War and the Human Condition
Written by Doug Goodnough
Dr. Edward Gutiérrez summarizes Hillsdale College’s new Center for Military History and Grand Strategy in one word: Preparedness.
The director of the new initiative that launched in September of 2022 said studying the history of warfare and the human condition can better prepare the world to handle–and possibly avoid–future conflicts.
“We just weren’t ready in Afghanistan, in Iraq,” said Dr. Gutiérrez, an associate professor of history who is beginning his second year at Hillsdale. “We didn’t understand the enemy. But guess what? They were saying the same thing in Vietnam. The same thing in Korea. These are those kinds of humbling lessons that we are just not learning, that we need to be better prepared for. We hope that is what we are going to be giving our students.”
Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn had a vision for the program, and Dr. Gutiérrez said he and his colleagues are striving to make that a reality.
There are four “pillars” of the initiative. The first happened this fall: the initial classes of the Military History and Grand Strategy minor are being taught on campus. The four required classes are Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Warfare, as well as a U.S. Grand Strategy class that serves as the capstone. Dr. Gutiérrez as well as Dr. Mark Moyar, Dr. David Stewart, Dr. Paul Rahe, and Dr. Victor Davis Hanson comprise the teaching faculty.
“Even with those four classes, I honestly think our students are so much better prepared,” Dr. Gutiérrez said of the unique minor. “They will have the perspective of global war. That’s kind of the goal of the program, that global understanding. It will give us not only a better understanding of ourselves, but also everyone else.”
The second pillar is an annual conference, which this year was on the Hillsdale campus and served as a kick-off event for the Center.
Dr. Gutiérrez said the third pillar is a future publication and website that will summarize Center events and will potentially act as an intellectual “beacon” for others.
A summer seminar, possibly in Washington, D.C., is the final pillar. Dr. Gutiérrez said he envisions an intensive program similar to the one West Point used to have before it ended several years ago.
Dr. Gutiérrez said the study of war is a lifelong quest. After completing his doctorate in military history from The Ohio State University, he also obtained an M.A. in philosophy and theology from Boston College. He focuses on ancient and medieval warfare, as well as the World Wars.
“Understanding is the key word. I think that’s what we lack,” Dr. Gutiérrez said of why there is still war in the world. “Understanding other cultures. That takes a long time.”
He said the current conflict in Ukraine is evidence that understanding is still needed and lessons still need to be learned. The Center for Military History and Grand Strategy is hoping to meet those needs.
“It’s a very sobering reminder for a lot of individuals who had a very rosy-colored outlook about the human condition. We’ve lost our understanding of the human condition,” Dr. Gutiérrez said. “History gives you that long-range understanding.
“This is the time to really reflect upon all of that global culture, whether it be China, or Africa, or India, and, of course, the Americas and Europe. Preparing all of us to be better as Americans and as citizens—that’s my hope for this program.”
Doug Goodnough, ’90, is Hillsdale’s new director of Alumni Marketing. He’s looking forward to connecting with fellow alumni in new and wonderful ways.
Published in October 2022