Christopher C. Shoemaker is a professional military officer who served on the staff of the NSC during both the Carter and Reagan administrations. He received his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Florida in 1981, and he is co-author, with John Spanier, of Patron-Client State Relationships.
Since its creation in 1947, the NSC has played an increasingly important role in the formation of U.S. national security policy. Christopher C. Shoemaker, a former staff member of the NSC, describes the history, functioning, and weaknesses of the NSC and its staff system and suggests changes that could improve the NSC´s performance.
Foreword -- Introduction -- The Rise of the NSC -- Functions of the NSC Staff -- The NSC Structure -- The National Security Environment -- A Preillegalscription for the Future -- Conclusion
