Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words

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Victor Davis Hanson: The US Intel Community’s ‘Undue Influence’ Over Politics

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Jan 3, 2026

Guest

Victor Davis Hanson

Victor Davis Hanson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and military historian, dives into the troubling influence of U.S. intelligence agencies on politics. He critiques their past failures in major events and raises concerns about alleged political interference during elections. Hanson also reflects on the military-industrial complex, drawing on Eisenhower's warnings. Additionally, he touches on modern issues like AI impersonations and their implications. With a rich discussion of history and current events, this chat is a must-listen for political and history enthusiasts.

48:55

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ANECDOTE

From Philology To Battlefield Author

Hanson transitioned from philology to military history after advising to study agriculture's wartime destruction and publishing Warfare and Agriculture.
Publishers then steered him toward writing on battles and generals, launching a sustained military-history career.

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ANECDOTE

Battlefield Tours Built Research Depth

Hanson ran tours and flew to Europe roughly 52 times, building firsthand knowledge by visiting battlefields and archives.
He organized increasingly large tours over two decades, which informed his research and books.

insights

INSIGHT

Eisenhower’s Warning Proved Prescient

Victor Davis Hanson argues Eisenhower's military-industrial complex warning was prescient about revolving doors and oversized weapons spending.
He praises attempts to shift procurement toward mass-producible, off-the-shelf systems rather than bespoke, costly platforms.

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Why Hanson Became a Military Historian

Early Books and Keegan's Influence

04:36 • 1min

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From Classics to Popular Military Works

05:51 • 2min

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Tour Guiding and Battlefield Research

08:18 • 3min

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Balancing Teaching, Family, and Travel

10:51 • 3min

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Battlefields He'd Still Like to Visit

14:15 • 2min

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Reflections on Pace, Health, and Career

Eisenhower's Warning and the Military-Industrial Complex

19:51 • 5min

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Defense Procurement Reform and Quantity Focus

25:17 • 26sec

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Assessing Intelligence Agencies' Performance

25:43 • 4min

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Allegations of Political Interference by Agencies

30:01 • 44sec

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Gladiator Helmet Explanation

30:45 • 5min

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Hoplite Equipment and Manufacturing

Concerns About AI Fakes and Voice Piracy

37:01 • 3min

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Classical Education Resources and Reading List

40:20 • 4min

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Listener Comments and Final Remarks

The Classical Tradition

Gilbert Hyatt

#66576

the Greek Commonwealth

Alfred Zimmern

#13320

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Who Killed Homer?

The Demise of Classical Education and the Recovery of Greek Wisdom

John Heath

Victor Davis Hanson

In 'Who Killed Homer? ', Victor Davis Hanson and John Heath explore the decline of classical education in modern times. They argue that the neglect of classical studies has led to a loss of understanding of the foundational ideas of Western civilization. The authors advocate for a revival of classical education to restore the cultural and intellectual heritage of Greece and Rome.

#24062

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

The Iliad

George Orwell

Homer's "The Iliad" is an epic poem recounting a pivotal episode in the Trojan War, focusing on the rage of Achilles and its consequences. The poem explores themes of honor, glory, war, and the human condition, delving into the complexities of human emotions and motivations. Achilles' wrath, his refusal to fight, and his eventual reconciliation with King Priam highlight the poem's exploration of human nature. The poem's vivid descriptions of battle, characters, and emotions have made it a cornerstone of Western literature. Its influence on subsequent literature and art is undeniable, shaping our understanding of epic poetry and heroic narratives.

#14551

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

The Greeks

H. D. F. Kitto

In 'The Greeks', H. D. F. Kitto provides an engaging and insightful exploration of ancient Greek life, culture, and history. The book covers topics such as the formation of the Greek people, the impact of Homer, the rise and decline of the city-state, and the Greek mind, myths, and religion. It is recognized as a foundational work in the field, offering a comprehensive view of classical Greece's influence on modern society.

#67

• Mentioned in 208 episodes

The Odyssey

Homer

The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.

#6832

• Mentioned in 7 episodes

Fields without dreams

Victor Davis Hanson

Fields Without Dreams offers a personal account of the author's experiences as a farmer during the economic hardships of the 1980s. It details the challenges faced by farmers due to high interest rates, low commodity prices, and government policies. The book explores themes of economic uncertainty, community resilience, and the changing landscape of agriculture. It provides insights into the human cost of economic downturns and the impact on rural communities. The narrative is interwoven with personal anecdotes and reflections on the author's family history and the legacy of farming.

#3595

• Mentioned in 12 episodes

The secret history of the world

Mark Booth

#9414

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

The soul of battle

from ancient times to the present day, how three great liberators vanquished tyranny

Victor Davis Hanson

Victor Davis Hanson's "The Soul of Battle" explores the nature of leadership and combat through the lives of three commanders: Epaminondas, William Tecumseh Sherman, and George S. Patton. Hanson analyzes their strategies, personalities, and the impact they had on their troops' morale and fighting spirit. The book delves into the importance of understanding the human element in warfare and how different leadership styles can influence the outcome of battles. It also touches upon the role of democracy and its impact on military effectiveness. Hanson's work offers valuable insights into military history and leadership principles.

#26735

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

The Other Greeks

The Family Farm and the Agrarian Roots of Western Civilization

Victor Davis Hanson

In 'The Other Greeks', Victor Davis Hanson explores the significance of the independent family farmer in ancient Greece. He argues that the yeoman farmer, who owned and cultivated his own land, formed the backbone of Greek society. Hanson contrasts the values and lifestyle of these farmers with those of urban elites and landless laborers. He highlights the farmers' commitment to self-reliance, hard work, and civic participation. The book examines how the agrarian way of life shaped Greek political institutions and military practices. 'The Other Greeks' offers a compelling perspective on the social and economic foundations of Western civilization.

#4089

• Mentioned in 11 episodes

Carnage and culture

landmark battles in the rise of Western power

Victor Davis Hanson

In 'Carnage and Culture', Victor Davis Hanson explores how Western culture and values, such as dissent, inventiveness, and citizenship, have consistently produced superior military forces. The book examines landmark battles to demonstrate how armies reflect the cultures that produce them, highlighting the advantages of armies from free cultures. Hanson's thesis challenges explanations based on geography or technology, emphasizing instead the role of cultural factors in Western military success.

#3864

• Mentioned in 11 episodes

Alexander the Great

The Brief Life and Towering Exploits of History's Greatest Conqueror--As Told By His Original Biographers

Plutarch

Quintus Curtius Rufus

Arrian

Michael Wood

This book presents a comprehensive biography of Alexander the Great, drawing from the works of three ancient biographers: Arrian, Plutarch, and Quintus Curtius Rufus. Edited by Tania Gergel, the narrative spans Alexander's life from his princely boyhood to his death, covering his conquests and the expansion of his empire from Greece to India. The introduction by Michael Wood highlights Alexander's enduring legacy and provides context for the historical accounts.

This content was recorded prior to Hanson’s major surgery on Dec. 30.

In this episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words,” Victor Davis Hanson answers additional questions from listeners, including one on the undue influence of our intelligence agencies on U.S. policy.

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