William Astore

William Astore is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and history professor who blogs at Bracing Views.

Afghanistan helicopter takes off

Is There Any Honor In War? Is There Any Honor In War?

It’s time for us to begin seeing war not as our making but our unmaking—as democracy’s undoing as well as the brutal thing it truly is.

Oct 7, 2022 / William Astore

Police line at the Capitol Building

This Is Life in Paranoid America This Is Life in Paranoid America

American leaders have driven this society to be ever less trusting and more fearful, in the name of protecting and advancing their wealth, power, and security.

Aug 2, 2022 / William Astore

March for Our Lives

Militarizing Schools Isn’t the Answer to Gun Violence Militarizing Schools Isn’t the Answer to Gun Violence

We’ll soon graduate a generation of young people who may have trouble reading and writing and adding but will be experts at ducking and covering.

Jul 1, 2022 / StudentNation / William Astore

US Soldiers Afghanistan

Why Can’t Washington Break Its War Addiction? Why Can’t Washington Break Its War Addiction?

American narcissism is only part of the answer.

May 12, 2022 / William Astore

US Navy Pacific Ocean

What Will It Take to Shrink the Pentagon’s Budget? What Will It Take to Shrink the Pentagon’s Budget?

We have now reached the point in our collective history where we face three certainties: death, taxes, and ever-soaring spending on weaponry and war.

Apr 6, 2022 / William Astore

The Dreams of a New Cold War Are Here to Stay

The Dreams of a New Cold War Are Here to Stay The Dreams of a New Cold War Are Here to Stay

Consider that a calamity in its own right.

Mar 16, 2022 / William Astore

Green Berets at a training in Nevada

America’s Disastrous 60-Year War America’s Disastrous 60-Year War

Most Americans simply take it for granted that war, or threats of war, having defined our immediate past, will define our future as well.

Feb 17, 2022 / William Astore

We Don’t Need Better Missiles—We Need Disarmament

We Don’t Need Better Missiles—We Need Disarmament We Don’t Need Better Missiles—We Need Disarmament

Our generals know one word, and it’s not “win”—it’s more.

Jan 21, 2022 / William Astore

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

There’s Always More Money for the Pentagon There’s Always More Money for the Pentagon

Meanwhile, we’re told to do more with less.

Dec 15, 2021 / William Astore

Military personnel carry flags

Our Blind Faith in the Military Will Destroy Us Our Blind Faith in the Military Will Destroy Us

Show me your budget, and I’ll tell you what you worship.

Nov 24, 2021 / William Astore

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