as it had in the beginning.
The rise of private military contractors. The increasing use of private military contractors (PMCs) has blurred the lines between military and civilian roles, creating a "secretive, unregulated, well-paid, under-the-radar force." This privatization of war has raised concerns about accountability, transparency, and the potential for abuse.
Erosion of oversight. The use of PMCs has made it more difficult to hold individuals and organizations accountable for their actions in war zones, as these contractors are often not subject to the same legal and ethical standards as military personnel. This lack of oversight has created opportunities for corruption, human rights abuses, and other forms of misconduct.
The LOGCAP program. The Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) has been a key driver of the privatization of war, allowing the military to outsource a wide range of support functions to private companies. This program has been criticized for its high costs, lack of transparency, and potential for conflicts of interest.
9. The Forever War: A Nation Disconnected from Conflict
We have shared the incommunicable experience of war; we have felt, we still feel, the passion of life to its top.
A small percentage bears the burden. The book argues that the all-volunteer military and the increasing use of private contractors have created a situation where a small percentage of Americans bear the burden of war, while the rest of the country remains largely unaffected. This has led to a growing disconnect between the military and civilian society.
Frictionless war. The author contends that the US has perfected the art of "frictionless war," making it easier to engage in military conflicts without disrupting domestic life or requiring broad public support. This has lowered the political cost of war and made it more likely that the country will remain in a state of perpetual conflict.
The need for reconnection. The book concludes by emphasizing the need to reconnect the American people with the realities of war and to re-establish the constitutional checks and balances that are designed to prevent the country from drifting into unnecessary conflicts. This involves re-evaluating the role of the military in American society and promoting a more informed and engaged citizenry.
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FAQ
What’s Drift by Rachel Maddow about?
- Core argument: Drift by Rachel Maddow examines how the United States has gradually shifted war-making powers from Congress to the presidency, eroding constitutional checks and balances.
- Historical sweep: The book traces this evolution from the founding era through Vietnam, the Reagan years, the Gulf War, and into the post-9/11 period.
- Key focus: Maddow highlights the rise of military privatization, secret operations, and the normalization of perpetual conflict, arguing these trends have distanced war from public debate and oversight.
- Call to action: The book urges a return to constitutional principles and greater public engagement in decisions about war and national security.
Why should I read Drift by Rachel Maddow?
- Insightful analysis: The book offers a well-researched, accessible account of how American militarism and executive power have expanded, providing context for current debates about war and democracy.
- Reveals hidden trends: Maddow exposes the impact of military privatization, secret operations, and the neglected state of the nuclear arsenal—topics often missing from mainstream discussions.
- Democratic accountability: Readers gain a deeper understanding of why restoring congressional oversight and public debate is crucial for a healthy democracy.
- Practical relevance: The book connects historical decisions to today’s challenges, making it essential reading for anyone interested in U.S. foreign policy, government transparency, or constitutional law.
What are the key takeaways of Drift by Rachel Maddow?
- Presidential power expansion: Since the Vietnam and Reagan eras, presidents have increasingly bypassed Congress to initiate military actions, undermining constitutional war powers.
- Privatization and secrecy: Outsourcing military functions to private contractors and conducting secret operations have made war less visible and less accountable to the public.
- Erosion of checks: The Abrams Doctrine, which once forced public debate by requiring reserve mobilization, has been weakened by privatization and repeated deployments.
- Nuclear neglect: The U.S. nuclear arsenal is aging and poorly maintained, with significant safety and reliability concerns.
- Civil-military divide: The growing separation between military and civilian life has normalized endless war and weakened democratic oversight.
How does Rachel Maddow in Drift describe the founders’ view on war powers and standing armies?
- Founders’ skepticism: The founders, including Jefferson and Madison, were deeply wary of standing armies, fearing they would enable tyranny and executive overreach.
- Constitutional design: The Constitution deliberately vested the power to declare war in Congress, making war difficult to start and ensuring broad public support.
- Peaceable bias: The founders favored militias and citizen-soldiers over professional armies, believing this would safeguard liberty and prevent perpetual conflict.
- Historical warnings: Madison warned that continual warfare leads to debts, taxes, and the erosion of freedom, emphasizing the need for checks on executive power.
What is the Abrams Doctrine and why is it significant in Drift by Rachel Maddow?
- Definition: The Abrams Doctrine, named after General Creighton Abrams, requires that large-scale military deployments involve calling up National Guard and Reserve forces, directly impacting civilian life.
- Political check: This doctrine was designed to force public awareness and political debate about war, making it harder for presidents to wage war unilaterally.
- Role in Gulf War: During the Gulf War, the need to mobilize reservists compelled national debate and a congressional vote, serving as a last institutional brake on executive war-making.
- Erosion: Privatization and repeated deployments have weakened the doctrine’s effectiveness, reducing its role as a democratic safeguard.
How did Ronald Reagan’s presidency influence American militarism according to Drift by Rachel Maddow?
