"Alice Hunt Friend is one of the most provocative and insightful scholar-practitioners writing on American civil-military relations today. This book makes a convincing case for a Big Ideathat we cannot improve civil-military relations by only focusing on the military side of the equation. Civilian scholars and the uniformed will read this bookbut every would-be civilian policymaker needs to read it." Peter D. Feaver, Duke University "Civilian control of the military has been a pillar of American democracy since its founding. At a time when this concept is both poorly understood and challenged, Mightier Than the Sword offers a must-read analysis of what civilian control actually entails and why it matters." Michčle Flournoy, Center for a New American Security (CNAS) "Too often civilians are left out of the civil-military relations equation. Alice Hunt Friend's new book offers an essential corrective by explaining the unique role that civilians play in determining what the military does, and how. Scholars and practitioners alike will benefit enormously from reading her book and reflecting on its vital message." Risa Brooks, Marquette University "Mightier than the Swordwould enlighten individuals interested in filling political appointments in the Office of the Secretary of Defense or congressional staff positions with the House or Senate Armed Services Committees. The book would also be a helpful addition to the reading list for military command and staff college, especially the chapter that addresses development and procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles."Thomas H. Lillie, Armed Forces & Society "[ Friend] provides a model for how to combine rigorous scholarship with relevant experience to advance understanding of a vital public policy issue. This book serves as a powerful reminder that civilian control, like democracy itself, must be constantly nurtured. Deeply researched and lucidly argued,Mightier than the Swordshould be required reading for anyone interested in how civil-military relations affect the health of democracy. Highly recommended."W. A. Taylor, CHOICE