School of War
Ep 176: David Betz on Modern Fortification
Feb 11, 2025
David Betz, a Professor of War in the Modern World at King’s College London, specializes in military strategy. He delves into the surprising relevance of fortification in today's warfare, revealing how ancient strategies still influence modern conflicts. Betz shares insights on the intersection of urban landscapes and military planning, illustrating this with the ongoing situations in Ukraine and Israel. He discusses the balance between security and aesthetics, questioning how economic factors shape contemporary defensive tactics.
51:51
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Quick takeaways
- Fortifications are integral to modern warfare, with structures like Hesco Bastions demonstrating their strategic importance amidst evolving military operations.
- Urban environments increasingly adopt fortified designs to enhance security, reflecting a societal shift toward prioritizing safety in public spaces.
Deep dives
The Role of Fortifications in Modern Warfare
Fortifications continue to play a significant role in modern warfare, contrary to the belief that they are outdated. David Betts argues that the static nature of contemporary military operations often relies on fortified outposts, as evidenced during his observations in Afghanistan, where fortifications were reminiscent of historical military strongholds. He highlights the use of structures like Hesco Bastions, which have become iconic in the War on Terror, drawing parallels with the defensive strategies from ancient times. This modern implementation of fortifications calls for a reevaluation of their strategic importance in contemporary conflict.
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