
Phillips Payson O'Brien
Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St. Andrews and military historian, author of War and Power: Who Wins Wars--And Why (PublicAffairs, 2025).
Top 3 podcasts with Phillips Payson O'Brien
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Nov 11, 2025 • 34min
Phillips Payson O'Brien, "War and Power: Who Wins Wars--And Why" (PublicAffairs, 2025)
Phillips Payson O'Brien, a military historian and Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St. Andrews, presents a challenging view of warfare. He argues that modern military success hinges more on economic, political, and logistical factors than on mere troop numbers or decisive battles. O'Brien introduces his concept of 'full-spectrum power,' which includes leadership and alliance dynamics, while warning against oversimplifying military effectiveness. He emphasizes logistics over combat and examines lessons from history to navigate today's geopolitical landscape.

Nov 11, 2025 • 34min
Phillips Payson O'Brien, "War and Power: Who Wins Wars--And Why" (PublicAffairs, 2025)
Phillips Payson O'Brien, a military historian and Professor at the University of St. Andrews, challenges traditional notions of military power in his latest work. He argues that true military victories hinge on diverse factors, such as economic strength and political stability, rather than just large armies. O'Brien emphasizes the crucial roles of logistics and leadership, while debunking the myth that population size alone determines outcomes. He also draws insights from current conflicts, cautioning about the unpredictability of war and the need for strategic industrial reassessment.

Nov 5, 2025 • 29min
War and Power: Phillips Payson O’Brien on Who Wins Wars and Why
Phillips Payson O'Brien, a professor of strategic studies and military history, challenges traditional notions of 'great powers' in warfare. He argues that this concept is outdated and emphasizes that true victory stems from economic strength, logistics, and technology. O'Brien critiques the myth of short wars and the misconceptions of military power, while highlighting how societal factors and alliances play pivotal roles in determining outcomes. His insights redefine our understanding of warfare in the modern world.


