Phillips O'Brien

Historian Phillips O'Brien challenges the notion that land battles determined WW2's outcome. Air and sea power, strategic decisions, and overlooked aspects of the war are discussed, revealing surprising insights and debunking traditional beliefs.

Historian Phillips O'Brien discusses Admiral William Leahy's views on atomic bombs in Japan with Al Murray and James Holland. They explore ethical dilemmas, Leahy's role in WWII, and debunk biases about German superiority. The conversation challenges historical narratives and sparks controversy.

In this engaging conversation, Eliot A. Cohen, former Counselor of the U.S. State Department, and Phillips O'Brien, a Strategic Studies expert at St Andrews, dissect vital failures in Western intelligence analysis regarding the Ukraine conflict. They argue that misjudging Ukrainian resilience led to flawed predictions of a quick Russian victory. The pair emphasize the need for diverse analytical perspectives to improve future military strategies. They also delve into the motivations of war leaders, particularly Putin, and discuss the broader implications of nuclear deterrence in modern warfare.