MWI Book Club

Latest Episodes:

Hadji Murat Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

A venerable critic called it "the best story in the world." It is also these days among the most forgotten. Join cohosts Theo Lipsky and John Amble as they break down the story, the meaning, and the lessons of Leo Tolstoy's late-in-life masterpiece about counterinsurgency, Hadji Murat.

The Forever War Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

In 1974, a young Vietnam veteran wrote a science fiction novel about the future of warfare. The novel changed science fiction forever. But more than a half century later, can The Forever War still teach us about war and leadership? Join MWI Book Club cohosts John Amble and Theo Lipsky as they look for answers in the novel's plot and its depiction of military technology—from artificial intelligence to unmanned systems to personnel management.

Defeat Into Victory Aug 01, 2026

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In 1942, the Japanese Army dealt the Allies a humiliating defeat in Burma. By 1945, the British 14th Army—a formation of such low priority its soldiers called it the Forgotten Army—had retaken the country. How did this extraordinary reversal happen? Join MWI Book Club cohosts John Amble and Theo Lipsky as they look for answers in the memoir of the officer who led Allied troops through it all. His name was Field Marshal William Slim, and his memoir is called Defeat into Victory. Don't hesitate to let us know what you think of the Burma Campaign, Slim's leadership, and what books you'd like us to read next.

The Caine Mutiny Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the MWI Book Club, a podcast dedicated to the proposition that a military that reads books is a military that wins wars. This first episode considers a classic of World War II fiction—Herman Wouk's Pulitzer Prize–winning bestseller, The Caine Mutiny. Join cohosts John Amble and Theo Lipsky as they consider what The Caine Mutiny can teach us today about the meaning of command, loyalty, and military service. Don't hesitate to let us know what you think and what books you'd like us to read and discuss next.

Introducing the MWI Book Club Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the MWI Book Club, a new podcast from the Modern War Institute at West Point. The podcast is based on a simple premise—that an army that reads is a better prepared, more effective, and more lethal fighting force. In each episode, the show's hosts choose one book—fiction or nonfiction, new or old, cult classic or bestseller—and extract its lessons for modern warfighters.

Military reading lists tell you what to read. The MWI Book Club helps you get the most out of each book.

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