This page contains video and audio excerpts from various presentations. The content belongs to the hosting organization.
The page is organized with video and then audio links each ordered with the most recent at the top and the oldest at the bottom.
The page is organized with video and then audio links each ordered with the most recent at the top and the oldest at the bottom.
Pershing Lecture Series - Patience, Peninsula and Petroleum: Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud
Time: 0:58:19
20 November 2024
National WWI Museum and Memorial
This presentation was part of the Pershing Lecture Series which is a series involving collaboration between the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
Created in the aftermath of World War I, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the only country named after its ruling family. Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud used British aid during the war to gain control of his homeland and increase his influence over the entire Arabian Peninsula. Dr. Brian Steed examines the House of Al Saud's rise to power and how it continues to leverage the nation as a major global economic and political force today.
20 November 2024
National WWI Museum and Memorial
This presentation was part of the Pershing Lecture Series which is a series involving collaboration between the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
Created in the aftermath of World War I, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the only country named after its ruling family. Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud used British aid during the war to gain control of his homeland and increase his influence over the entire Arabian Peninsula. Dr. Brian Steed examines the House of Al Saud's rise to power and how it continues to leverage the nation as a major global economic and political force today.
The Age of Attrition of the Russia-Ukraine War (12/06/2023 Roundtable Discussion)
Time: 4:46:14
12 December 2023
The Institute for Conflict Studies and Analysis of Russia (IKAR)
On December 6th 2023 IKAR successfully hosted a unique roundtable focused on the current stage of the war of attrition in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
00:03:02 Dr. Pär Gustafsson Kurki, from the FOI, Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut, presented a detailed analysis of the Russian military model, emphasizing soldier morale with particular attention to aspects of spirituality, communality, and coercion.
00:37:27 Dr. Christian Kaunert of Dublin City University offered insightful perspectives on hybrid warfare. He discussed its origins and implications, especially in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
01:28:44 Dr. Jade McGlynn, Professor at King's College London provided an in-depth analysis of the segmentation within the Russian information space, highlighting the propaganda strategies utilized by Russia.
02:09:56 Dr. Brian L. Steed from Narrative Strategies captivated the audience with his exploration of narrative warfare and its role in contemporary politics. His presentation was enriched with sharp metaphors and references to classical war theories, particularly Von Clausewitz’s ‘On War’.
03:08:21 Felicia Weston, also from Narrative Strategies, delivered an incisive speech on Russia's strategy to fracture alliances and fuel populist sentiments in Eastern Europe and the US.
The free discussion session was equally enlightening. Key topics included the potential effectiveness of sanctions against Russia, their implications for European security, and the prospects of using generative and adversarial networks to further strategic objectives. The challenges of crafting impactful messages for international audiences were also thoroughly debated.
12 December 2023
The Institute for Conflict Studies and Analysis of Russia (IKAR)
On December 6th 2023 IKAR successfully hosted a unique roundtable focused on the current stage of the war of attrition in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
00:03:02 Dr. Pär Gustafsson Kurki, from the FOI, Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut, presented a detailed analysis of the Russian military model, emphasizing soldier morale with particular attention to aspects of spirituality, communality, and coercion.
00:37:27 Dr. Christian Kaunert of Dublin City University offered insightful perspectives on hybrid warfare. He discussed its origins and implications, especially in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
01:28:44 Dr. Jade McGlynn, Professor at King's College London provided an in-depth analysis of the segmentation within the Russian information space, highlighting the propaganda strategies utilized by Russia.
02:09:56 Dr. Brian L. Steed from Narrative Strategies captivated the audience with his exploration of narrative warfare and its role in contemporary politics. His presentation was enriched with sharp metaphors and references to classical war theories, particularly Von Clausewitz’s ‘On War’.
03:08:21 Felicia Weston, also from Narrative Strategies, delivered an incisive speech on Russia's strategy to fracture alliances and fuel populist sentiments in Eastern Europe and the US.
The free discussion session was equally enlightening. Key topics included the potential effectiveness of sanctions against Russia, their implications for European security, and the prospects of using generative and adversarial networks to further strategic objectives. The challenges of crafting impactful messages for international audiences were also thoroughly debated.
Crisis in the Middle East: Understanding the Arab-Israeli Conflict - Complete Event
Time: 1:30:50
7 November 2023
The Kansas City Public Library
This is a presentation given to an audience at the Kansas City Public Library to help inform the community on the history associated with the then recent attack launched by Hamas against Israel on 7 October 2023.
The first fifteen or so minutes includes a protest against the two speakers as legitimate voices on the topic. A separate video that only includes the protest can be found here. The library decided to move both speakers to a separate room where the planned presentations were given and included on this recording at about 0:15:04.
Centuries of Arab-Israeli enmity has re-erupted into crisis, Hamas militants from Gaza unleashing an unprecedented attack on Israel and the Israelis fiercely striking back. Political and humanitarian ramifications ripple across the globe.
Understanding the conflict is not easy. In a special and timely Library event, military historians from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth examine its historical roots – how medieval times continue to inform modern beliefs about rights and ownership in the Holy Land – and identify today's issues. Why do they disagree on everything from the setting and characters to objectives, God's will, and the conflict’s origins? To understand the animosities, one must comprehend the context.
Joining the conversation are two authorities on the region: John Hosler, a professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College, is an expert on medieval warfare in Europe and the Near East and the author of seven books including Jerusalem Falls: Seven Centuries of War and Peace, released late last year. Holder of a doctorate in European history from the University of Delaware, he is a trustee of the U.S. Commission on Military History, a fellow of the British-based Royal Historical Society, and past president of De Re Militari: The Society for Medieval Military History.
Brian Steed is an associate professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College, where he has taught since 2013. He served in the Army as an armor officer and Middle East foreign area officer, living and working there for 8½ years. He retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in political science and history.
7 November 2023
The Kansas City Public Library
This is a presentation given to an audience at the Kansas City Public Library to help inform the community on the history associated with the then recent attack launched by Hamas against Israel on 7 October 2023.
The first fifteen or so minutes includes a protest against the two speakers as legitimate voices on the topic. A separate video that only includes the protest can be found here. The library decided to move both speakers to a separate room where the planned presentations were given and included on this recording at about 0:15:04.
Centuries of Arab-Israeli enmity has re-erupted into crisis, Hamas militants from Gaza unleashing an unprecedented attack on Israel and the Israelis fiercely striking back. Political and humanitarian ramifications ripple across the globe.
