Originally published on September 26, 2018 (Episode 79)
Introduction
Wars are often remembered for decisive battles and the genius of great commanders. Both military men and armchair generals are obsessed with “decisive battles of world history”. It’s practically a literary genre unto itself.
But what if most battles weren’t decisive at all?
Cathal Nolan argues that modern fascination with “decisive battle” blinds us to the reality that wars are usually long, attritional, and costly. From antiquity to modern times, it is endurance—not brilliance—that most often determines victory.
About the Guest
Cathal Nolan is Professor of History at Boston University and author of The Allure of Battle: A History of How Wars Have Been Won and Lost (OUP, 2019).
For Further Investigation
Cathal J. Nolan, The Allure of Battle: A History of How Wars Have Been Won and Lost (OUP, 2019)
Listen & Discuss
Why do we cling to the myth of the decisive battle?
What does this reveal about our cultural fascination with “genius”?
Know someone who still thinks “the boys will be home by Christmas” is something just said in the last war? Share this with them.
