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This book is the author's attempt to translate his knowledge of peace studies into the language of sociology, so that the former can be grasped as a more complete whole. It aims to increase interest among sociologists in issues of war and peace because they provide food for sociological thought.

In examining the similarities and differences between Nazi Germany and America today, Fogarty find many reasons for hope that Americans will not fall victim to such chauvinistic appeal, but he also finds plenty to worry about. He points out that comptemporary Americans and Germans of the 1920s and 1930s share many similar values, ideals, fears, and beliefs. Fogarty's strong words of caution will resonoate with anyone concerned about America's political future and the freedoms we too often take for granted. -- Provided by publisher

A cautionary examination of America's ongoing risk of fascism.

It is often taken for granted in the peace studies and peacemaking communities that peace and justice are intimately linked. However, definitions of both peace and justice are difficult to agree upon. Worse, such definitions as are implied in the hypothesis tend to be ethnocentric in nature, rooted in Western Judeo‐Christian traditions. This article offers definitions of peace and justice that are independent of particular moral systems, by grounding them in principles of interactionist sociology. The conclusion is that peace and justice are in fact related, but not inevitably so. A just social order, based on genuine consensus on beliefs, values, and norms, is the surest way to maintain peace in the long run. But such consensus can be formed around widely varying belief systems, some of which may seem unjust to Western eyes.

It is often assumed that peace & justice are closely linked, definitions of these concepts are difficult to agree on & tend to be ethnocentric in nature, rooted in Western Judeo-Christian traditions. Definitions of peace & justice are presented here that are independent of particular moral systems, grounded in principles of interactionist sociology. It is contended that peace & justice are related, but not inevitably so. A just social order, based on genuine consensus on beliefs, values, & norms, is the surest way to maintain peace, but such consensus can be formed around widely varying belief systems, some of which may seem unjust in Western eyes. Adapted from the source document.

Social, political, and cultural aspects.

The military acquisition process is widely regarded, both by participants within the system & outsiders, as rife with wasteful & abusive practices. The fact that such practices persist in spite of efforts to reduce them suggests that waste might be functional. Social functions include maintenance of an unequal class system, legitimation of outgroups, enhancement of cohesion through "institutional awe," & cooptation of the ecomomy by the federal government. Political functions include control of the military by the civilian executive, stabilization of congressional representation, & centralization of federal power. Finally, military waste serves the cultural function of providing a mode of bloodless public sacrifice for the maintenance of the "public good.". AA