Jessica Blankshain, the identified individual
Jessica Blankshain, an associate professor at the US Naval War College, is a renowned scholar whose research primarily focuses on foreign policy analysis, with a special emphasis on civil-military relations. Her work delves into the dynamic between senior civilian leaders and the armed forces, particularly during times of political transition and crisis.
Blankshain's research, as referenced, centres on the figures and dynamics of the Trump administration’s civil-military interface, analysing the roles of Secretary of Defense James Mattis, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, often collectively known as “Trump’s Generals."
Insights from Representative Work
One of Blankshain’s notable pieces, “Trump's Generals: Mattis, McMaster, and Kelly," highlights the challenges faced by military leaders when navigating a politically turbulent presidency. Her work examines how these generals attempted to act as stabilizing forces within the executive branch, balancing military professionalism with the demands of a highly unconventional administration.
Blankshain’s scholarship contributes to a broader debate about the appropriate role of retired generals in civilian government positions. She explores whether their involvement strengthens or undermines democratic norms, given the potential for both expertise and politicization of the armed forces.
In addition, Blankshain's work likely considers how civil-military dynamics influence broader foreign policy decisions, particularly in areas such as national security strategy, the use of force, and alliance management.
Methodological Approach and Contributions
Blankshain’s approach is consistently analytical and contextual, placing specific cases within the larger framework of U.S. civil-military relations theory. She draws on both academic literature and real-world case studies to evaluate how civilian control and military advice function in practice.
Her contributions help to illuminate the risks and consequences of eroding traditional boundaries between civilian and military authority, a theme that resonates with broader scholarly and policy discussions about the health of democratic institutions.
Recent Developments
One of Blankshain's recent studies explores the influence of public opinion on military decision-making in the United States. This research aims to provide practical insights for policymakers and military leaders in making informed decisions during crises.
Blankshain's work has been published in prestigious academic journals such as International Studies Perspectives, Journal of Global Security Studies, American Politics Research, and Texas National Security Review. She has also been published in popular publications like The New York Times, The Monkey Cage Blog, and Just Security.
Dr. Blankshain is a co-author of the book "Decision-Making in American Foreign Policy: Translating Theory into Practice." Her latest book, tentatively titled "The Public and the Military: Decision-Making in Times of Crisis," is scheduled for publication in 2023.
Dr. Blankshain's research has been recognised by academic journals such as International Organization, Security Studies, and Foreign Policy Analysis. She is currently working on a project that examines the role of the media in shaping public opinion and its subsequent impact on military decision-making.
Dr. Blankshain received her PhD in political economy and government from Harvard University and teaches courses on foreign policy analysis and civil-military relations at the US Naval War College.
- Blankshain's research on the Trump administration's civil-military interface discusses the roles of Secretary of Defense James Mattis, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly in a politically turbulent presidency.
- The work of Jessica Blankshain delves into the appropriate role of retired generals in civilian government positions, examining whether their involvement strengthens or undermines democratic norms.
- Blankshain's recent study explores the influence of public opinion on military decision-making in the United States, providing practical insights for policymakers and military leaders during crises.
- Dr. Blankshain's research contributes to the general news and learning by being published in prestigious academic journals as well as popular publications like The New York Times and Just Security, focusing on foreign policy decisions, national security strategy, and alliance management, among other topics.
