Art of War at USNA

Art of War at USNA

            In Master Sun Tzu’s Art of War, he breaks down the levels involved with being a successful leader in battle. Master Sun’s philosophy promotes being well rounded in all aspects of war. Obviously you should be a skilled warrior, but a leader should have the mental fortitude to visualize the wide spectrum of warfare. Rather than, physical confrontation between warriors. In connection with Sun Tzu’s belief that the key to victory involves being well round the United States Naval Academy believes in a similar philosophy. Midshipmen are to be well rounded scholars, athletes, and military professionals. The educational identity of the school associates all students, no matter what major, have a background in science, technology, engineering, and math. Also the students are required to talk multiple humanities course in for students to think creatively.

            In Master Sun’s five fundamentals he list; the way, heaven, earth, command, and discipline. Out of those 5 fundamentals, 2 of them, command and discipline, are taught in some of the Naval Academies sacred text Master Sun states, “Command is wisdom, integrity, compassion, courage, severity.” At the Naval Academy and in the United States Navy the core values are; honor, courage, and commitment. Honor and integrity work hand in hand as guidance for how someone in the navy should carry themselves. An officer should make sure the full truth is known at all times. Additionally an officer should hold themselves at the highest ethical manner when using judgement in stressful situations. For example Lt. Michael P Murphy was given the chance to kill 2 farmers who stumbled across his team in the Middle East. In fear that the 2 farmers would tell local Taliban fighters about their positon. In an act of integrity he choose to let them go, because they were innocent farmers. Unfortunately, the farmers did inform the Taliban about their position and Lt. Murphy lost his life in result of that honorable decision. Discipline involves organization and the chain of command. It is engraved in our brains that a midshipmen should not jump the chain of command. The chain of command is put into place for organization and to define the roles of everyone involved.

            On a humorous note the way of war is taught to midshipmen the day they enter Bancroft Hall. The war involve midshipmen and the 4 legged creatures that run wild in Bancroft. Master Tzu labels the Way of War as a way of deception. In the war to element mice in our rooms Midshipmen go to lengths to deceive their smaller opposition. For example on the desk put a rule of the side of your desk with peanut butter on the tip. After the ruler is balanced until a single touch will make it fall, place a bucket with water under it. This trap will lure the mouse on to the ruler and strike chaos when they fall in the bucket. The next morning the mouse will be placed outside in the dumpster.

            Master Sun’s philosophy as a whole is effective and the connections in USNA philosophy benefits Midshipmen. The benefits allows them to be well rounded leaders prepared to lead sailors and marines into battle.

-Denzel J. Polk

Word Count: 539

“Change is bad”-every society facing a new growing minority that breaks the status quo

History tells us that no matter the period or location people do not like change or the introduction of something new that changes the status quo. Therefore, when a philosophy as drastic and new as Christianity was introduced to the Romans it is no wonder that they viewed it as threat to their status quo and tried to outlaw it. American author Andrew Smith wrote, “People fear what they don’t understand.” In the case of the Romans, a monotheistic cult that refuses to pay homage and make sacrifices to the emperor, even when faced with execution, is scary. Pliny, a Roman governor under Emperor Trajan faced a mental battle when investigating the “crimes” of the Christians. Pliny in a letter to Trajan wrote, “I therefore do not know what offenses it is the practice to punish or investigate, and to what extent.” Pliny continues in his letter to talk about how the Christians were willing to endure horrible deaths rather than renounce their faith. He describes interrogations where he would give the Christians multiple chances to give in but ultimately, they would choose execution. I also think that in the letter there is palpable confusion and fear from Pliny. The usual approach to putting down a “rebellion” was not working. Pliny writes that even after the interrogations happened the Christians continued to worship.  Thus, Pliny halted investigations and wrote to the emperor for guidance on how to deal with this threat to Roman authority.

