Author Archive

James E. Wright

James Wright, a former Marine, is a historian and President Emeritus of Dartmouth College. His most recent book is "Enduring Vietnam: An American Generation and its War."
Ideas

The Election Without a Debate over War

We go to the polls without the candidates having exchanged meaningful thoughts about the American way of war — and what we might do differently.

  • James E. Wright
Ideas

Nixon’s Leniency After My Lai Hurt Veterans. Trump’s May, Too.

A president’s actions in 1971 helped turn public opinion against those who fought the Vietnam War.

  • James E. Wright
Ideas

The Real Lessons of Vietnam — and Afghanistan

As the Trump administration reshapes American strategy, they should look to history for guidance, yet understand that it offers no blueprint.

  • James E. Wright