The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg Roman Honor vs. American Realism
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Jun 5, 2025 Bret Devereaux, a passionate ancient history expert from NC State, dives into fascinating historical hypotheticals and their modern implications. He explores what might have happened if Alexander the Great had reached Rome, reshaping not just military strategies but national identity. The conversation shifts to the challenges of sourcing reliable ancient texts, as well as the transformative impact of drones in today’s warfare. Devereaux provocatively contrasts Roman honor with contemporary American foreign policy, emphasizing how declining values affect international relations.
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Alexander's Eastward Strategic Plan
- Alexander the Great's planned invasion east was set before his reign by his father and key generals.
- His going west instead would face a politically fragmented Italy with multiple strong enemies, unlike the unified Persian Empire.
Italy's Military Complexity
- Italy in Alexander's time was a patchwork of several powerful city-states and tribes, each capable of fielding large armies.
- Alexander would have faced multiple enemies simultaneously, unlike his campaign against the single Persian Empire.
Italy's Cultural Unification is Modern
- The concept of Italy as a unified nation is a modern development, both culturally and linguistically.
- The nation typically forms after the state, with unity often driven by political power rather than inherent cultural identity.
