In this episode of Books to Battles, Dr. Wendy Whitman Cobb and Col. Cory Hollon examine the 2026 National Defense Strategy through the lens of international relations theory and contemporary events. They discuss the document’s emphasis on realism, homeland defense, deterrence of China, increased burden-sharing with allies, and revitalization of the defense industrial base. The hosts analyze notable departures from previous strategies, including the reframing of border security as a national defense mission and the articulation of a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine. Throughout the conversation, they connect the strategy’s themes to current events and explore the implications for U.S. grand strategy and civil–military roles.

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Books Mentioned

Peter Hegseth, The 2026 National Defense Strategy (Department of War, 2026), https://media.defense.gov/2026/Jan/23/2003864773/-1/-1/0/2026-NATIONAL-DEFENSE-STRATEGY.PDF.

Christopher Hemmer, American Pendulum: Recurring Debates in US Grand Strategy (Cornell University Press, 2015).

Robert Pape, Bombing to Win: Airpower and Coercion in War (Cornell University Press, 1996).

The opinions expressed here are those of the hosts or the guests and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Department of the Air Force, the Depart of Defense, or the United States Government.