Stories: Voices on Peace and War | Norwich University

Apply

Visit

Request Info Give

Reveille Editions

D Ciuriak US China Economy

A Tale of Two Pivots: Nixon, Obama and Beijing

This article contrasts the strategic “pivots” by Presidents Nixon and Obama toward China. It traces how Nixon’s 1970s opening reshaped U.S.-China relations, later echoed in Obama’s Asia “pivot,” and evaluates how Beijing’s evolving influence forces Washington to rethink long-term engagement and geopolitical competition.

Read More 27 min read

VPW Golkar Article

Iran, Israel, and Hamas Conflict

By Saeid Golkar

This piece explores Iran’s cautious yet deliberate involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Tehran avoids direct military escalation, preferring ideological support toward Hamas (distinct from its direct proxy control of Hezbollah), it provides arms and training selectively — carefully calibrated to avoid triggering broader confrontation under Western pressure.

Read More 6 min read

Zorri Article VPW

Generational Shifts: Understanding the Dynamics of U.S. Support in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

This article explores how America’s shifting demographics—including growing Arab and Muslim communities and vocal voices like Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Bella Hadid—are influencing public opinion on Israel–Palestine. While Israel still commands strong support, recent upticks in grassroots pro-Palestinian sentiment, particularly on college campuses post-Hamas attack, reflect broader changes in the U.S. societal landscape.

Read More 5 min read

VPWS Pressman Article

Religious-Nationalist Obstacles to Israeli-Palestinian Political Talks

By Jeremy Pressman

The piece argues that deeply embedded religious-nationalist ideologies on both Israeli and Palestinian sides pose a formidable barrier to peace. Israeli government policies—like the 2018 Nation-State Law and settlement expansion—and steadfast Hamas resistance signal that, without significant ideological shifts, meaningful negotiation remains elusive.

Read More 6 min read

Theodore Roosevelt Portrait

Theodore Roosevelt: War Lover or Peace Maker?

This reflection on Teddy Roosevelt’s legacy portrays him as a pragmatic statesman who embraced realpolitik—pursuing both robust military action (e.g., the Great White Fleet) and diplomatic work (e.g., negotiating peace). Despite his imperialistic inclinations, Roosevelt also championed agreements that maintained global balance.

Read More 8 min read

Image for the article When Faith Turns Violent

When Faith Turns Violent

By Robert J. VandenBerg

A personal and scholarly exploration, the author draws on his experience as a sociologist researching terrorism to emphasize how religious convictions can be distorted into justifications for violence — including extremism within one’s own religious tradition — prompting reflection on faith, identity, and radicalization.

Read More 8 min read

On Battles Lost and Things That Endure

On Battles Lost and Things That Endure

By Robert J. VandenBerg

Reflecting on the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in 2021, the author recounts the emotional impact of seeing a cause he supported unravel. This story underscores the enduring human and moral dimensions behind geopolitical events, beyond the headlines.

Read More 8 min read

Image for Chinese Military Strategists Study the Pacific War to Enhance Amphibious Warfare Capabilities

Chinese Military Strategists Study the Pacific War to Enhance Amphibious Warfare Capabilities

By Lyle J. Goldstein, PhD

This article details how the PLA examines historical precedents (e.g., D-Day, island battles in the Pacific) to shape its doctrine for Taiwan contingency amphibious operations. Planners are even leveraging civilian maritime resources to supplement military logistics.

Read More 9 min read

Image for A Military Stalemate before Armistice?

A Military Stalemate before Armistice?

By Dmitri Beliakov

Analyzing Russia’s war in Ukraine through mid‑2023, the author posits that despite battlefield losses and Western sanctions, Putin has maintained domestic support and resilience — leading to a prolonged but stable war stalemate, with no quick resolution in sight.

Read More 16 min read

Image for Targeting Churches: Waging War on Culture

Targeting Churches: Waging War on Culture

By Emily Fisher Gray

This historical exploration shows how combatants have frequently attacked religious buildings—dating from the Thirty Years’ War to Soviet-era destruction in Ukraine—as acts of cultural warfare. The rebuilding of churches often lags behind other civil structures, reflecting long-term scars.

Read More 6 min read