Starcast
Join the waitlist
The American Way of War
Coming soon to iPhone. Already have it? “Listen in Starcast” takes you straight there.
On this episode
About this episode
This episode explores James Ellman's book "Seeds of Victory: Defeat, Triumph, and the American Way of War" with host Jeff Sikkenga from the Ashbrook Center. This military strategy documentary examines how US war tactics follow a consistent pattern: initial strategic defeats followed by rapid adaptation and ultimate victory. From Washington's military disasters in New York (1776) to early setbacks in Korea, American military history shows eight major strategic defeats between 1776-1951, yet US forces recovered each time through superior industrial mobilization, quick military leadership changes, and technological innovation. The discussion challenges popular narratives about American…