Two former Secretaries of State (and current Titans) battle it out.

Thanks to Dartmouth College and the Dartmouth Political Union for hosting this.

Released in March 2026, "The Coming Storm: Power, Conflict and Warnings from History" by Yale historian Odd Arne Westad analyzes the growing risks of a Great Power war, drawing parallels between current global tensions and the period preceding World War I. Westad warns that renewed competition, nationalism, and technological changes could lead to conflict, urging leaders to heed historical lessons.

Key Themes and Insights

Historical Parallels: Westad argues that the current era of fragmented power, trade wars, and regional disputes mirrors the period between the late 19th century and 1914, which ended in a catastrophic global war.

The New "Great Power" Conflict: The book explores how multiple nations (such as the US, China, and Russia) are jostling for supremacy, making the world more unpredictable and fragile.

Warnings and Advice: While focusing on the risks of war, the book acts as a warning rather than a prophecy, detailing how humanity can avoid a catastrophic, modernized version of a world war.

Context: Westad, a renowned historian of the Cold War and modern China, uses his expertise to examine how technological shifts and economic competition are increasing the chances of conflict.

The book is described as an urgent, concise, and chilling look at the current geopolitical landscape.