Hal Brands, a professor at Johns Hopkins and author of the influential 'Makers of Modern Strategy', dives into the evolution of warfare and statecraft. He shares insights on compiling the latest edition of his series, including compelling case studies like Tecumseh's resistance. The discussion touches on military revolutions, from the atom bomb to quantum computing, and the interplay between technology and strategy. Brands emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding modern geopolitical challenges, particularly regarding U.S.-China relations.
The 2023 edition of 'Makers of Modern Strategy' expands strategic discourse by including diverse analyses from historical figures to contemporary conflicts.
Hal Brands emphasizes the evolving definitions of strategy, showcasing how scholarly contributions challenge traditional perceptions and interpretations over time.
The podcast highlights the genesis of security studies, illustrating its significance in shaping military strategy amidst changing global contexts and threats.
Deep dives
Influential Essays on Strategy
The discussion highlights the significant essays included in the latest volume of works on strategy, with a particular emphasis on contributions by renowned scholars. One standout essay by Sir Lawrence Friedman traces the evolving definitions of 'strategy' through history, illustrating how perceptions have shifted over the centuries. Additionally, Hugh Strawn's interpretation of Clausewitz challenges commonly held beliefs, suggesting that traditional translations of Clausewitz's ideas have distorted his intentions regarding war and politics. These essays are noted for their potential to provoke thought and push readers to reconsider established views on strategic concepts.
Rethinking Modern Conflicts
Another key insight revolves around Jason Stearns' essay on the prolonged conflicts in the Congo, where he identifies unique strategies that diverge from classical theories. This perspective posits that for some groups, continuing the conflict can be strategically beneficial rather than detrimental, as it may serve their interests economically or politically. Such discussions invite a broader understanding of what constitutes effective strategy in contemporary warfare. By integrating modern conflicts into classical strategic frameworks, these contributions enhance the discourse on military strategy in today's context.
Origins and Evolution of Security Studies
The episode delves into the genesis of security studies as an academic discipline, tracing its roots back to the 1943 publication of the first volume of 'Makers of Modern Strategy.' This volume emerged during a time when the United States was re-evaluating its national security needs amidst global threats. Edward Meade Earl's efforts to compile the initial volume highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of military strategy among the broader public and policymakers. The subsequent evolution of the field, alongside the influx of funding from philanthropic and governmental sources, laid the groundwork for security studies as a recognized academic discipline.
The Role of Historical Context
The conversation touches upon how historical context shapes strategic thought, particularly during times of crisis. The contributors to the original 1943 volume often reflected on current events while lacking knowledge of their outcomes, providing a unique perspective on strategy conceived in real time. This element of immediacy adds a layer of complexity and urgency to their analyses. Such reflections underscore the importance of understanding the context in which strategic decisions are made, highlighting how history serves as an essential teacher for current and future strategists.
Contemporary Relevance of Strategy
The discussion concludes with an emphasis on the relevance of historical strategic analysis to modern-day challenges, particularly amidst heightened global tensions. The latest volume aims to provide insights applicable to contemporary geopolitical landscapes, including issues related to U.S.-China relations and nuclear strategy. Contributors are encouraged to explore enduring lessons from the past while making connections to current events. This approach aims to prepare future strategists by fostering a deeper understanding of the continuity and evolution of strategic thought in responding to contemporary crises.
Few books have influenced me as much as the Makers of Modern Strategy series. The three volumes (published in 1942, 1986, and 2023) are indispensable to understanding statecraft, leadership, and the evolution of warfare across millennia.
The man behind this behemoth collection is Hal Brands, a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a returning ChinaTalk guest.
In our conversation, we discuss:
The process for compiling such an ambitious collection of essays;
Unique insights and new topics covered in the 2023 edition, including Tecumseh, Kabila in the Congo, and Strategies of Equilibrium in 17th Century France;
Advice for reading the book effectively;
Revolutions in military affairs, from the atom bomb to quantum computers.
For reference, you can compare the content of the three volumes with this spreadsheet, courtesy of Nicholas Welch.
Outtro music: When This Cruel War is Over (Civil War ballad by Hermes Nye) https://open.spotify.com/track/1Zjcz6B4PromuFFXMWu8hK?si=500b718d8361421b