Understanding the conflict is not easy. In a special and timely Library event, military historians from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth examine its historical roots – how medieval times continue to inform modern beliefs about rights and ownership in the Holy Land – and identify today's issues. Why do they disagree on everything from the setting and characters to objectives, God's will, and the conflict’s origins? To understand the animosities, one must comprehend the context.
Joining the conversation are two authorities on the region: John Hosler, a professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College, is an expert on medieval warfare in Europe and the Near East and the author of seven books including Jerusalem Falls: Seven Centuries of War and Peace, released late last year. Holder of a doctorate in European history from the University of Delaware, he is a trustee of the U.S. Commission on Military History, a fellow of the British-based Royal Historical Society, and past president of De Re Militari: The Society for Medieval Military History.
Brian Steed is an associate professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College, where he has taught since 2013. He served in the Army as an armor officer and Middle East foreign area officer, living and working there for 8½ years. He retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in political science and history.
Conflict and Crisis: Iran’s About-Face
Time: 1:11:17
8 August 2023
The Kansas City Public Library
This is a three person panel discussion as part of a series hosted by the Kansas City Public Library titled Conflict and Crisis.
Iran once stood, with Saudi Arabia, as one of two key pillars in protecting America’s interests in the Middle East. That changed with the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and the U.S. is grappling today with a steady escalation in Iranian aggression and tensions – among other things, over Tehran’s shipments of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.
Iran is now considered one of the largest state sponsors of terrorism in opposition to United States’ objectives in the Middle East and across the globe.
In the latest installment of the Library’s Conflict and Crisis series in partnership with the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, military historian and Middle East authority Brian Steed guides a discussion of that decades-long shift in dynamics and where our country’s fraught relations with Iran might be heading.
Joining him on the panel are Gates Brown, also an associate professor in the Command and General Staff College’s Department of Military history, and retired U.S. Air Force Col. Frank Klimas.
· Steed is an associate professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College, where he has taught since 2013. He served in the Army as an armor officer and Middle East foreign area officer, living and working there for 8½ years. He retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in political science and history.
· Brown, who was named the Command and General Staff College’s civilian educator of the year in 2021, is a former Army captain who served in Iraq (and was injured in combat) during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He holds a master’s degree and doctorate in military history from the University of Kansas.
· Klimas just retired as commander of the Air Force’s 505th Command and Control Wing, Detachment 1, at Fort Leavenworth. In that capacity, he served in part as the principal airpower advisor to the Training and Doctrine Command of the U.S. Army’s Combined Arms Center. Klimas also was a foreign area officer for the Middle East and North Africa, and he serves on the board of Kansas City’s International Relations Council.
8 August 2023
The Kansas City Public Library
This is a three person panel discussion as part of a series hosted by the Kansas City Public Library titled Conflict and Crisis.
Iran once stood, with Saudi Arabia, as one of two key pillars in protecting America’s interests in the Middle East. That changed with the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and the U.S. is grappling today with a steady escalation in Iranian aggression and tensions – among other things, over Tehran’s shipments of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.
Iran is now considered one of the largest state sponsors of terrorism in opposition to United States’ objectives in the Middle East and across the globe.
In the latest installment of the Library’s Conflict and Crisis series in partnership with the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, military historian and Middle East authority Brian Steed guides a discussion of that decades-long shift in dynamics and where our country’s fraught relations with Iran might be heading.
Joining him on the panel are Gates Brown, also an associate professor in the Command and General Staff College’s Department of Military history, and retired U.S. Air Force Col. Frank Klimas.
· Steed is an associate professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College, where he has taught since 2013. He served in the Army as an armor officer and Middle East foreign area officer, living and working there for 8½ years. He retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in political science and history.
· Brown, who was named the Command and General Staff College’s civilian educator of the year in 2021, is a former Army captain who served in Iraq (and was injured in combat) during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He holds a master’s degree and doctorate in military history from the University of Kansas.
· Klimas just retired as commander of the Air Force’s 505th Command and Control Wing, Detachment 1, at Fort Leavenworth. In that capacity, he served in part as the principal airpower advisor to the Training and Doctrine Command of the U.S. Army’s Combined Arms Center. Klimas also was a foreign area officer for the Middle East and North Africa, and he serves on the board of Kansas City’s International Relations Council.
Turning Points: 1979, the Year That Changed the Middle East
Time: 1:16:45
7 March 2023
The Kansas City Public Library
The year 1979 was the most momentous for the Middle East in at least a half a century and perhaps far longer, going back to the horrific Mongol sack of Baghdad and end of the Islamic Golden Age in 1258.
In the second installment of the Library’s Turning Points series in partnership with the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, military historian and Middle East authority Brian Steed recounts the chain of historic events in 1979 and their impact – including a lasting alteration of relations with the United States. The region saw the overthrow of the Shah of Iran and the creation of an Islamic state, Saddam Hussein’s ascension to the presidency of Iraq, the siege on of the Great Mosque in Mecca, and the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union.
Iranian militants stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran in November 1979, taking more than 50 Americans hostage and triggering a crisis that lasted 444 days. Tensions and conflict persist. To paraphrase historian Andrew Bacevich, almost all U.S. military casualties before 1979 were sustained outside the Middle East and nearly all since then have been incurred in the wider region.
Steed is an associate professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College, where he has taught since 2013. He served in the Army as an armor officer and Middle East foreign area officer, living and working there for 8½ years. He retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel.
7 March 2023
The Kansas City Public Library
The year 1979 was the most momentous for the Middle East in at least a half a century and perhaps far longer, going back to the horrific Mongol sack of Baghdad and end of the Islamic Golden Age in 1258.
In the second installment of the Library’s Turning Points series in partnership with the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, military historian and Middle East authority Brian Steed recounts the chain of historic events in 1979 and their impact – including a lasting alteration of relations with the United States. The region saw the overthrow of the Shah of Iran and the creation of an Islamic state, Saddam Hussein’s ascension to the presidency of Iraq, the siege on of the Great Mosque in Mecca, and the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union.
Iranian militants stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran in November 1979, taking more than 50 Americans hostage and triggering a crisis that lasted 444 days. Tensions and conflict persist. To paraphrase historian Andrew Bacevich, almost all U.S. military casualties before 1979 were sustained outside the Middle East and nearly all since then have been incurred in the wider region.
Steed is an associate professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College, where he has taught since 2013. He served in the Army as an armor officer and Middle East foreign area officer, living and working there for 8½ years. He retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel.
