Modern Applications of Xenophon’s Persian Expedition

The Institute of World Politics

This event is part of the Student Speaker Lecture Series and was recorded live at The Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C. on November 14, 2022. About the Lecture Navigating terrain is difficult. Navigating terrain in an unknown land, without a local guide, surrounded by hostile parties, in an arid climate, and dangerously low on supplies makes the journey significantly more perilous. However, the trek throughout these lands and the skills – both brain and brawn – needed to safely traverse a course back home requires unparalleled knowledge in how to adapt to and strategize for the usage of the geography around oneself. Utilizing the account of Xenophon’s, and his fellow Greek mercenaries’, trials throughout Anatolia and Mesopotamia at the turn of the 5th century B.C.E. helps illustrate the critical importance of geography. This talk looks at providing an analysis for an ancient account of strategy in unfamiliar territories to highlight those principles that transcend time and should be considered even in contemporary operations. About the Speaker Sean Honesty is an M.A. candidate in the Statecraft and National Security Affairs program with a concentration in Public Diplomacy and Strategic Influence. His primary interest of study centers around Mediterranean geopolitics, particularly concerning the cross-cultural challenges facing Europe and MENA, and their effects on U.S. national security considerations for the Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academic-programs/ Make a gift to IWP: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=18