'Winning the War, Losing the War'

Friday 03 May 2019

History fanatics have the chance to learn more about the First World War from military historian Dr Matthias Strohn today, during his visit to Guernsey as part of the Literary Festival.

Dr Strohn is Head of Historical Analysis at the Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research and is also a Reader in Modern War Studies at Buckingham University.

"Even though the cataclysmic events of the 20th century seem a clear thing of the past, they have influenced our current lives and this in itself makes them relevant and worth of study," he said. "If nothing else, they teach us a lot about human suffering and also human behaviour - the good and the bad."

Today's talk will centre around Dr Strohn's book, '1918: Winning the War, Losing the War' which was chosen by the British Army as core reading for Operation Reflect - its contribution to the centenary commemoration of WWI.

Pictured: Dr Matthias Strohn's book (image from guernseyliteraryfestival.com).

"If we look at war and warfare, it is clear that war has become possible again and, indeed, in the last 20 years a number of conventional conflicts have been fought in which we, as the west, have been involved," Dr Strohn added. "Terrorism and insurgency are also growing threats. However, while these pose threats to individuals and some groups the survival of the human race does, at present, not seem to be threatened as it used to during the Cold War."

 Dr Strohn's interest in history was sparked by his father, who is a hobby historian and always had a library of history books while Dr Strohn was growing up.

"There is a clear drive towards autonomous weapon systems," he continued, "and the general technical developments in all areas are reflected in how armies organise and structure themselves.

"Having said this, I do not believe that the human factor in war will be totally eradicated. This links to the understanding of the nature and the character of war as defined by the great philosopher of war, Carl von Clausewitz. The forms of war and warfare change, but the underlying reasons why we go to war in the first place and what influences these decisions and the way we intend to fight the war do not change."

The talk takes place in the Festival Hub in Market Square at 14:30 today. You can book tickets here. 

Pictured top: Dr Matthias Strohn (image from guernseyliteraryfestival.com).