Everybody knows about the Walls of Constantinople, often called the mightiest fortifications of the pre-gunpowder age. Famously, the walls saved the city, and thus the Byzantine Empire,… Read more “History’s Most Overrated Fortifications”
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Battleship Doctrine and the Dance of the Dragons
George R. R. Martin’s Dance of the Dragons is an difficult war to understand because dragons are so unlike any other medieval military tool. However, if we… Read more “Battleship Doctrine and the Dance of the Dragons”
Mini-Take: Time Travel and Modern Technology
For those of us not content with reading just about real history, the obscure genre of alternate history offers weird and often wildly creative takes on what… Read more “Mini-Take: Time Travel and Modern Technology”
Misremembering the Western Front
This book is to be neither an accusation nor a confession, and least of all an adventure, for death is not an adventure to those who stand… Read more “Misremembering the Western Front”
Just War Theory and the Dance of the Dragons: Part I
Last year, I wrote an in-depth analysis of how the conflicts of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire relate to the principles of… Read more “Just War Theory and the Dance of the Dragons: Part I”
Mini Take: Demographics and the Life Cycle of Wartime Politics
Several months ago, I discussed how wars leave a demographic shadow even decades after the end of the fighting. Today, I’m going to expand on that idea… Read more “Mini Take: Demographics and the Life Cycle of Wartime Politics”
Hundred-Year-Old Guns in Ukraine: Technological Continuity in Modern Warfare
One of the strangest sights of the Russo-Ukraine War is the image of Ukrainian soldiers fighting with World War I-era machine guns. This Ukrainian machine gun, the M1910,… Read more “Hundred-Year-Old Guns in Ukraine: Technological Continuity in Modern Warfare”
A Defense of “Ameritrash” Board Games
When I was younger, one of my friends attempted to create a “more fun” version of Settlers of Catan, complete with armies that could battle other players… Read more “A Defense of “Ameritrash” Board Games”
Ukraine and the Demographics of Siege Warfare
Like many Americans, I’ve been horrified by the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, and inspired by the brave resistance of the Ukrainians. The attack also reveals much… Read more “Ukraine and the Demographics of Siege Warfare”
Mini Take: How War Films Lie to You About Age
Several months ago, I wrote an article discussing how, by its very nature, the medium of film tends towards positive portrayals of warfare. I forgot to mention,… Read more “Mini Take: How War Films Lie to You About Age”
Tragedy and Farce 