Murielle Delaporte has recently underscored that the 9/11 generation is coming to power. And a number of prospective members of the incoming Trump Administration are from this generation, and President-elect Trump has clearly targeted the challenge of rebuilding the U.S. military.

James Durso published two essays, one last year and one this year, which analyzed the challenge of closing the gap.

Durso explores the growing disconnect between the U.S. military and young Americans. Durso argues that a combination of factors, including the military’s failures in Iraq and Afghanistan, high suicide rates among service members, and poor living conditions in barracks, have diminished Gen Z’s interest in military service. He also examines the rise of anti-American sentiment among young Americans, citing their increasing sympathy for Palestinians and their negative perceptions of American institutions, particularly in light of the U.S. government’s perceived dishonesty about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Durso contends that the military’s recruitment woes are not solely due to a lack of patriotism but rather a reflection of a deeper distrust of American institutions and a disillusionment with America’s foreign policy.

He concludes by calling for a reassessment of American foreign policy and a renewed focus on addressing the financial and social issues that are contributing to a growing sense of alienation among young Americans.

The Deep Dive podcast discusses these essays and the challenge of closing the gap between the military and America youth.

Featured photo: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA – May 26, 2018, Members of the US Military carrying the American flag marching down the street during the Indy 500 Parade

The first book in our series was first published in June 2023 but has been revised in 2024 to add new materials.

Kenneth Maxwell on Global Trends comprises essays from 2001 to 2024 by Dr. Kenneth Maxwell, a historian specializing in 18th-century Brazil and Portugal, offering commentary on global trends.

Maxwell’s essays examine a range of historical and contemporary issues, including terrorism, international relations, political corruption, and the global order.

He connects his expertise in 18th-century history to contemporary events, drawing parallels between the past and present to provide a broader understanding of global affairs.

The book is a collection of Maxwell’s reflections on major events and political developments, offering a unique perspective on the world from the eyes of a seasoned historian.

Kenneth Maxwell’s “Kenneth Maxwell on Global Trends” offers a valuable and timely analysis of the evolving global landscape. His insights, grounded in historical understanding and sharp observation, offer a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the modern world.

This is a Deep Dive podcast.

We have launched a series which provides the insights of leading strategic thinkers on global change in our time.

The past 15 years have seen dramatic changes which are driving further change in the global system.

The series provides insights with regard to strategic change in the global system over the past 15 years from the standpoint of U.S. Administrations as well as the work of a number of well-known strategic analysts.

We have seen the rise of the multi-polar authoritarian world.

The challenge facing the liberal democracies is fundamental: how to preserve the “rules-based order” in this context and defend Western values.

This podcast by editor Dr. Robbin F. Laird provides an overview of this series.

The books published to date can be found here:

Bookshop