However, it is not entirely baseless for Romans to view the rise of new religion as threat to their rule as even today we see backlash when a new religion or viewpoint different than the mainstream is introduced. In all countries, there is some level of suspicion and wariness towards those who are different. For example, the Unites States, though it is better than most other countries, has always been reluctant to accept immigrants because they fear the introduction of something that is new. Starting in nineteenth century and through present day there has always been some faction of the U.S. population, both large and small, that has been anti-immigrant resulting in hostile attitudes, bigotry and sometimes violence against them because they were different. Recently the United States has seen a rise in its Muslim population. This has resulted in the surfacing of some Islamophobia. I am not trying to justify the irrational fear that drives Islamophobia; I only want to point out that it is not just a one time in history deal and much of this fear of the different seems to be embedded in our human nature.

While it was not irrational for the Romans to see Christianity as threat to their rule, it appears that they over reacted in their efforts to control it.  I think this partly due to fact that their usual tactics for bringing people into line, torture and threat of death, were not working and as a result, fear and panic drove them to escalate their efforts. At first, the Romans persecuted Christians by outlawing Christianity all together. There were cruel punishments like crucifixion and feeding them to lions. Christians were even used as scapegoats for the emperors. Add to this that the Christian population was relatively small and typically consisted of slaves and other poor citizens so they did not pose a real threat. In retrospect, the Romans were not justified in trying to eradicate the Christian cult as their harsh tactics seemed to have had the opposite effect and resulted in its accelerate growth within the empire.

-Danny Vela

Word Count: 566

From Republic to Empire in a Galaxy Far Far Away and Not so Far Away

The best of stories are often seeded with a grain of truth. Nothing could be truer than the rise of the fictional Galactic Empire of the Star Wars universe. The Empire in Star Wars shares remarkable parallels on multiple fronts to the actual Roman Empire. These similarities and differences between these two empires are highlighted in what they were before empire, how they became an empire, and what they became after assuming the structure of an empire.

            The Roman and the Galactic Empires were republics before becoming empires. They both possessed a senate that functioned as the major decision making body for the country, but maintained the ability to appoint a leader in times of great challenge. The Romans a dictator, while the Galactic Republic had the ability appoint a Supreme Chancellor over the state (20th Century Fox). That power gave way to the fall of the republics and the rise of empires.       

In order for charismatic leaders to take over and create an empire they needed chaos. The Galactic Republic’s Supreme Chancellor Palpatine secretly orchestrated a civil war within the Republic (20th Century Fox). He caused the chaos then used it to consolidate the power of the state into an empire and his position as its emperor all in the name of stability and peace. He also possessed a military that was personally loyal to him in the form of a clone army. This rise of an empire, starting with the ambition of one man, is similar the actual rise of Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar possessed, like Palpatine, an army that was loyal to him over their country. With this army Caesar waged a civil war to take power with the marching of his legion across the Rubicon to Rome. He then legitimized the power he took by claiming he was the only path  to restoration. The Roman orator Cicero stated on the matter about Caesar, “It is for you and you alone, Gaius Caesar, to reanimate all that you see lying shattered” (Cicero, Pro Marcello 23). He was speaking about Caesar picking up the shattered pieces of Rome that Caesar himself had shattered. Rome at the point of Caesar’s take over differs, but still parallels the Galactic Empire under Palpatine.

The major difference post take over in both countries was simply a matter of semantics. The Galactic Empire under then Emperor Palpatine was called an empire. After Julius Caesar took over as a dictator of the Roman Republic, despite being run like an empire. The creation of the Roman Empire in name did not come until later.

The rise of the Roman Empire was a drama that rivals, even today, some of the world’s most popular screen writers. The essences of these two stories are remarkably similar and can be seen through observation of the fall of their republics and the rise of their empires. It is of such power to this day that even an institution as diverse and creative as America’s modern Hollywood cannot help but draw similarities to it.

