Background:

Victor Davis Hanson is an American classicist, military historian, and conservative political commentator. He has been a commentator on modern and ancient warfare and contemporary politics for major media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, National Review, and The Washington Times. Hanson is a professor emeritus of classics at California State University, Fresno, and holds positions at the Hoover Institution and Hillsdale College. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2007 by President George W. Bush and served as a presidential appointee on the American Battle Monuments Commission.

Hanson's academic career includes launching a classical studies program at California State University, Fresno, and receiving the American Philological Association's Excellence in Teaching Award. He has held various fellowships and visiting professorships at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University and the Center for Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences. Hanson has also been involved with conservative think-tanks and private foundations, including the Claremont Institute and the Hoover Institution.

As a writer, Hanson has authored numerous books and articles on topics ranging from ancient Greek warfare to contemporary politics. His works include "Warfare and Agriculture," "The Western Way of War," and "Carnage and Culture," which explore the cultural and historical aspects of warfare. Hanson co-authored "Who Killed Homer?" with John Heath, addressing the decline of classical education in the US and its importance for understanding Western culture.

Politically, Hanson has been a registered member of the Democratic Party but is now a conservative who supported George W. Bush and Donald Trump. He has been described as a neoconservative for his views on the Iraq War and has written extensively on the need for moral clarity in identifying and combating evil. Hanson has also been a critic of President Barack Obama, particularly regarding his foreign policy decisions.

Hanson's cultural expertise is evident in his exploration of classical education and its significance for Western culture. In "Who Killed Homer?" Hanson and Heath argue that knowledge of classical Greece and Rome is essential for a full understanding of Western culture. They emphasize the importance of restoring classical education to its former prominence, as it provides valuable insights into the foundations of Western civilization. Hanson's works often highlight the cultural aspects of warfare, such as the influence of agrarian life on Greek warfare and the role of democratic values in military strategy.

Hanson's political expertise is demonstrated through his commentary on contemporary politics and his support for conservative policies. He has defended George W. Bush's policies, particularly the Iraq War, and has praised Donald Trump's approach to politics. Hanson has written extensively on the need for moral clarity in combating evil and has criticized the Obama administration for its foreign policy decisions. His works often reflect his conservative views and his belief in the importance of traditional values for the success of the country.

In summary, Victor Davis Hanson is a prominent figure in the fields of classics, military history, and conservative political commentary. His cultural expertise is evident in his exploration of classical education and its significance for Western culture, while his political expertise is demonstrated through his support for conservative policies and his commentary on contemporary politics.