Hollywood vs. History: World War II and The Best Years of Our Lives
Time: 1:04:54
4 July 2022
The Kansas City Public Library
When America went to war at the end of 1941, so did Hollywood. Feature-length films joined newsreels, combat footage, and informative shorts in relating our country’s experiences in World War II, on both the battlefield and the home front. Many were rallying, patriotic productions aimed at boosting national morale.
In a special installment of the Library’s Hollywood vs. History series, military historian Brian Steed of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College examines the film industry’s role in shaping the nation’s response to, and support of, the war. President Franklin Roosevelt called movie theaters a “necessary and beneficial part of the war effort.”
Steed looks in depth at The Best Years of Our Lives, a seminal film that departed from the flag-waving norm (and earned best-picture and seven other Academy Awards). Released late in 1946, a year after the end of World War II, it follows three servicemen who return from war and struggle to adjust to life in their Midwestern hometown.
Steed is an associate professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College, where he has taught since 2013 and was honored as military educator of the year in 2018. He served as an armor officer and Middle East foreign area officer in the U.S. Army before retiring from active duty as a lieutenant colonel.
The Hollywood vs. History series examines the historical accuracy of military movies. Presented in partnership with the Army Command and General Staff College, it is made possible by a generous gift from the Jerry Rosenblum Trust.
4 July 2022
The Kansas City Public Library
When America went to war at the end of 1941, so did Hollywood. Feature-length films joined newsreels, combat footage, and informative shorts in relating our country’s experiences in World War II, on both the battlefield and the home front. Many were rallying, patriotic productions aimed at boosting national morale.
In a special installment of the Library’s Hollywood vs. History series, military historian Brian Steed of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College examines the film industry’s role in shaping the nation’s response to, and support of, the war. President Franklin Roosevelt called movie theaters a “necessary and beneficial part of the war effort.”
Steed looks in depth at The Best Years of Our Lives, a seminal film that departed from the flag-waving norm (and earned best-picture and seven other Academy Awards). Released late in 1946, a year after the end of World War II, it follows three servicemen who return from war and struggle to adjust to life in their Midwestern hometown.
Steed is an associate professor of military history at the Command and General Staff College, where he has taught since 2013 and was honored as military educator of the year in 2018. He served as an armor officer and Middle East foreign area officer in the U.S. Army before retiring from active duty as a lieutenant colonel.
The Hollywood vs. History series examines the historical accuracy of military movies. Presented in partnership with the Army Command and General Staff College, it is made possible by a generous gift from the Jerry Rosenblum Trust.
THINK JSOU Live Webinar: Interview with Mr. Bill Dempsey and Mr. Brian Steed
Time: 1:05:14
4 July 2022
Think JSOU (Joint Special Operations University)
JSOU’s Mr. Bill Dempsey interviews Mr. Brian Steed about the concept maneuver in the narrative space.
About the Panel:
Mr. Bill Dempsey: Academic Chair to United States Army Special Operations Command for the Joint Special Operations University Retired Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) officer with over 28 years’ experience in Naval Special Warfare and special operations Served as the Chief, Office of Defense Cooperation, U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania and as the Deputy for the Advisory Support Team to the Iraqi Navy, Multi-National Security Transition Command- Iraq
Mr. Brian Steed: Holds a MA in International Relations from Vermont College of Norwich University and a BA in History from Brigham Young University Served in uniform since 1989 and has been an enlisted artillery soldier, an armor officer, and a Middle East Foreign Area Officer Recent publications: ISIS: An Introduction and Guide to the Islamic State. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2016. Voices of the Iraq War: Contemporary Accounts of Daily Life (Voices of an Era). Greenwood Publishing Group, 2016. Bees and Spiders: Applied Cultural Awareness and the Art of Cross-Cultural Influence. Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, LLC, 2014.
The views expressed in this video are entirely those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views, policy, or position of the United States Government, Department of Defense, United States Special Operations Command, or the Joint Special Operations University
4 July 2022
Think JSOU (Joint Special Operations University)
JSOU’s Mr. Bill Dempsey interviews Mr. Brian Steed about the concept maneuver in the narrative space.
About the Panel:
Mr. Bill Dempsey: Academic Chair to United States Army Special Operations Command for the Joint Special Operations University Retired Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) officer with over 28 years’ experience in Naval Special Warfare and special operations Served as the Chief, Office of Defense Cooperation, U.S. Embassy Bucharest, Romania and as the Deputy for the Advisory Support Team to the Iraqi Navy, Multi-National Security Transition Command- Iraq
Mr. Brian Steed: Holds a MA in International Relations from Vermont College of Norwich University and a BA in History from Brigham Young University Served in uniform since 1989 and has been an enlisted artillery soldier, an armor officer, and a Middle East Foreign Area Officer Recent publications: ISIS: An Introduction and Guide to the Islamic State. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2016. Voices of the Iraq War: Contemporary Accounts of Daily Life (Voices of an Era). Greenwood Publishing Group, 2016. Bees and Spiders: Applied Cultural Awareness and the Art of Cross-Cultural Influence. Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, LLC, 2014.
The views expressed in this video are entirely those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views, policy, or position of the United States Government, Department of Defense, United States Special Operations Command, or the Joint Special Operations University
Hollywood vs. History: The Man Who Would Be King
Time: 1:04:14
24 January 2022
The Kansas City Public Library
The swashbuckling 1975 film The Man Who Would Be King was both a critical and commercial success, telling the story of two British Army sergeants turned adventurers and con artists in the time of colonial rule in India. Played by Sean Connery and Michael Caine, they work their way to Kafiristan, now a part of Afghanistan but then little known to the West since its conquest by Alexander the Great. There, the two rogues set themselves up as kings.
Brian Steed of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College examines the film’s historical accuracy – from its depiction of life in Afghanistan in the late 19th century to its take on British colonialism – launching the series Hollywood vs. History in partnership with the Command and General Staff College. It is offered both in person at the Plaza Branch’s Truman Forum Auditorium and via livestream over the Library’s YouTube channel.
Steed uses clips from the film and draws from his deep expertise in Middle Eastern history. He is a retired Army lieutenant colonel who served as a Middle East foreign area officer, living and working there for eight years. His discussion is set against today’s struggles in Afghanistan.
The Hollywood vs. History series is made possible by a generous gift from the Jerry Rosenblum Trust.
