"War and Sowell" with Victor Davis Hanson

21 snips

Nov 22, 2023

Victor Davis Hanson, a Classicist and Military Historian at Stanford University, discusses the causes of World War II and the importance of military strength in preventing wars. The podcast also explores Thomas Sowell's approach to intellectual perspectives on war, the role of defense companies, the evolution of the United States as a multiracial democracy, and the dangers of relying on authority-based intellectuals. It delves into psychological deterrence, knowledge fallacies, and Israel's success amidst growing hostility.

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Introduction

00:00 • 4min

Intellectual Perspectives on War

04:10 • 19min

Understanding the Role of Defense Companies in Warfare

23:09 • 20min

Preventing Wars: Negotiations vs Military Strength

43:19 • 18min

The Evolution of the United States as a Multiracial Democracy

01:01:07 • 3min

Thomas Sowell: A National Treasure

01:04:12 • 10min

Psychological Deterrence in Preventing Wars

01:13:52 • 29min

Exploring Knowledge Fallacies and Absence of Wisdom

01:42:29 • 2min

Israel's Success and Growing Hostility

01:44:56 • 8min

This episode features:

1) The Causes of WW2:
A presentation of Sowell's essay "Intellectuals and War," from Sowell 2010 classic "Intellectuals and Society."
In particular, I discuss the 6 causes of WWII, from Sowell's perspective.

2) My conversation with Victor Davis Hanson, (VDH):
VDH is a Classicist and Military Historian at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.
You can find his books and columns at: VictorHanson.com and I highly recommend you subscribe for premium access to all his essays.

Notes to help you get the most out of this episode:

• My four favorite Victor Davis Hanson books:
1. Mexifornia (2003)
2. The Second World Wars (2017)
3. The Case for Trump (2019)
4. The Dying Citizen (2021)
Dr. Hanson's new book is called "The End of Everything: How wars descend into annihilation," which will be released May 2024.
• This episodes' song list:
- War Pigs: Black Sabbath
-Give Peace a Chance: John Lennon
-Let There Be Peace on Earth: Boys Choir or Harlem
-Praise the Lord, Pass the Ammunition: Kay Kyser
-The Flesh Failures: Galt McDermott
-Heal the World: Michael Jackson
-We Are the World: USA for Africa
-Blowin' in the Wind: Bob Dylan
-Where Have All the Flowers Gone
-Where is the Love: Black Eyed Peas
-Ride of the Valkyries: Richard Wagner
-One Day: Matisyahu

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