Summary of Episode: VDH Interviews Michael Walsh on his Latest Book

Podcast Information

• Title: The Victor Davis Hanson Show
• Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler
• Episode: VDH Interviews Michael Walsh on his Latest Book
• Release Date: April 7, 2025
• Description: Victor Davis Hanson, a distinguished fellow at the Hoover Institution and Hillsdale College, partners with co-host Jack Fowler to delve into current political, social, and cultural events. In this solo episode, Victor interviews Michael Walsh, an accomplished author and former foreign correspondent, discussing Walsh’s latest contributions to military history.

Introduction to Michael Walsh and His Works

Victor Davis Hanson [01:39]:
"Welcome, Michael, to the show. Michael has authored 16 books spanning fiction, nonfiction, music, popular culture, and military history. His recent military history book, Last Stands: Why Men Fight When All Is Lost, was a bestseller, and today we discuss his new release, A Rage to Conquer: 12 Battles That Changed the Course of Western History."

Michael Walsh [02:42]:
"Very happy to be Victor. Without your encouragement, these military history books would never have been written. You inspired me to pursue this field."

Innovative Approach to Military History

Victor Davis Hanson [03:12]:
"While traditional military history often revisits well-known battles like Salamis or Thermopylae, your selection in A Rage to Conquer includes both familiar and obscure engagements. Can you explain your rationale?"

Michael Walsh [04:39]:
"I wanted to expand the cultural lens on warfare, integrating both fiction and nonfiction to explore battles that are not typically highlighted. For example, in discussing Napoleon at Austerlitz, I incorporated the influences of Goethe and Beethoven, illustrating how military actions intersect with cultural and philosophical movements."

Focusing on American Military Leadership

Victor Davis Hanson [13:34]:
"In chapter nine, you examine American commanders like Pershing at St. Mihiel, Nimitz at Midway, and Patton at the Bulge. These leaders exemplify an often underestimated American military prowess. Can you elaborate?"

Michael Walsh [14:56]:
"The American military has frequently been undervalued. Pershing, for instance, was of German descent and led effectively, while Nimitz, also German-speaking, was pivotal at Midway. Patton’s unconventional tactics at the Bulge demonstrate a consistent American strain of military excellence that has been historically underestimated."

Notable Quote:
Michael Walsh [15:08]:
"Our entry into the war ended it within three or four months once key battles were engaged, showcasing the impact of decisive leadership."

The Battle of 9/11 and Its Lasting Impact

Victor Davis Hanson [16:38]:
"You conclude your book with a chapter on 9/11, arguing that it was a lost battle with enduring consequences. Could you expand on this?"

Michael Walsh [16:38]:
"We lost the battle of 9/11 by not fully confronting the ideological war it represented. The aftermath, including the rapid invasion of Afghanistan and prolonged conflicts, highlights our failure to decisively defeat the underlying threats."

Notable Quote:
Michael Walsh [20:01]:
"Americans have to come back to the notion that the enemy has to know he's defeated. Without this, we fall into eternal, unending wars."

War as a Catalyst for Social Change

Michael Walsh [40:53]:
"War is the principal agent of social change. It compresses time, enabling rapid technological and tactical advancements, as seen with the swift turnaround of the Yorktown after the Coral Sea."

Victor Davis Hanson [41:29]:
"Time is compressed in war, allowing for unprecedented mobilization and innovation. This leads to both the emergence of extraordinary talent and the manifestation of extreme actions."

Notable Quote:
Michael Walsh [41:29]:
"With Shiloh, fortunes turned overnight, illustrating how war accelerates social and cultural transformations."

The Discipline of Writing Military History

Victor Davis Hanson [26:01]:
"Your writing is praised for its literary quality, similar to John Keegan and Ladislaw Farago. How do you maintain this standard?"

Michael Walsh [29:07]:
"I approach writing with the discipline of a field commander. Each day’s work is methodical, drilling rivets of narrative until the structure is complete. This regimented approach ensures depth and engagement."

Notable Quote:
Michael Walsh [32:21]:
"Writing is like construction—drilling rivets every day until the building stands complete."

Future Projects: Exploring Religious Warfare

Victor Davis Hanson [34:44]:
"After Last Stands and A Rage to Conquer, what’s next for you?"

Michael Walsh [34:44]:
"The third book, Wrath of God, will delve into religious warfare, examining conflicts from the Israelites and Canaanites to the Albigensian Crusade. It explores how religious tensions shape military engagements and societal changes."

Victor Davis Hanson [35:35]:
"Your focus on religiously motivated battles provides a deeper understanding of historical conflicts and their modern implications."

Notable Quote:
Michael Walsh [35:59]:
"History's first recorded genocide sets the stage for understanding the religious underpinnings of warfare throughout Western history."

Balancing Historical Analysis with Presentism

Victor Davis Hanson [48:01]:
"You emphasize avoiding presentism, understanding historical figures within their own contexts. How important is this for military historians?"

Michael Walsh [48:14]:
"Reverence for historical figures involves imagining the challenges they faced without condemning them with today’s moral standards. It’s crucial for accurate and respectful historical analysis."

Notable Quote:
Victoria Davis Hanson [48:01]:
"It’s important to imagine what these people were up against rather than applying contemporary judgments."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Victor Davis Hanson [57:00]:
"Michael, thank you for joining us. Your insights into military history and leadership are invaluable. We look forward to your future works."

Michael Walsh [57:00]:
"Thank you, Victor. It was a pleasure discussing these topics with you."

Final Quote:
Michael Walsh [53:15]:
"Guys like us only learn the hard way. It’s a lesson in discipline and resilience."

Key Takeaways

• Innovative Selection of Battles: Michael Walsh selects both well-known and obscure battles to provide a comprehensive view of Western military history, integrating cultural and philosophical contexts.

• American Military Leadership: The episode highlights the underestimated prowess of American commanders like Pershing, Nimitz, and Patton, emphasizing their decisive roles in pivotal battles.

• Impact of 9/11: The discussion underscores how the failure to decisively address the ideological conflict post-9/11 has led to prolonged conflicts and enduring societal impacts.

• War as a Catalyst: War accelerates social and technological changes, compressing time and enabling rapid innovation and transformation within societies.

• Discipline in Writing: Both hosts emphasize the importance of discipline and methodical approaches in writing detailed and engaging military histories.

• Avoiding Presentism: Understanding historical figures within their cultural and temporal contexts is crucial for accurate and respectful historical analysis.

Closing Remarks

This episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show offers a deep dive into Michael Walsh’s latest contributions to military history, highlighting his unique approach to selecting battles, analyzing leadership, and understanding the broader social impacts of warfare. Through engaging dialogue and insightful analysis, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how history shapes and is shaped by military actions.