24 January 2022
The Kansas City Public Library
The swashbuckling 1975 film The Man Who Would Be King was both a critical and commercial success, telling the story of two British Army sergeants turned adventurers and con artists in the time of colonial rule in India. Played by Sean Connery and Michael Caine, they work their way to Kafiristan, now a part of Afghanistan but then little known to the West since its conquest by Alexander the Great. There, the two rogues set themselves up as kings.
Brian Steed of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College examines the film’s historical accuracy – from its depiction of life in Afghanistan in the late 19th century to its take on British colonialism – launching the series Hollywood vs. History in partnership with the Command and General Staff College. It is offered both in person at the Plaza Branch’s Truman Forum Auditorium and via livestream over the Library’s YouTube channel.
Steed uses clips from the film and draws from his deep expertise in Middle Eastern history. He is a retired Army lieutenant colonel who served as a Middle East foreign area officer, living and working there for eight years. His discussion is set against today’s struggles in Afghanistan.
The Hollywood vs. History series is made possible by a generous gift from the Jerry Rosenblum Trust.
Lawrence of Arabia: Apostle of Irregular Warfare - Brian Steed & George Thompson
Time: 1:17:54
18 October 2021
National WWI Museum and Memorial
Lawrence of Arabia holds a mystique that has captured the public’s imagination for over a hundred years. Learn more about T.E. Lawrence and why he became such an enduring figure in modern memory. Join us in this online occasion to separate fact from fiction and explore the spaces in between with a panel of scholars in partnership with the T.E. Lawrence Society.
Moving rapidly through the desert sands, a group of Arab forces led by T. E. Lawrence engaged in a war of sabotage, deception, and ambushes. His guerilla tactics have been the focus of study by historians ever since. Join in the final program of this year’s Lawrence of Arabia Legacy Series, presented in partnership with the T. E. Lawrence Society, exploring the facets, life and legacy of “Lawrence of Arabia.” This hour-long conversation explores Lawrence’s wartime role as a leader and innovator in irregular warfare.
For more information about the National WWI Museum and Memorial visit http://theworldwar.org
18 October 2021
National WWI Museum and Memorial
Lawrence of Arabia holds a mystique that has captured the public’s imagination for over a hundred years. Learn more about T.E. Lawrence and why he became such an enduring figure in modern memory. Join us in this online occasion to separate fact from fiction and explore the spaces in between with a panel of scholars in partnership with the T.E. Lawrence Society.
Moving rapidly through the desert sands, a group of Arab forces led by T. E. Lawrence engaged in a war of sabotage, deception, and ambushes. His guerilla tactics have been the focus of study by historians ever since. Join in the final program of this year’s Lawrence of Arabia Legacy Series, presented in partnership with the T. E. Lawrence Society, exploring the facets, life and legacy of “Lawrence of Arabia.” This hour-long conversation explores Lawrence’s wartime role as a leader and innovator in irregular warfare.
For more information about the National WWI Museum and Memorial visit http://theworldwar.org
WWI Changed Us: WWI to 9/11 - Brian Steed
Time: 1:15:28
17 September 2021
National WWI Museum and Memorial
The web presentation was done as a commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of 9/11.
Many of the conflicts and issues of our world have their beginnings in the Great War. Colonialism and imperialism left their mark as the Ottoman Empire collapsed following its defeat in 1918. The creation of the Balfour Declaration in 1917 and the dissolution of the Caliphate after the war served as catalysts for state and non-state conflicts. The Sykes-Picot Agreement divided up the Middle East without regard to nationalities, religion, ethnicity, or history. These events planted the seeds for future struggles.
Join Dr. Brian Steed (U.S. Army Command and General Staff College) and explore how the end of violence in one era led to its beginning in another.
For more information about the National WWI Museum and Memorial visit http://theworldwar.org
17 September 2021
National WWI Museum and Memorial
The web presentation was done as a commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of 9/11.
Many of the conflicts and issues of our world have their beginnings in the Great War. Colonialism and imperialism left their mark as the Ottoman Empire collapsed following its defeat in 1918. The creation of the Balfour Declaration in 1917 and the dissolution of the Caliphate after the war served as catalysts for state and non-state conflicts. The Sykes-Picot Agreement divided up the Middle East without regard to nationalities, religion, ethnicity, or history. These events planted the seeds for future struggles.
Join Dr. Brian Steed (U.S. Army Command and General Staff College) and explore how the end of violence in one era led to its beginning in another.
For more information about the National WWI Museum and Memorial visit http://theworldwar.org
Hybrid Warfare: The Changing Dynamics of Conflict, War and National Security
Time: 1:59:51
4 February 2021
COPAIR Webinar
Hybrid Warfare: The Changing Dynamics of Conflict, War and National Security
In this webinar hosted by COPAIR panalists discuss multi-dimensional challenges of hybrid warfare to Pakistan and offer recommendations to overcome these non-traditional threats.
4 February 2021
COPAIR Webinar
Hybrid Warfare: The Changing Dynamics of Conflict, War and National Security
In this webinar hosted by COPAIR panalists discuss multi-dimensional challenges of hybrid warfare to Pakistan and offer recommendations to overcome these non-traditional threats.
ISIS, Abu Bakr Naji, and the Management of Savagery
Time: 1:08:01
4 February 2021
ISIS, Abu Bakr Naji, and the Management of Savagery
The Dole Institute, The University of Kansas
Al-Qaeda and ISIS used the Management of Savagery as both an operational concept and doctrine. Written for al-Qaeda in 2004, but demonstrated most thoroughly by ISIS from 2014 to 2021, the online published work explains how Islamist ideological groups hoped to defeat the West, in general, and the United States, in specific. This presentation explains the main themes of the work and how it was put into practice.
4 February 2021
ISIS, Abu Bakr Naji, and the Management of Savagery
The Dole Institute, The University of Kansas
Al-Qaeda and ISIS used the Management of Savagery as both an operational concept and doctrine. Written for al-Qaeda in 2004, but demonstrated most thoroughly by ISIS from 2014 to 2021, the online published work explains how Islamist ideological groups hoped to defeat the West, in general, and the United States, in specific. This presentation explains the main themes of the work and how it was put into practice.
Psychological Operations - Narrative
Time: 1:03:03
29 January 2021
1st Special Forces Command
This is a discussion between practitioners and advisors regarding narrative war.
