The Daily Signal VICTOR DAVIS HANSON: How Will the Wars in Ukraine, Middle East End? The Answer Lies in History.
Apr 11, 2025
Victor Davis Hanson, a noted military historian and classicist from the Hoover Institution, delves into the nature of modern warfare. He contrasts traditional strategies of total defeat with today's protracted conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Hanson argues that the classical idea of decisive victory may still hold relevance, even amidst contemporary challenges like nuclear power and media influence. He reflects on how historical lessons can inform our understanding of current military strategies, suggesting a need for more nuanced approaches.
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Classical vs. Modern Warfare
- Victor Davis Hanson discusses the classical model of warfare: decisive victory and political transformation.
- He contrasts this with modern conflicts, which often lack clear resolutions.
Examples of Classical Warfare
- Hanson cites the Civil War and World War II as examples of classical warfare.
- In these cases, decisive victories led to political change and lasting peace.
Post-WWII Shift in Warfare
- Hanson observes a shift away from decisive warfare after World War II.
- He attributes this to factors like nuclear proliferation and increased public awareness of war's brutality.