  • Robert Hatfield

Word Count: 504

Kim and Alexander

Kim Jun Yun and Alexander the Great

Alexander relied on things other than solely military technique and strategy in his quest to be King. Alexander used people’s belief in the Oracle at Siwah in order gain credibility and trust among the public. This allowed him to rule without imposition. Through his conquests, he entrusted individuals of that region to develop and maintain the empire in his absence—these individuals shared his vision. Fundamentally, his drive and tenacity prevailed and made him a powerful leader. Despite all of his success,  King Philip II was essential to the growth and development of the Kingdom of Macedonia.

King Philip II set the framework for Macedonia before Alexander came into power. He defeated the Athenians and Thebans—two primary and dominant Greek powers of the time. Also, he innovated and revolutionized the way that war was fought. For example, he transitioned from the hoplite phalanx to the Macedonian Phalanx with sarissae. This innovation gave Macedonian soldiers both an offensive and defensive advantage. The long spears, as well as the unique formation, allowed them to fight the enemy without direct contact. He also introduced lighter shields and less body army so that his soldiers were more mobile. He also developed numerous technological advances such as the torsion. Xenophon Anabasis states, “He gave the Macedonians cloaks to wear instead of sheepskins, brought them down from the mountains to the plains, and made them a match in war for the neighboring barbarians.” Philip transformed Macedonia to a competitive power—able to challenge and face primary powers at the time. With King Philip II’s innovation, he set the foundation for the Macedonian kingdom which ultimately set the stage for Alexander’s success.

Kim Jun Yun, like Alexander, pioneered many technological and strategic advancements that have helped North Korea rise as a modern power. He has developed the country’s economy and nuclear technologies to the point that it is now recognized as a potential competitor.  Choi Jun Kun, a political science professor at Yonsei University in South Korea, asserts “He’s trying a lot of things at the same time. He has reformed the economy far greater than his father, and hugely advanced the country’s nuclear and missile capabilities.” Thus, for North Korea to be taken seriously on global stage, they have to develop their nuclear program. This relates to Alexander’s quest to domination in that he too built off what his father created.

-Denzel J. Polk

Word Count: 409

Metics Vs. Dreamers: Athens’ and America’s stances on foreigners in their country.

Americans and Athenians are very similar in that they derive their self-worth from being from their respective country. They take pride in being American or Athenian. The major difference between the two is America has an extremely diverse population that makes up the country whereas Athens does not. This is why the situation that America has with “Dreamers” is different from Athens problem with Metics and slaves. America is ok with letting foreigners into their country because most people are descendants from foreigners. What they don’t want is immigrants illegally coming in and skating the laws that they have in place for proper citizenship. Athens outright did not want Metics or slaves to be called Athenians or to be allowed in the assembly.       

            Some would say that the two countries are basically going through the same problem. They would say that just like Athens, America is struggling with a racist sentiment towards these immigrants coming into their country and want nothing to do with them. Although it is true in some cases, the majority of America only wishes that these immigrants would come into the United States legally.

America does not mind letting foreigners into their country. What makes them upset is when people come into their country undocumented and illegally. Parents smuggling their children into the country just so that they can gain citizenship is in a way cheating the system. “I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents,” Trump said in a written statement issued shortly after attorney general Jeff Sessions announced the policy. “But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.” (Siddiqui) This stance taken by president trump is a common opinion in America. We do not wish to punish those who are in this situation but in order to stay true to ourselves we have to enforce our laws.

Athens was not okay with letting Metics and Slaves into the Assembly or allowing them to vote. As Pericles put it in the Funeral Oration Athens was a city that was built on “customs that brought us to this point, the form of government and the way of life that have made our city great” (Thucydides 3.36). This includes keeping citizenship to those who have two Athenian Parents. The fact that they passed this law shows that Athens is very different from America. Athens tried to keep their democracy pure blooded as possible whereas America allows anyone to be an American. America is considered a land of opportunity for foreigners to take advantage of whereas Athens was reserved for their citizens. Athens didn’t want anything to do with Metics or slaves in their assembly despite the help that they showed Athens by fighting in the war alongside them.

