William Astore

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

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

Uniting Against the American War Machine

Uniting Against the American War Machine Uniting Against the American War Machine

Twenty years and trillions of dollars later, the US counterinsurgency in Afghanistan failed—so when will we stop rewarding the military-industrial complex?

Sep 22, 2021 / William Astore

We Need to Scale Back America’s War Machine

We Need to Scale Back America’s War Machine We Need to Scale Back America’s War Machine

Sixty years after Eisenhower warned the nation against the threat of the military-industrial complex, America continues to maintain a bloated, imperialistic military presence at ho...

Jul 30, 2021 / William Astore

air show

American Wars Mean American Lies American Wars Mean American Lies

We need a truth commission to hold leaders—military and civilian—accountable for America’s failed wars. 

Jun 18, 2021 / William Astore

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