Col. Jeremy Mushtare is the commander of the 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) located at Fort Bragg, NC. 8th POG (A) consists of 3rd PSYOP Battalion (A), 9th PSYOP Battalion (A), and a Headquarters and Headquarters Company. 3rd POB (A) supports operations around the globe with specialized expeditionary teams tailor fit to execute print, A/V, and broadcast activities. The unit also houses the Information Warfare Center and other capabilities designed to support our forces or compete with adversaries from the CONUS base. 9th POB (A) is the PSYOP Regiment’s National Mission Force (NMF) which is responsible for supporting Special Mission Units (SMU) across the world. Members of the PSYOP NMF are deployed specifically to address the most serious threats to U.S. National Security.
Dr. Ajit Maan is a narrative strategist focused on national security and international relations. She is founder and CEO of the U.S. based think-tank Narrative Strategies, Affiliated Faculty at George Mason University, member of the Brain Trust of the Weaponized Narrative Initiative of Arizona State University, author of Internarrative Identity: Placing the Self, Counter-Terrorism: Narrative Strategies, and co-editor of Soft Power on Hard Problems: Strategic Influence in Irregular Warfare. Her most recently published book is Plato’s Fear.
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Brian Steed is an instructor of military history at the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College. Having served in the Middle East for more than eight and a half years as a Foreign Area Officer, he is both a scholar and practitioner of cross-cultural influence. Published works include, among others, ISIS: An Introduction and Guide to the Islamic State and Bees and Spiders: Applied Cultural Awareness and the Art of Cross-Cultural Influence.
29 January 2021
1st Special Forces Command
This is a discussion between practitioners and advisors regarding narrative war.
Col. Jeremy Mushtare is the commander of the 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) located at Fort Bragg, NC. 8th POG (A) consists of 3rd PSYOP Battalion (A), 9th PSYOP Battalion (A), and a Headquarters and Headquarters Company. 3rd POB (A) supports operations around the globe with specialized expeditionary teams tailor fit to execute print, A/V, and broadcast activities. The unit also houses the Information Warfare Center and other capabilities designed to support our forces or compete with adversaries from the CONUS base. 9th POB (A) is the PSYOP Regiment’s National Mission Force (NMF) which is responsible for supporting Special Mission Units (SMU) across the world. Members of the PSYOP NMF are deployed specifically to address the most serious threats to U.S. National Security.
Dr. Ajit Maan is a narrative strategist focused on national security and international relations. She is founder and CEO of the U.S. based think-tank Narrative Strategies, Affiliated Faculty at George Mason University, member of the Brain Trust of the Weaponized Narrative Initiative of Arizona State University, author of Internarrative Identity: Placing the Self, Counter-Terrorism: Narrative Strategies, and co-editor of Soft Power on Hard Problems: Strategic Influence in Irregular Warfare. Her most recently published book is Plato’s Fear.
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Brian Steed is an instructor of military history at the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College. Having served in the Middle East for more than eight and a half years as a Foreign Area Officer, he is both a scholar and practitioner of cross-cultural influence. Published works include, among others, ISIS: An Introduction and Guide to the Islamic State and Bees and Spiders: Applied Cultural Awareness and the Art of Cross-Cultural Influence.
Narrative War and Identity with General Staff Professor of the Year Brian Steed
Time: 0:56:59
27 May 2020
Captains' Coach
This is audio only though posted on YouTube.
Brian and I discuss the following questions:
27 May 2020
Captains' Coach
This is audio only though posted on YouTube.
Brian and I discuss the following questions:
- What is narrative warfare?
- Narrative vs narrative frame?
- How do we “get out in front of the issue?” with our messaging?
- What is the narrative theory of identity?
- How receptive is Army leadership to this narrative warfare?
- What are the best questions most high-level commanders have for you?
- Would you agree that facts do not equal truth?
- Narrative vs story vs messaging?
- 3D war and narrative topography
- You can’t defeat narrative only create a more meaningful one - how do we do this?
Cultural Dynamics of U S – Iran Relations ‘Is Conflict Imminent’ Jan 23, 2020
Time: 2:02:49
9 March 2020
US Army Command and General Staff College
“Cultural Dynamics of U.S. – Iran Relations ‘Is Conflict Imminent?’” was the topic of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College’s (CGSC) Cultural and Area Studies Office (CASO) second presentation of the school year, Thursday, January 23, 2020, at the Lewis and Clark Center's Arnold Conference Room. The opening remarks were provided by Mr. Allen Borgardts, deputy provost of Army University. The panel included Mr. Chris Hoch, National Intelligence Officer for Iran, National Intelligence Council; Dr. Michael Rubin, Resident Scholar, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, and a Senior Lecturer, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School; and Mr. Brian L. Steed, Assistant Professor of Military History, CGSC. The panel was moderated by Dr. Mahir Ibrahimov, Director, CASO.
9 March 2020
US Army Command and General Staff College
“Cultural Dynamics of U.S. – Iran Relations ‘Is Conflict Imminent?’” was the topic of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College’s (CGSC) Cultural and Area Studies Office (CASO) second presentation of the school year, Thursday, January 23, 2020, at the Lewis and Clark Center's Arnold Conference Room. The opening remarks were provided by Mr. Allen Borgardts, deputy provost of Army University. The panel included Mr. Chris Hoch, National Intelligence Officer for Iran, National Intelligence Council; Dr. Michael Rubin, Resident Scholar, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, and a Senior Lecturer, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School; and Mr. Brian L. Steed, Assistant Professor of Military History, CGSC. The panel was moderated by Dr. Mahir Ibrahimov, Director, CASO.
Narrative War - Understanding ISIS
Time: 1:57:01
Narrative War: Understanding ISIS
11 February 2020
US Army Command and General Staff College
In 2014, the city of Mosul fell to a battalion sized group of fighters in six days. ISIS used engagement, social media, YouTube videos, and grievances of Sunni dis-empowerment to fuel this amazing success. In the same year, the Russians seized the Crimean Peninsula with little green men and began an assault on the Eastern portions of the Ukraine initiated by gangs and thugs. These are examples of narrative war – conflict where narrative use and manipulation is the decisive operation and organized conventional military violence is a shaping operation.
Presented on 11 FEB in Marshall Auditorium., Fort Leavenworth, KS. by Brian L. Steed.
Narrative War: Understanding ISIS
11 February 2020
US Army Command and General Staff College
In 2014, the city of Mosul fell to a battalion sized group of fighters in six days. ISIS used engagement, social media, YouTube videos, and grievances of Sunni dis-empowerment to fuel this amazing success. In the same year, the Russians seized the Crimean Peninsula with little green men and began an assault on the Eastern portions of the Ukraine initiated by gangs and thugs. These are examples of narrative war – conflict where narrative use and manipulation is the decisive operation and organized conventional military violence is a shaping operation.
