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.
07:20
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The classical model of warfare, which emphasizes total defeat and political transformation, is increasingly challenged by ongoing conflicts without clear resolutions.
- Israel's recent aggressive military strategy against Hamas illustrates a significant departure from contemporary norms, prioritizing decisive action over concerns of international backlash.
Deep dives
The Evolving Nature of Warfare
Modern conflicts often manifest as ongoing battles without definitive resolutions, referred to as 'bellum interruptum.' The traditional model of warfare, where decisive military victory leads to political solutions, is increasingly challenged in today's geopolitical landscape. Historical examples like the Civil War and World War II demonstrate how overwhelming force can lead to unconditional surrender and significant political changes; however, such outcomes have become rare since these wars. Current tensions, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, are complicated by the presence of nuclear powers and global media, which create significant constraints on the classical approach of defeating and humiliating enemies.