- Militaristic rhetoric: Reagan used exaggerated threats and patriotic language to justify a massive military buildup and revive public esteem for the armed forces.
- Defense spending surge: Under Reagan, defense budgets doubled, often at the expense of domestic priorities, and were funded by large deficits.
- Hardline advisors: Reagan embraced groups like the Committee on the Present Danger and Team B, who inflated the Soviet threat and pushed for aggressive policies.
- Cultural impact: His administration promoted a culture of militarism and executive dominance, reversing post-Vietnam skepticism about military power.
How does Drift by Rachel Maddow describe the rise and impact of military privatization?
- Growth of outsourcing: Since the 1990s, the Department of Defense has increasingly relied on private contractors for support services, logistics, and even security.
- Accountability issues: Companies like DynCorp and Blackwater have been involved in scandals, including fraud and sex trafficking, with little oversight or prosecution.
- Political insulation: Privatization reduces the need to call up reserves, making war less visible and less politically costly, and allowing for prolonged conflicts.
- Democratic consequences: This trend blurs lines of responsibility, weakens traditional military institutions, and undermines public engagement in war decisions.
What does Drift by Rachel Maddow reveal about the Iran-Contra scandal and its implications?
- Secret war-making: The Reagan administration secretly sold arms to Iran and funneled proceeds to Contra rebels in Nicaragua, violating congressional restrictions.
- Executive overreach: The scandal exposed the administration’s belief in near-unlimited presidential power in foreign policy, sidelining Congress.
- Legal and ethical fallout: Despite indictments, Reagan faced few consequences, and the legal rationales used have influenced later expansions of executive war powers.
- Privatization of conflict: The affair demonstrated how private entities and offshore accounts can be used to fund covert operations, further eroding accountability.
How does Drift by Rachel Maddow assess the state of the U.S. nuclear arsenal and infrastructure?
- Aging stockpile: Many nuclear weapons and delivery systems are decades old, with some critical components no longer reproducible due to lost knowledge.
- Maintenance failures: The book recounts incidents of lost bombs, mishandling, and near-disasters, highlighting systemic risks and lapses in safety culture.
- Neglect and underinvestment: The nuclear mission suffers from underinvestment and personnel shortages, even as budgets remain high.
- Disconnect from threats: Maddow argues that the nuclear arsenal is increasingly disconnected from current security needs, yet remains costly and risky.
How does Drift by Rachel Maddow describe the shift in war powers during the Gulf War?
- Presidential dominance: President George H. W. Bush prepared for war without formal congressional authorization, relying on executive authority.
- Congressional reluctance: Congress largely deferred to the president, with only a narrow vote for war after significant public and military pressure.
- Abrams Doctrine’s role: The need to mobilize reservists forced public debate and congressional involvement, serving as a last check on unilateral war-making.
- Precedent for future wars: The Gulf War set a precedent for further executive dominance in war decisions, with Congress increasingly sidelined.
What does Drift by Rachel Maddow reveal about the secret drone war and the CIA’s military role?
- CIA as military force: Post-9/11, the CIA has become a de facto military branch, conducting lethal drone strikes in countries like Pakistan without public oversight.
- Secrecy and contractors: Drone operations are shrouded in secrecy, with private contractors involved in maintenance and operations, reducing transparency.
- Diplomatic tensions: Unacknowledged drone strikes have caused friction with allies and complicated international relations.
- Oversight challenges: Congressional briefings are limited and classified, making meaningful oversight nearly impossible and raising concerns about accountability.
What are the best quotes from Drift by Rachel Maddow and what do they mean?
- James Madison on war: “Of all the enemies to public liberty, war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other.” This highlights the founders’ fear that war leads to concentrated power and loss of freedom.
- Reagan on military strength: “The evidence mounts that we are Number Two in a world where it’s dangerous, if not fatal, to be second best.” Maddow uses this to illustrate Reagan’s use of exaggerated threats to justify military buildup.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes on war: “As long as man dwells upon the globe, his destiny is battle.” This quote reflects the romanticized view of war, which Maddow critiques as fueling America’s war addiction.
- Tip O’Neill on Grenada: “You can’t justify any government, whether it’s Russia or the United States, trampling on another nation.” This captures the constitutional and moral concerns about executive overreach and unilateral military action.
- Dick Cheney on executive power: “The lesson of our constitutional history is that doubtful cases should be decided in favor of the President.” Maddow cites this to show the dangerous expansion of presidential war-making authority.
Review Summary
Drift receives mostly positive reviews for its insightful analysis of how American military power has become "unmoored" from its constitutional roots. Readers praise Maddow's thorough research, engaging writing style, and non-partisan approach to examining how presidents have expanded executive war powers. Many find her arguments about the dangers of perpetual war and privatized military compelling. Some criticize her focus on recent history or writing style, but most appreciate her thoughtful examination of an important issue and concrete policy recommendations.
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