Episode 14: Peloponnesian War

Profiles in Strategy

In this episode Jon O’Gorman hosts John Maurer, Marc Genest, and Josh Hammond in talking about this ancient conflict. They start with the decision for war that Athens made and whether it is rational or not. Next, they look at the Athenian theory of victory and how they hoped to beat Sparta. They discuss the points in the conflict where opportunities for peace existed and how these off ramps to conflict were not in the Athenian interest since they were winning. These concepts are juxtaposed with the current situation in the Ukraine and how the Ukrainians might not be interested in peace even though pressured by the U.S. to do so. The strategic mistakes of Pericles and Cleon are discussed. Lastly, the conversation turns to the Athenian response to the revolt of Mytilene versus their later response to Melos and how atrocities become more accepted over the course of a protracted war.