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
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
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.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
