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Join the contestInteresting from the European point of view on "Why I Choose a Gun". No Ted talks on the individual rights to own a weapon?While not a movie or a book, more material is showing up on TED Talks. Here are some interesting, short lectures on subjects related to war.
TED Talks – Related to War and Conflict
“TED is a non-profit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.” See the main URL address [ https://www.ted.com/talks ]for other talks on a very wide range of topics. [CEF Study Group – Jan 2019]
Why I Choose a Gun – General Peter Van Uhm
Peter van Uhm is the Netherlands' chief of defense, but that does not mean he is pro-war. In this talk, he explains how his career is one shaped by a love of peace, not a desire for bloodshed -- and why we need armies if we want peace. [CEF Study Group – Jan 2019]
https://www.ted.com/talks/peter_van_uhm_why_i_chose_a_gun?language=en
Let’s Rethink America’s Military Strategy – Thomas Barrett
In this bracingly honest talk, international security strategist Thomas Barnett outlines a post-Cold War solution for the foundering U.S. military that is both sensible and breathtaking in its simplicity: Break it in two. Very interesting commentary – recommended for everyone.
https://www.ted.com/talks/thomas_barnett_draws_a_new_map_for_peace?referrer=playlist-war_stories
What I Saw in the War - Reporter Janine di Giovanni
Reporter Janine di Giovanni has been to the worst places on Earth to bring back stories from Bosnia, Sierra Leone and most recently Syria. She tells stories of human moments within large conflicts -- and explores that shocking transition when a familiar city street becomes a bombed-out battleground.
https://www.ted.com/talks/janine_di_giovanni_what_i_saw_in_the_war?referrer=playlist-war_stories
There Are No Scraps of Men - Alberto Cairo
Alberto Cairo's clinics in Afghanistan used to close down during active fighting. Now, they stay open. In this powerful talk, Cairo tells the moving story of why -- and how he found humanity and dignity in the midst of war.
https://www.ted.com/talks/alberto_c...men?referrer=playlist-war_stories&language=en
Better to have a broader perspective than the reverse.
I did check google for TED talks on the 2Amend and here it is but I warn anyone not to view this garbage if you have high blood pressure.This TED talk by Chief of Defence for the Netherlands provides some insight into one of the military Allied countries in Western Europe. It is important to have a perspective broader than your own region or country. Gun ownership in the Netherlands is rather limited - he is explaining to a conference why firearms are necessary for peace. You should search the TED website for background into the original intent of the US 2nd Amendment and its present interpretation - there may be a talk on this item.
The world economy is increasingly integrated by multi-national corporations and also by military defence treaties. Whereas, the United States dominated the global economy in 1960 with 44 percent of the world GDP – as of 2018 the rest of world economies have achieved greater autonomy – the USA GDP is now about 22 percent of the global GDP and trending down slowly. This in itself, provides more trading partners for the USA.
Therefore, understanding the perspectives of other countries is an important strategic initiative - for both economic and military reasons.
Seems like a really genuine dude to boot. He’s made a fan out of me for sure.yep they are pretty good reads
Has anybody here read the Jack Carr books? Normally something I’d avoid, but they’re pretty solid. Carr is a former SEAL and his real-world experience shines through in his fiction.
I read them back to back to back and definitely wanted more once I finished. I was hesitant at first.. I’m a big reader and fiction written by a former seal normally wouldn’t fair too well, but man they had me hooked!Yep, I've read them all, and I anxiously await the next one. Great stories. One of my favorite authors.
I’ll look into those; thanks!Kyle Swanson series by Sgt. Jack Coughlin (USMC) or his autobiography.
Thanks! I love some good nonfiction!Here are a couple great ones in a non-fiction American history vein:
A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn - the Last Great Battle of the American West, James Donovan
Nothing Like It In The World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869, Stephen Ambrose
This is on my list as well. There is a program (blanking on the name) that pairs former mil dogs with former mil handlers and they kind of help one another with their ptsd. Pretty cool.Just finished No Ordinary Dog. Saw it recommended on here and it was a good read. Dog and handler were both bad asses. The end is pretty sad for the dog and handler both. This is another book that exposes how hard that war can be on people. I would have never imagined that a dog could have severe ptsd. God bless the warriors that help keep us safe.
Just started "Can't hurt me" by David Groggins. Pretty good so far. Like a book, interview and podcast in one.
About Face by David Hackworth
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
All three I deeply enjoyed and learned valuable perspective from.
yeah. found a 3 year old thread, I know. Neal Stephenson is top-5 for me, at least until I got to the Quicksilver trilogy. Snow Crash is epic, but Cryptonomicon is the best. Lots of real WWII nerd history in there mixed in with the story.On a bit of a more arcane note and one that had a great influence on some of my career decisions... any other fans of "Snow Crash" here?
Cheers,
Sirhr
My 2 cents:
As much as I loved the Vince Flynn books, I think Brad Taylor's Pike Logan series is better. Brad Thor books rank third in my mind. I didn't discover Brad Taylor until just recently and I don't know how I overlooked such a good writer that also gets all the gun stuff right.
Avoid Ben Coes if you like technical accuracy. The guy is a complete idiot that does zero research for his novels.
Unintended Consequences by John Ross is a must read for any gun geek.
Stephen Hunter's Swagger books are good, but I think his earlier works are better than the later stuff. (I haven't read G-man yet.)