What can the Roman legions of Constantine, the Ottoman forces of Mehmet the Conqueror, and the US Army of World War II teach us about modern military power?

In this timely episode of the Explaining History Podcast, I speak with former senior British officer and acclaimed military historian Barney White-Spunner about his forthcoming book Nation In Arms (out 14 August). Drawing from five pivotal armies that helped shape the European continent—the Roman, Ottoman, New Model, Prussian, and American—White-Spunner explores what today’s governments must relearn about the organisation, loyalty, and very soul of military power.

We unpack why European governments have lost focus on defence since 1989, why the peace dividend is over, and what history urgently demands we remember in an era of renewed conflict. This is a deep and necessary conversation about the nature of armies, the responsibilities of the state, and the timeless lessons of military history.

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