Expert warns of 'culture of fear' inside US Defense Department
A University of Portsmouth security researcher says turmoil around Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reflects a deeper shift, as experienced officials are pushed out and political loyalty is prioritized over expertise within the Pentagon. He warns this could erode the military's institutional ability to question political authority.
Dafydd Townley, Senior Teaching Fellow in International Security at the University of Portsmouth, has told France 24 that recent turmoil surrounding US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth points to problems far deeper than isolated personnel disputes at the Pentagon.
Departure of experienced officials
According to Townley, seasoned and knowledgeable officials are increasingly being removed from their posts or sidelined within the department. At the same time, he notes a weakening of professional military education, the system traditionally responsible for training officers in strategic thinking and decision-making.
Loyalty over expertise
Townley argues that political loyalty is being prioritized over professional experience and competence when it comes to personnel decisions. He warns this trend risks reshaping the institutional culture that underpins the US military's capacity to evaluate strategy independently.
Dissent expressed quietly
The developments suggest a growing reluctance among officials and military professionals to voice concerns openly about the administration's direction, with disagreement instead surfacing gradually and indirectly rather than through open confrontation.
Townley's broader concern is that these shifts could weaken the military's traditional role of providing independent, non-partisan expertise to decision-makers — including the willingness to challenge political leadership when necessary.
