Victor Davis Hanson's New Book Explores the Threat of Annihilation

Introduction

Victor Davis Hanson, renowned for his insightful commentary and analysis of current events, has turned his attention to a topic related to his work on military history in his latest book. The book, titled "The End of Everything: How Wars Descend Into Annihilation," explores four historical examples of wartime extinction and applies those lessons to contemporary society to examine our vulnerabilities.

Interview with The Daily Signal

In a recent interview with The Daily Signal, Hanson shared his observations and some advice about what’s at stake for the United States in the short term. He discussed his motivation for writing the book, the ways in which we are vulnerable to the threat of extinction, and the role technology plays in facilitating or exacerbating the potential for these actors to destroy other societies.

Historical Examples and Modern Threats

Hanson highlighted historical examples where societies were completely wiped out, their language, culture, civilization, and religion disappearing within a generation. He then discussed the conditions under which such annihilation occurred and speculated if it could still happen today, given that the agents of annihilation—nuclear, bio, chemical, AI (artificial intelligence)—are much easier to use than in the past.

Denial and Vulnerability

According to Hanson, societies often fail to realize their decline and underestimate the potential for total destruction. He pointed out that this denial exists even in the United States today, where many people are unaware of the rapid military advancements of other nations such as China.

The Importance of Deterrence

Hanson argued that the only thing that will save the United States is a deterrent military, an overwhelmingly large, successful, and smart military. He claimed that we've lost deterrence and it will be very dangerous to reestablish it.

The Stakes in the Upcoming Election

Hanson also emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, stating that it is more critical than those in 2016 and 2020. He warned that if the current government is reelected, the issues we've seen in the first term will be greatly enhanced.

Conclusion

Victor Davis Hanson's new book offers a sobering look at the potential for total annihilation in contemporary society, drawing on historical examples and applying them to current circumstances. His insights remind us of the importance of maintaining a strong military deterrence and the high stakes in the upcoming election. What do you think about Hanson's perspective on the threat of annihilation? Share this article with your friends and discuss it. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is every day at 6pm.