Military history for the modern strategist: America’s major wars since 1861

In his latest book, “Military History for the Modern Strategist,” Brookings senior fellow and U.S. defense strategy expert Michael O’Hanlon examines America’s major wars since the mid-1800s. Linking military operations, wartime objectives, and grand strategy, O’Hanlon explains each war’s main causes, major campaigns, dynamics, and outcomes conceptually and succinctly. He addresses profound questions about modern American military history and outlines three key lessons for decisionmakers, higher-level strategists, history enthusiasts, and military buffs alike. Bringing the reader into the year 2022 and Russia’s brazen and ill-fated invasion of Ukraine, O’Hanlon indeed presents military history for the modern strategist.

On January 27, the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology at Brookings hosted a discussion with author Michael O’Hanlon in conversation with retired U.S. Army General Stanley McChrystal, who provided insights on the role that military history has played on his experiences as a soldier, commander, and strategist. The discussion was moderated by Brookings Fellow Melanie Sisson, and the vice president and director of the Brookings Foreign Policy program, Suzanne Maloney, delivered welcoming remarks.

Online viewers submitted questions by emailing events@brookings.edu or on Twitter @BrookingsFP using #MilitaryHistory.