A Short History of Amorous Generals

by Victor Davis Hanson

Defining Ideas

Many were as pursuant of women as they were of the enemy — and the former rarely impaired the latter.

“You’re a very bad man.” So yelled Dorothy at the Wizard of Oz, once the imposing, larger-than-life face on the screen was revealed to be a mere projection of a tiny old man behind a curtain fidgeting with levers and knobs. Continue reading “A Short History of Amorous Generals”

100 Days Is a Long Time

by Victor Davis Hanson

Tribune Media Services

The presidential election is less than a hundred days away. President Obama and Mitt Romney are roughly even in the various polls, with Obama holding slight leads in the key swing states. Continue reading “100 Days Is a Long Time”

More Rubble, Less Trouble

by Victor Davis Hanson

Defining Ideas

Western Warfare, as originated by the Greeks and systematized by the Romans, took various forms over the ensuing two millennia. European militaries put greater emphasis on decisive battles such as Gaugamela or Kursk. They focused on collective discipline, the importance of staying in rank, superior technology, and logistics. Continue reading “More Rubble, Less Trouble”

Victor and the Savior Generals

by Victor Davis Hanson

Defining Ideas

What factors decide wars? Luck? Fervent ideology? Preponderance of material resources? Or is advantage achieved by superior manpower and morale? In modern times, is victory found largely in lethal cutting-edge technology?  Continue reading “Victor and the Savior Generals”