Armies and Influence: Social Origins of Bureaucratic Influence in Foreign Policy

• In Event: The Politics and Influence of Military Service

Abstract

When are military, diplomatic, and intelligence advisers more likely to influence national security decision-making? Existing research focuses on informational and accountability mechanisms by which bureaucrats affect foreign policy. This project instead explores the social origins of bureaucratic influence. We leverage a conjoint survey experiment to examine individual preferences for U.S. cabinet appointments and the information and recommendations supplied by bureaucratic advisers. The study hopes to contribute to the study of interstate conflict, political psychology, and bureaucratic politics.

Authors

• Tyler C. Jost, Brown University

• Joshua D. Kertzer, Harvard University