America and Athens were going through very similar problems in that they were both trying to figure out how to deal with allowing citizenship to foreigners. The largest difference between the two attempts at making policy is that America wants people to benefit from their country and Athens wants to keep their country pure blooded Athenian. This difference is why making policy to address the issue in the two countries is so different.

Andrew Beck

Word Count: 544

Struggles of Citizenship

The citizenship law of 451, harmed foreign-born medics and slaves chances of equal representation within Athens, as it prevented anyone who did not have two Athenian born parents to be recognized as an Athenian citizen. However, in the wake of the devastation brought by the thirty tyrants, the issue of the legality of medics and slaves festered as the new democracy was rebuilding. Throughout the process of creating a new democracy, many moderate-democrats in favor of bringing back Pericles’ Citizenship Law, believed that chaos and instability within the democracy were as a result of foreign-borns who interpreted the loyalty of true Athenians. Democracy they thought was built on the foundation of trust. Citizens of Athens are granted rights to participate within the assembly and therefore are in charge of the critical decisions that determine the fate of Athens. To bring back a peaceful, united, and prosperous, medics and slaves must be excluded, so that the former Athens pre-Peloponnesian war could return. Proponents against the Citizenship Law of 451, can say that Pericles is hypocritical by excluding people when he himself wrote in the Funeral of Oration when the democracy in Athens was a model that, “We are more an example to others…it is called a democracy, because it is managed not for a few people, but for the majority” (Thucydides 37). This proves that it does not matter the makeup of the person, but make up of the country itself which is why medics and slaves should be included.

Like the medic’s and slaves, today the “dreamers” make up a major portion of our population but fail to be recognized as part of the country. Day in and day out they participate in the same everyday activities as legal citizens do, wanting to contribute to society. The “dreamers” came to America to escape political, economic, and or religious strive. They are in search of a better lifestyle promoted by American values and democracy just as the medics and slaves in ancient Greece. Athens, the birthplace of democracy, proclaimed “eleuthia,” or liberty for its citizens. Slaves and metics believed that living in the same country as Athens citizens, that eleuthia should not be reserved for the Athenian born people only. The slaves and medics who had lived there all there life, through the strives, starvation, and war, wanted to continue to live and enjoy the liberties Athens had to offer has a prosperous democracy. It is similar to today’s situation in which the dreamers come to America to be protected by American ideals of freedom and democracy. They live here with a purpose. The Constitution and Bill of Rights were created so that those liberties and values would be protected. Dreamers argue that they should be protected and able to enjoy the same liberties, without fear of deportation from their home. Similar to Ancient Greece, how medics and slaves were blamed for the weakness of the democracy and the thirty tyrants actions, today the illegal immigrants living within the country are heavily targeted for the problems within the country itself. Both groups, medics, and slaves in Athens and undocumented immigrants in America today, are similar in the fact that reality is masked. Their homes in the community make life seem normal as anyone else, however, despite contributing to society, they are very excluded. The law works with “700,000 Dreamers in a state of uncertainty about futures and possibly deportation” in order to promote opportunities for those illegal immigrants in the country to be qualified for a work permit and make a living. Despite, given some hope for equal opportunities, this law does not give the “dreamers” full access to democracy. The immigrants despite living in America, just like the medics and slaves in Athens, are deprived of ever gaining citizenship and therefore are excluded from enjoying certain rights.

http://fortune.com/2018/01/25/trump-daca-citizenship/

Caroline Foley

Word Count:600

Response to Blog #1: Katie Mackle’s: “The Endurance of the American Democracy”

The points used to argue in favor of the American Republic form of democracy was well thought out. The main points being: tyranny by majority, minority representation, and longevity. There were a few points in regards to these arguments that could have been used to increase their effectiveness.

In the second body paragraph an image of the United States to the Athenian empire could have been useful addition to the argument direct democracy drowns out voices. The geographic and logistical limitations of direct democracy are massive. A large number of Americans do not vote on the one day a year they really need to, if they personally had to vote on every bill they would never be represented.

