December 1, 2023

Hoover Institution | Stanford University

The Center for Revitalizing American Institutions (RAI) hosted its “State of American Institutions” conference on Thursday, November 30, and Friday, December 1.

In this panel, participants discuss strengthening the American public’s trust in the US military. Despite the military enjoying greater trust compared to other institutions, its current level of 60 percent, as reported by a recent Gallup poll, still represents a recent decline. Participants suggest that rebuilding trust requires addressing the deficit of civics and history education. Further, citizens must understand that one of the pillars of US government is civilian control of the military. Participants also maintain that a component of restoring trust is preserving the warrior ethos and maintaining high standards of excellence among military personnel. The populace, participants maintain, should understand that the military is intended to protect and defend the country, and its mission should not be sidetracked by political agendas.

For more information, visit https://www.hoover.org/events/state-american-institutions-center-revitalizing-american-institutions

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

The Honorable Joni Ernst, United States Senator for Iowa

Peter Feaver, Professor of Political Science, Duke University

General Jim Mattis, Davies Family Distinguished Fellow, Hoover Institution; and former Secretary of Defense

Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution; and former National Security Advisor

Moderator: Stephen Kotkin, Kleinheinz Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution; and Senior Fellow, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR REVITALIZING AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS (RAI):

In an objective, non-partisan spirit, the Center for Revitalizing American Institutions (RAI) draws on the Hoover Institution’s scholarship, government experience, and convening power to study the reasons behind the crisis in trust facing American institutions, analyze how they are operating in practice, and consider policy recommendations to rebuild trust and increase their effectiveness.

Learn more: https://www.hoover.org/research-teams/center-revitalizing-american-institutions