School of War Ep 179: Phillips O’Brien on Grand Strategy in WW2
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Feb 21, 2025 
Phillips O’Brien, Chair of Strategic Studies at the University of St. Andrews, delves into the intricacies of strategic decision-making in World War II. He discusses how individual leadership styles influenced wartime strategies, highlighting FDR's navalist approach and Churchill's adaptability. O’Brien challenges the 'Germany First' doctrine and examines Stalin's underestimations of Hitler. The impact of personal agency in shaping military outcomes and the flawed decisions of leaders like Hitler are also explored, revealing the human element in grand strategy.
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Leaders Drive Strategy
- Grand strategy decisions are driven more by leaders' personal attributes than by clinical processes.
- Bureaucratic documents and assumed rationality are less influential than individual prejudices and ambitions.
Roosevelt's Ad Hoc Strategy
- Roosevelt's strategic decisions were ad hoc, reflecting his intent and priorities, not weakness.
- He prioritized his strategic vision and political popularity over micromanaging.
Roosevelt the Navalist
- Roosevelt's navalism, influenced by Mahan, shaped his strategic thinking.
- His experience as Assistant Secretary of the Navy solidified his focus on sea power control.