The last paragraph on longevity successfully made a powerful comparison to the age of the two countries in favor of a republic. The use of other republican democracies longevities could have been an interesting addition to the proof of concept outside of the United States. The decline of Athens is almost directly responsible to their direct democracy. The people wanted an easier life where they got paid to go to festivals. This may have been the will of the people, but it was not what the country needed to stay strong. That is why Athens became easy pickings to be conquered. The will of the majority is not allows put in perspective, and the time republican form of government gives people to really decide if they want something is a major advantage as well.

  • Robert Hatfield

Word Count: 252

Response to Blog #2: Hanna Prince’s “Kim Jong-Un and Alexander the Great”

The overall message of this blog is accurate. When an absolute autocrat is in charge of a country they need a reliable heir to take over rule when they die. A few of the connections between Alexander the Great and Kim Jong-Un could have have been elaborated on for greater effect.

At the very start of this post is written, “to claim connection to divinity are all mortal”. The fact Alexander claimed to be a descendent of a god and the Kims are literally worshipped in North Korea is a major connection that could be been capitalized on. Alexander solidified power over his Persian territories with his divine status and the Kim dynasty in North Korea has different context, but in a similar way solidified power with the cult like devotion that is instilled in the North Korean people at a young age.

The other major difference to be made was the actual process by which these men took over and gained recognition from other nations. Alexander had to fight and secure Greece upon his father’s death. Kim Jong-Un did not have to fight to gain power. To gain recognition or attention Alexander conquered most of the known world. Kim has made lots of threats, but is the leader of a country that has not been in active war since the 1950s. In an essence Alexander’s power was established more through his own action while Kim’s power could be argued came more from the work of others.  

  • Robert Hatfield

Word Count: 248

So Metics/Slaves and Dreamers are Similar?

Considering metics were classified as immigrants and freed slaves, there are clear similarities between the debate of granting metics and/or slaves citizenship and providing legal protection for children brought into the United States illegally by their parents.

Especially under the rule of Pericles, Athenians took pride in their culture as the state rose up and became the example to all Greeks that Pericles envisioned it to be. Athenian democracy was limited by the fact that metics and slaves were not given citizenship. As a result of this, social strains were increased within society. Much in the same way, a major social divide is created every time President Trump speaks on the issue of DACA and how awful immigrants are despite Dreamers in particular, being brought into this country without making the decision on their own. In April 2018, President Trump tweeted that, “Democrats want no borders, hence drugs and crime!”, insinuating that all of the people who illegally cross the border are bringing crime and drugs into the United States. This creates an ‘us v them’ mentality as well as a social barrier between American citizens and the children whose lives were complicated from an early age.

Pericles Funeral Oration states, “No one is held back by poverty or because his reputation is not well-known, as long as he can do good service to the city. We are free and generous not only in our public activities as citizens, but also in our daily lives” (Thucydides 3.40-41) Still, Athenian slaves and metics who helped overthrow the Thirty Tyrants and continuously provided many services to the Athenians state (services which were often performed by citizens as well) could not attend Assembly meetings or vote. Similarly, the children who DACA is protecting are those that are actively trying to pursue their education or were honorably discharged from the military. President Trump claims that these illegal immigrants are hurting American citizens by taking their jobs and is concerned for the “the millions of Americans victimized by this unfair system.” The reality is, however, that many Dreams are contributing to the American economy and at their respective universities. For as long as he has held office, President Trump uses specific rhetoric to insist that illegal immigrants are inferior. Again, in the same way, many Athenians felt so much pride in their nationality that they did not want anyone (metics or slaves) be able to claim Athenian citizenship.