Presented on 11 FEB in Marshall Auditorium., Fort Leavenworth, KS. by Brian L. Steed.
The Making of an Enemy Understanding Middle East Extremists
Time: 1:23:10
19 November 2019
The Kansas City Public Library
This is a presentation given to an audience at the Kansas City Public Library as part IV of a four-part series on World War II in the Middle East.
The U.S. wins no popularity contests in the Middle East, where it has fought on and off for nearly three decades. A Pew Research survey a little less than two years ago found that only 27 percent of respondents in Jordan, Tunisia, Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey saw our country as a force for good. America probably has more enemies in the region today than it did at the time of the 9/11 attacks.
Brian Steed, a military historian at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and a Middle East foreign area officer, concludes a four-part series on the region with an examination of that sentiment and the extremist ideology, objectives, and actions arising from it. How does America’s presence in the region feed the thinking of extremists? What are they hoping to achieve?
19 November 2019
The Kansas City Public Library
This is a presentation given to an audience at the Kansas City Public Library as part IV of a four-part series on World War II in the Middle East.
The U.S. wins no popularity contests in the Middle East, where it has fought on and off for nearly three decades. A Pew Research survey a little less than two years ago found that only 27 percent of respondents in Jordan, Tunisia, Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey saw our country as a force for good. America probably has more enemies in the region today than it did at the time of the 9/11 attacks.
Brian Steed, a military historian at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and a Middle East foreign area officer, concludes a four-part series on the region with an examination of that sentiment and the extremist ideology, objectives, and actions arising from it. How does America’s presence in the region feed the thinking of extremists? What are they hoping to achieve?
World War II Scars the Middle East
Time: 1:08:43
6 November 2019
The Kansas City Public Library
This is a presentation given to an audience at the Kansas City Public Library as part III of a four-part series on World War II in the Middle East.
America’s involvement in the Middle East has revolved around oil as well as religion and Zionist pursuits, Cold War tensions, and the specter of terrorism. All arose or expanded as concerns during World War II and its aftermath.
Continuing a four-part series, Brian Steed of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College examines those developments and their impact.
Affordable Middle Eastern oil was essential to the success of the Marshall Plan. The war essentially begat the modern state of Israel and its associated regional frictions. The collapse of European imperial powers and rise of nationalism were a global phenomena but especially resonant in the Middle East. And modern terrorism is seeded in the philosophical writings of people influenced by the post-World War II world.
6 November 2019
The Kansas City Public Library
This is a presentation given to an audience at the Kansas City Public Library as part III of a four-part series on World War II in the Middle East.
America’s involvement in the Middle East has revolved around oil as well as religion and Zionist pursuits, Cold War tensions, and the specter of terrorism. All arose or expanded as concerns during World War II and its aftermath.
Continuing a four-part series, Brian Steed of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College examines those developments and their impact.
Affordable Middle Eastern oil was essential to the success of the Marshall Plan. The war essentially begat the modern state of Israel and its associated regional frictions. The collapse of European imperial powers and rise of nationalism were a global phenomena but especially resonant in the Middle East. And modern terrorism is seeded in the philosophical writings of people influenced by the post-World War II world.
Narrative War: Understanding ISIS
Time: 1:45:37
31 January 2019
US Army Command and General Staff College
This is a presentation given to students and faculty at the US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on 31 January 2019.
In 2014, the city of Mosul fell to a battalion sized group of fighter in six days. ISIS used engagement, social media, YouTube videos, and grievances of Sunni disempowerment to fuel this amazing success. In the same year, the Russians seized the Crimean Peninsula with little green men and began an assault on the Eastern portions of the Ukraine initiated by gangs and thugs. These are examples of narrative war - conflict where narrative use and manipulation is the decisive operation and organized conventional military violence is a shaping operation. Such is the present and near future of war.
This presentation explains narrative war through an understanding of ISIS. Who and what it is? When and why did it form? And, how does it use maneuver in the narrative space to effectively achieve conflict success against significantly more powerful opponents?
Understanding ISIS is only a tool to developing essential understanding for present and future opponents whether they be non-state, sub-state, post-state, or peer or whether the conflict be counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, or large-scale combat operations.
31 January 2019
US Army Command and General Staff College
This is a presentation given to students and faculty at the US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on 31 January 2019.
In 2014, the city of Mosul fell to a battalion sized group of fighter in six days. ISIS used engagement, social media, YouTube videos, and grievances of Sunni disempowerment to fuel this amazing success. In the same year, the Russians seized the Crimean Peninsula with little green men and began an assault on the Eastern portions of the Ukraine initiated by gangs and thugs. These are examples of narrative war - conflict where narrative use and manipulation is the decisive operation and organized conventional military violence is a shaping operation. Such is the present and near future of war.
This presentation explains narrative war through an understanding of ISIS. Who and what it is? When and why did it form? And, how does it use maneuver in the narrative space to effectively achieve conflict success against significantly more powerful opponents?
Understanding ISIS is only a tool to developing essential understanding for present and future opponents whether they be non-state, sub-state, post-state, or peer or whether the conflict be counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, or large-scale combat operations.
Armageddon and the Modern Middle East
Time: 0:53:30
3 November 2018
Armageddon and the Modern Middle East
National WWI Museum and Memorial
ISIS fighters schooled a Vice reporter about the importance of destroying the Sykes-Picot borders as a bulldozer created a passable lane in a large sand berm on the Iraq-Syria border. In describing what was happening, the fighter did not call the different countries Iraq and Syria as those were terms created after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the redrawing of the Middle East map. The agreements, treaties and actions in 1918 and the years that followed created the states that currently exist in the Middle East and, by so doing, created many of the problems present in the region. These agreements were won by force of arms, political intrigue and disregard for the interests of the local tribal, ethnic and religious sectarian divisions throughout the region. Current fighting in Syria and northern Iraq are reminiscent of those days at the end of and in the years following World War I.
Brian L. Steed, senior fellow with Narrative Strategies. He is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, an assistant professor of military history at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and a former Middle East Foreign Area Officer.
Lecture given as part of the National WWI Museum and Memorial's 2018 Symposium, 1918: Crucible of War.
