The Machinery of Government Needs a Tune-Up

This study examines the history, likes and differences of the U.S. National Security Council system and its organizational prototype, the pre-world War II British Committee of Imperial Defence. To comprehend the relationship between these organizations, the following questions will be posed: Given that the CID was an advisory and policy coordinating mechanism that was also the organizational prototype for the NSC, what are the similarities and differences between the two, and are there any substantive conclusions that can be drawn from such an examination? Assuming this latter question can be answered in the affirmative, what recommendations and implications, if any, pertain to these conclusions with respect to the ongoing performance and function of the NSC system? To answer the questions, this study establishes corresponding assessments of each organization by summarizing pertinent aspects of their origins, the historical contextual environment leading to their creation, organizational structures, purposes, functions, leadership, and the significant changes each experienced over time.

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