IPS co-founder Marcus Raskin teams up with his George Washington University colleague Gregory D. Squires to edit this profound examination of what militarization does to our society.

The editors draw from classical readings in political theory, from primary documents (including key court decisions), and from social science research to analyze such issues as the effect of militarization and combativeness on the everyday lives of Americans. They also address the dire connection among banking losses, the housing recession, the welfare/national security state, and the challenge of rebuilding America’s infrastructure.

Raskin and Squires ultimately conclude that only by making war an unattractive option and dismantling the warfare system can meaningful progress be made on the current foreign and domestic challenges facing the United States. They also offer steps to replace the warfare system, outlining the ideological and material transformations necessary for peace.

Students of political science, sociology, history, and law will find this a thought-provoking, forward-thinking contribution concerning America’s future at home and abroad.