3 November 2018
Armageddon and the Modern Middle East
National WWI Museum and Memorial
ISIS fighters schooled a Vice reporter about the importance of destroying the Sykes-Picot borders as a bulldozer created a passable lane in a large sand berm on the Iraq-Syria border. In describing what was happening, the fighter did not call the different countries Iraq and Syria as those were terms created after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the redrawing of the Middle East map. The agreements, treaties and actions in 1918 and the years that followed created the states that currently exist in the Middle East and, by so doing, created many of the problems present in the region. These agreements were won by force of arms, political intrigue and disregard for the interests of the local tribal, ethnic and religious sectarian divisions throughout the region. Current fighting in Syria and northern Iraq are reminiscent of those days at the end of and in the years following World War I.
Brian L. Steed, senior fellow with Narrative Strategies. He is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, an assistant professor of military history at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and a former Middle East Foreign Area Officer.
Lecture given as part of the National WWI Museum and Memorial's 2018 Symposium, 1918: Crucible of War.
Armageddon, Arabia, and the Modern Middle East
Time: 1:05:52
23 May 2018
Armegeddon, Arabia, and the Modern Middle East
National WWI Museum and Memorial
U.S. Army Command & General Staff College professor Brian Steed talked about the impact of World War I on the Middle East and how the outcome of the war continues to play a role in present-day conflicts. He explored the defeat and dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, which was the dominant power in the region, and how their former territories were allocated. The National World War I Museum & Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri hosted this event.
To view this video on the C-SPAN website, click here.
23 May 2018
Armegeddon, Arabia, and the Modern Middle East
National WWI Museum and Memorial
U.S. Army Command & General Staff College professor Brian Steed talked about the impact of World War I on the Middle East and how the outcome of the war continues to play a role in present-day conflicts. He explored the defeat and dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, which was the dominant power in the region, and how their former territories were allocated. The National World War I Museum & Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri hosted this event.
To view this video on the C-SPAN website, click here.
Interfaith Forum - Extremist Violence, Refugees, & Fear
Time: 0:14:23
19 May 2016
Extremist Violence, Refugees, and Fear
Kansas City Public Library - Plaza Branch
This video presents remarks made by Lt. Col. Brian Steed providing a context for the May 19 Confronting Extremist Violence, the Refugee Crisis, and Fear: Faith Responses community forum at the KCMO Plaza Library. The event was organized by the American Friends with the KC Public Library and the GCK Interfaith council and twenty-five cosponsors.
19 May 2016
Extremist Violence, Refugees, and Fear
Kansas City Public Library - Plaza Branch
This video presents remarks made by Lt. Col. Brian Steed providing a context for the May 19 Confronting Extremist Violence, the Refugee Crisis, and Fear: Faith Responses community forum at the KCMO Plaza Library. The event was organized by the American Friends with the KC Public Library and the GCK Interfaith council and twenty-five cosponsors.
Interfaith Forum - Extremist Violence, Refugees, & Fear: Question - American Narrative
Time: 0:06:16
19 May 2016
Extremist Violence, Refugees, and Fear
Kansas City Public Library - Plaza Branch
Response to question: What is the American "Narrative"...? At the May 19 Confronting Extremist Violence, the Refugee Crisis, and Fear: Faith Responses community forum at the KCMO Plaza Library. The event was organized by the American Friends with the KC Public Library and the GCK Interfaith council and twenty-five cosponsors.
19 May 2016
Extremist Violence, Refugees, and Fear
Kansas City Public Library - Plaza Branch
Response to question: What is the American "Narrative"...? At the May 19 Confronting Extremist Violence, the Refugee Crisis, and Fear: Faith Responses community forum at the KCMO Plaza Library. The event was organized by the American Friends with the KC Public Library and the GCK Interfaith council and twenty-five cosponsors.
Interfaith Forum - Extremist Violence, Refugees, & Fear: Question - Taking Assad Down
Time: 0:02:54
19 May 2016
Extremist Violence, Refugees, and Fear
Kansas City Public Library - Plaza Branch
Response to question: Why does the U.S. government not take Assad down? At the May 19 Confronting Extremist Violence, the Refugee Crisis, and Fear: Faith Responses community forum at the KCMO Plaza Library. The event was organized by the American Friends with the KC Public Library and the GCK Interfaith council and twenty-five cosponsors.
19 May 2016
Extremist Violence, Refugees, and Fear
Kansas City Public Library - Plaza Branch
Response to question: Why does the U.S. government not take Assad down? At the May 19 Confronting Extremist Violence, the Refugee Crisis, and Fear: Faith Responses community forum at the KCMO Plaza Library. The event was organized by the American Friends with the KC Public Library and the GCK Interfaith council and twenty-five cosponsors.
Interfaith Forum - Extremist Violence, Refugees, & Fear: Question - Non-judicial Executions Terrorism?
Time: 0:02:11
19 May 2016
Extremist Violence, Refugees, and Fear
Kansas City Public Library - Plaza Branch
Response to question: When a state engages in non-judicial executions with drone attacks that kill innocents... is this not terrorism? At the May 19 Confronting Extremist Violence, the Refugee Crisis, and Fear: Faith Responses community forum at the KCMO Plaza Library. The event was organized by the American Friends with the KC Public Library and the GCK Interfaith council and twenty-five cosponsors.
19 May 2016
Extremist Violence, Refugees, and Fear
Kansas City Public Library - Plaza Branch
Response to question: When a state engages in non-judicial executions with drone attacks that kill innocents... is this not terrorism? At the May 19 Confronting Extremist Violence, the Refugee Crisis, and Fear: Faith Responses community forum at the KCMO Plaza Library. The event was organized by the American Friends with the KC Public Library and the GCK Interfaith council and twenty-five cosponsors.
A Christian Response to Islamic Extremism
Time: 0:05:24
January 2016
A Christian Response to Islamic Extremism
United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas
Pastor Adam Hamilton's interview with expert Brian L. Steed about Islamic Extremism and the power of narrative.
January 2016
A Christian Response to Islamic Extremism
United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas
Pastor Adam Hamilton's interview with expert Brian L. Steed about Islamic Extremism and the power of narrative.
Audio Files
Cultural Dynamic of US - Iran Relations "Is Conflict Imminent?"
23 January 2020
“Cultural Dynamics of U.S. – Iran Relations ‘Is Conflict Imminent?’” was the topic of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College’s (CGSC) Cultural and Area Studies Office (CASO) second presentation of the school year, Thursday, January 23, 2020, at the Lewis and Clark Center's Arnold Conference Room. The opening remarks were provided by Mr. Allen Borgardts, deputy provost of Army University. The panel included Mr. Chris Hoch, National Intelligence Officer for Iran, National Intelligence Council; Dr. Michael Rubin, Resident Scholar, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, and a Senior Lecturer, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School; and Mr. Brian L. Steed, Assistant Professor of Military History, CGSC. The panel was moderated by Dr. Mahir Ibrahimov, Director, CASO.
