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Carnegie Council Podcasts

On Grand Strategy, with John Lewis Gaddis

Apr 13, 2018
Renowned historian John Lewis Gaddis discusses timeless principles of grand strategy and the fox vs. hedgehog concept. He explores balancing ambition with realism in historical strategy, dives into Chinese strategic literature, and reflects on the influence of Cold Wars on democracy in South Korea and Taiwan. Gaddis also touches on the influence of liberal politics on elite university campuses.
01:00:21

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Quick takeaways

  • Understanding leadership skills and virtues is crucial in developing effective grand strategies.
  • Learning from history's lessons and timeless principles of strategy is paramount for strategic success.

Deep dives

Influential Role of Grand Strategies

Grand strategies traditionally associated with planning and fighting wars align unlimited aspirations with limited capabilities. John Lewis Gaddis emphasizes the importance of understanding leadership skills, virtues, and learning from history's lessons. Through analyzing war, diplomacy, revolutions, and historic figures like Thucydides and Machiavelli, Gaddis warns against leaders' improvisations and stresses the need for broad perspectives in strategizing.

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