Our discussion about metic and/or slave citizenship only made my view of DACA and the Dreamers more clear. They deserved citizenship in Athens then and Dreamers deserve legal protection now. Both contribute(d) to their country and had no say in their social standing, yet their impact is felt (arguably metics helped more than Dreamers, but still.) No one will stand up and fight for illegal immigration but DACA protects individuals who did not make the choice to come to the U.S., making them an easy target who must be protected so that their whole way of life is not simply uprooted. The discussion did make me consider that slaves may not have been granted citizenship as easily simply because society was so dependent on their labor. Also, it made sense that some groups wanted metics to be educated before being allowed Athenian citizenship. This makes a lot of sense because they wanted an educated electorate, but even in the case of the Dreamers, many of them have grown up in the U.S. and pursue higher education.

-Carina Richardson

Word Count: 532

https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/02/politics/daca-explained/index.html

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/what-is-daca-and-what-does-the-trump-administration-want-to-do-with-it

(Thucydides 3.40-41)

Pericles’ Glorious Reign vs Maduro’s Failing Dictatorship

Pericles’ Glorious Reign vs Maduro’s Failing Dictatorship

Currently in Venezuela, there is a presidential crisis occurring due to the claimed “invalidity” of Nicholas Maduro’s reelection.  On the 10th of January, the National Assembly of Venezuela, which is in opposition of Nicholas Maduro, stated that Juan Guaido was to be the temporary president while this conflict was resolved. Under the rule of Nicholas Maduro, Venezuela has undergone a “socioeconomic crisis” dating back to the beginning of his election to office in 2010. Crime, hyperinflation, and wide-spread poverty and suffering increased dramatically, causing the discontentment of many citizens, leading to a call for change in government authorities to combat the latter situations. Maduro, after being replaced by Juan Guaido as an interim president, refused to leave presidential office, and accused the United States of America of secretly supporting and fueling a coup against his presidency. Maduro referred to Guaido as being controlled by a “well-written script from Washington”, and claimed that the U.S. intends to create another Vietnam from Venezuela.

            Nicholas Maduro’s rule is in some ways the antithesis of Pericles’ rule, yet is similar in terms of influence and power. During Maduro’s term as president, he managed to combine enough governmental powers to be considered the de facto dictator of Venezuela. Pericles, although loved by his constituents, ruled basically as a tyrant in a pre 5th century sense. His power was acknowledged and addressed by Thucydides, when he stated, “For what you possess, to speak plainly, is a tyranny. It may have been wrong to acquire your empire, but it would be folly to give it up.” (Thucydides 2.63). Maduro’s presidency in this way mirrors that of Pericles, since both Venezuela and Athens at the time, are variations of democracy. Slowly however their power began to build, either because of popularity, in the case of Pericles, or due to scheming and underlying motives like those of Maduro. While there is much opposition to Maduro as president mainly due to the suffering due to Venezuela’s socioeconomic crisis, Pericles in comparison, was loved and adored by those he reigned over. He was the singular character credited with the ushering in of a new era, known as the Athenian Golden Age. Maduro on the other hand, is blamed for Venezuela’s problems, as they were first born under the rule of Hugo Chavez who was president before him and have only grown bigger during his term.

This major difference illustrates the importance of catering to what is best for your constituency, which is generally just tied to constitutional ruling. Back in Ancient Athens, it may have been more effective to have most of the power held by one person because the populous were not as informed as those today. This can be attributed to the ease of access to information nowadays, and the laws set requiring education of citizens as children. Having the power of a country residing in one person in contemporary society by comparison is likely to be a lot less effective in that the increased amount of aware educated people who are able to participate in democracy and congress generally leads to better more informed decisions. Socrates, and Ancient Greek philosopher expressed similar concerns with democracy that through public school systems, are slightly remedied: “who would you ideally want deciding who was in charge of the vessel, just anyone, or people educated in the rules and demands of seafaring?” (Socrates, VI).  As people as a whole have become more educated, their involvement in politics trends towards better outcomes as a result of the latter. Maduro did a poor job in governing Venezuela, and was incapable of providing relief for the humanitarian crisis occurring causing an attempt to change leadership. This was not a problem for Pericles in that he was successful in his legislature and execution, which lead to the contentment of Athenians.

–Molly Gillcrist

Word Count: 577