“Cultural Dynamics of U.S. – Iran Relations ‘Is Conflict Imminent?’” was the topic of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College’s (CGSC) Cultural and Area Studies Office (CASO) second presentation of the school year, Thursday, January 23, 2020, at the Lewis and Clark Center's Arnold Conference Room. The opening remarks were provided by Mr. Allen Borgardts, deputy provost of Army University. The panel included Mr. Chris Hoch, National Intelligence Officer for Iran, National Intelligence Council; Dr. Michael Rubin, Resident Scholar, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, and a Senior Lecturer, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School; and Mr. Brian L. Steed, Assistant Professor of Military History, CGSC. The panel was moderated by Dr. Mahir Ibrahimov, Director, CASO.
Interview with Ben Smith of The Captains Coach
24 December 2019
Discussion on Narrative War and Identity.
Discussion on Narrative War and Identity.
The Making of an Enemy: Understanding Middle East Extremists
5 November 2019
The U.S. wins no popularity contests in the Middle East, where it has fought on and off for nearly three decades. A Pew Research survey a little less than two years ago found that only 27 percent of respondents in Jordan, Tunisia, Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey saw our country as a force for good. America probably has more enemies in the region today than it did at the time of the 9/11 attacks.
Video Presentation
Link to PowerPoint slides for this presentation.
The U.S. wins no popularity contests in the Middle East, where it has fought on and off for nearly three decades. A Pew Research survey a little less than two years ago found that only 27 percent of respondents in Jordan, Tunisia, Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey saw our country as a force for good. America probably has more enemies in the region today than it did at the time of the 9/11 attacks.
Video Presentation
Link to PowerPoint slides for this presentation.
World War II Scars the Middle East
18 September 2019
America’s involvement in the Middle East has revolved around oil as well as religion and Zionist pursuits, Cold War tensions, and the specter of terrorism. All arose or expanded as concerns during World War II and its aftermath.
Video Presentation
Link to PowerPoint slides for this presentation.
America’s involvement in the Middle East has revolved around oil as well as religion and Zionist pursuits, Cold War tensions, and the specter of terrorism. All arose or expanded as concerns during World War II and its aftermath.
Video Presentation
Link to PowerPoint slides for this presentation.
America Meets the Middle East
8 May 2019
Our country’s deep (and fitful) involvement in the Middle East traces to World War II, when the U.S. came to Britain’s assistance in North Africa, transported millions of tons of material across Iran in support of the Soviet Union, and protected the movement of critical oil across the Mediterranean Sea and through the Suez Canal. We emerged from the war with commitments to keep both the sources and flow of that oil secure.
Link to PowerPoint slides for this presentation.
Our country’s deep (and fitful) involvement in the Middle East traces to World War II, when the U.S. came to Britain’s assistance in North Africa, transported millions of tons of material across Iran in support of the Soviet Union, and protected the movement of critical oil across the Mediterranean Sea and through the Suez Canal. We emerged from the war with commitments to keep both the sources and flow of that oil secure.
Link to PowerPoint slides for this presentation.
The Middle East and World War II (audio only)
26 March 2019
The Middle East’s profile in world affairs rose significantly during World War II. Named for its central location in global commerce and historical imperial connections, it became a key battleground for access to the Suez Canal, for supply lines to the Soviet Union—and of course, for oil. Control of the Mediterranean Sea required control of the Middle East and North Africa.
Link to PowerPoint slides for this presentation.
The Middle East’s profile in world affairs rose significantly during World War II. Named for its central location in global commerce and historical imperial connections, it became a key battleground for access to the Suez Canal, for supply lines to the Soviet Union—and of course, for oil. Control of the Mediterranean Sea required control of the Middle East and North Africa.
Link to PowerPoint slides for this presentation.
Mesopotamia on Fire: Changing the Conversation on ISIS (audio only)
23 February 2016
The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, is more than a place or a terrorist group. It is a set of ideas rooted in centuries-old beliefs and wrapped in a philosophy of violence. Adherents believe they are an army of the righteous working to create an ideal state for today’s believers and fighting a war that is destined to end with the coming of Jesus and defeat of the Antichrist.
Understanding them, Brian L. Steed says, is key to defeating them. A military historian at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and specialist on the Middle East, he initially spoke at the Library about the Islamic State in late 2014. He continues his examination, taking a close look at the militant group’s makeup, motivations, and operations.
The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, is more than a place or a terrorist group. It is a set of ideas rooted in centuries-old beliefs and wrapped in a philosophy of violence. Adherents believe they are an army of the righteous working to create an ideal state for today’s believers and fighting a war that is destined to end with the coming of Jesus and defeat of the Antichrist.
Understanding them, Brian L. Steed says, is key to defeating them. A military historian at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and specialist on the Middle East, he initially spoke at the Library about the Islamic State in late 2014. He continues his examination, taking a close look at the militant group’s makeup, motivations, and operations.
Mesopotamia on Fire: The Historical Context of ISIS (podcast - audio only)
30 October 2014
Americans unfamiliar or perhaps unconcerned with the Islamic State ‐ ISIS ‐ snapped to attention with the group's beheading of two journalists.
Middle East specialist Brian L. Steed, a military historian at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, lends historical context to the expanding Sunni organization. Its leader has taken the name of the first Caliph, or Muslim head of state, and like Islamic warriors of the 7th Century has pledged to "conquer Rome." ISIS also echoes the words of 12th-Century Muslim leader Nur al-Din and his successor, Saladin, as they sought to extend their control from Mosul to Damascus and then Cairo.
Steed presents a cultural, religious, and historical backdrop to today's events.
Americans unfamiliar or perhaps unconcerned with the Islamic State ‐ ISIS ‐ snapped to attention with the group's beheading of two journalists.
Middle East specialist Brian L. Steed, a military historian at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, lends historical context to the expanding Sunni organization. Its leader has taken the name of the first Caliph, or Muslim head of state, and like Islamic warriors of the 7th Century has pledged to "conquer Rome." ISIS also echoes the words of 12th-Century Muslim leader Nur al-Din and his successor, Saladin, as they sought to extend their control from Mosul to Damascus and then Cairo.
Steed presents a cultural, religious, and historical backdrop to today's events.