"Warfare today is mostly waged by coalitions of like-minded states. Too often, however, practitioners lack a clear understanding of the internal political dynamics affecting coalition partners. This book provides a first-of-its-kind exploration of the degree to which legislatures and parliaments oversee their militaries in democracies. Scholars will find a clear explanation of variations in legislative oversight. Practitioners will gain a better understanding of how legislative oversight affects a defense coalition's militaries."
—James Stavridis, Admiral US Navy (ret), former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO

"This important, data-driven book taught me so much! The authors make a powerful case that civilian control is too important to leave with the executive, explain why legislative oversight varies among democracies, and recommend ways to strengthen oversight. An invaluable work of scholarship for the field of civil-military relations."
—Kori Schake, American Enterprise Institute

"For too long, the civilian side of the civil-military relations equation in democracies has been neglected by scholars. This innovative new book illustrates why it is so important. Lucidly written and empirically expansive, this book exposes the mechanisms that make civilian control work—or not. The authors make an essential contribution to our knowledge of civil-military relations and democratic governance."
—Risa Brooks, Marquette University

David P. Auerswald is Professor of Security Studies at the U.S. National War College. Philippe Lagassé is Associate Professor and Barton Chair at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University. Stephen M. Saideman is Professor and Paterson Chair of International Affairs at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University.