Pip: The Enlightened Soldier — where the reading list runs from Thucydides to Clausewitz and the editorial patience for strategic illiteracy runs considerably shorter. Mara: Chuck has been writing this week about how great powers misread the nature of war itself — the conceptual failures behind that misreading, and what happens when hubris fills the gap where strategic understanding used to be. Pip: Two threads, … Continue reading Podcast Episode: War, Hubris, And Power

I have written, opined, and preached (and whined) about this so often that I’m sure some are tired of it. Nonetheless, I routinely encounter so-called learned people who are so off base regarding this issue that I feel impelled to remind them of their ignorance on the matter. The “American Way of War” has been shaped by its successes in WW I and WW II … Continue reading Misunderstanding War

In this episode, Marty and I ponder how civilians can better appreciate and understand the experiences of military personnel. We stress the need for better public education about Canada’s military history and contemporary involvement in international conflicts. Beyond honouring our fallen on Remembrance Day, we advocate for awareness and celebration of veterans and active duty members. The discussion reflects on historical and modern perceptions of … Continue reading Newest Podcast

Most people have seen this quote, which has been attributed to Dwight D. Eisenhower: “Amateurs talk tactics; professionals talk logistics. Sadly, Eisenhower never actually said it, but that doesn’t diminish the wisdom of the statement. It is true, whoever invented the phrase. Nonetheless, too many decisionmakers continue to look at the immediate (tactics) as opposed to the important (logistics). In other words, there is a … Continue reading The Power of Infrastructure

I’m sure that my friend and publisher is laughing aloud at my insistence on using foreign language titles. No matter. This Italian axiom is apt and so I used it. It means “we should consider it” and today it points us to consider what Xi Jinping has learned from observing the Russians fighting the Ukrainians and the Americans fighting Iran. To be sure, there is … Continue reading Da Pensarci

Beginning in the 16th century Swiss mercenaries hired themselves out to the French monarchy (among others) and a saying grew among soldiers, whenever their pay was delayed. Literally the expression means “no money, no soldiers”. The tradition lives to this day in the Vatican’s famous 135-member Papal Swiss Guard. What prompted my citation of this ancient saying was a discussion I watched on the subject … Continue reading Pas d’Argent Pas de Suisses

Over a year ago I posted on the subject of hubris, who incidentally was the Greek goddess who personified arrogance, insolence, and violence. I feel compelled to revisit the subject. If you aren’t American, you can be forgiven if this week’s title leaves you puzzled. It refers to a political science theory developed around 2010 by US political scientist Graham T. Allison that posits a … Continue reading The Thucydides Trap

My friend and podcast partner Marty has dropped our latest conversation. In this podcast episode, we engage in a deep discussion about the global effects of war and conflict. We touch on historical lessons, such as those from the Gallipoli campaign, highlighting parallels in modern-day military strategies. We consider the economic impact of conflict, particularly on oil prices, while addressing how unintended consequences often go … Continue reading Latest Podcast

I am pleased and proud to announce that my latest collaboration with my friend and publisher Phil Halton has been released and now available on Amazon worldwide. The book is an anthology of essays on Canada in these turbulent times. Do not be fooled by the designation of me as the author. Phil and I co-edited (as well as providing an essay each and conclusions). … Continue reading New Book

In June of last year, I posted Unintended Consequences. Recently I listened to one of my favourite politicos, David Frum. He was interviewing a former FBI agent who was in the midst of suing the US government, and it triggered my thoughts below. If you recall Part I, I maintained that government could have one of two aims: Without ignoring the many, many, variations open … Continue reading Unintended Consequences Part III: Boring is Good