UnArchived: Lessons From the Past

Economics

National Security

The UnArchived: Lessons from the Past video series explains why a given policy or strategy did or did not work. These short videos pair historical research with modern policy analysis to address the choices and challenges facing society today. Based on the work of Hoover fellows and the collections of the Library & Archives.

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Confronting a New Axis?

As a potential new Axis emerges through authoritarian China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, the United States must learn from World War II’s Axis Powers alliance to effectively counter this new coalition.

Proxy Wars

The United States must consider its historical proxy war successes and failures, finding itself in proxy war already in Ukraine and on the knife’s edge of two others in the Middle East and Taiwan.

Deterrence in Defense of Taiwan

As China looks to coercively bring Taiwan back under its control, the United States would do well to remember the foreign policy mistake that was the Acheson Line and the consequences of being non-committal to our allies.

Russian Way of War

For centuries, Russia has secured impossible victories through the sacrifice of endless blood and steel, relying on wars of attrition to overwhelm beleaguered opponents.

NATO's Enduring Value

NATO has proven its enduring necessity through unified support of Ukraine and its role in securing historic European peace.

For Higher Economic Growth, Cut Government Spending

Government spending surged during the pandemic, but has only slightly decreased, while the projected federal deficit continues to accumulate trillions in debt annually.

Preventing a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan

The historical use of defense treaties and clear lines of engagement provide a pathway for the United States to prevent a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

The Historical Guide to Dealing with Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine

Much like the Spanish Civil War, the invasion of Ukraine is a reminder that aggression is always lurking and must be deterred by forceful resistance.

The Ten Steps of Stagflation

America is experiencing a return of high inflation and uncertain economic growth. Could this be a sign of stagflation?

What Does it Mean to Fight a Just War?

Reports from the invasion of Ukraine strongly suggest that Russia and its leaders have committed war crimes against the Ukrainian people in defiance of international human rights standards.

The Fed Replays History: Lessons in Dealing with Inflation

The Federal Reserve has, at times, responded slowly to inflation, but a rules-based approach could prevent future mistakes.

Neutral No More: Why Sweden and Finland Are Joining NATO

Sweden and Finland are dropping their neutrality, joining NATO and returning to their historical opposition to Russia.

Second Fronts in Great-Power Conflicts

Deterring major conflicts or bringing them to a close often requires opening “second fronts” that dissipate an enemy’s strength.

Why Do Some Democracies Survive While Others Fail?

Democracies fail when their citizens are unable or unwilling to unite against leaders who break the law to stay in power.

Lessons from the Flat Tax

A flat tax has led to less tax avoidance and more revenue for countries whose governments have embraced it.

Lessons from the History of American Intelligence

America has always relied on intelligence operations to enhance its national security—starting with our Founding Fathers and the American Revolution.

The Danger of American Isolationism

Many Americans throughout history have favored an isolationist policy for the United States, but withdrawing from the world could have catastrophic consequences, both at home and abroad.

Stalin’s Crimes and Russia’s Future

Although Vladimir Putin seeks to rehabilitate Josef Stalin’s image to legitimize his agenda, we must not forget the terror that Stalin unleashed on Russia.

Credible Commitments: A Key to Economic Progress

England’s Glorious Revolution of 1688 demonstrates why countries that make a credible commitment to protect property rights ultimately prosper.

By Constitutional Design: The Electoral College

The Electoral College encourages presidential campaigns to appeal to moderate voters, not just their most avid supporters.

The Problem with Wage and Price Controls: Lessons from the 1970s

Artificially manipulating prices in order to solve political problems only leads to detrimental shortages, job losses, and other economic hardships.

Deterrence in Foreign Policy: Lessons From World War II

For deterrence to work, nations must have both the capability to exert force and the clear willingness to use it when needed.