The Aspen Institute Kyiv held a Community Dialogue: “Legions and Drones: Is the Nature of War Changing? A Dialogue with Caesar”

On April 30, Aspen Institute Kyiv Community members participated in an online dialogue titled “Legions and Drones: Is the Nature of War Changing? A Dialogue with Caesar”. The discussion was based on Gaius Julius Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic War.

Here are a few insights from the conversation:

• Logistics remains fundamental. Caesar’s success was rooted not only in weaponry but in precise planning. Participants emphasized that logistics is present in every battle and is a decisive factor.
• Geography was another key theme. It can go unnoticed in peacetime — in war, it becomes critical. Terrain, rivers, and strategic nodes mattered in 58 BC and still matter in 2025.
• The power of morale. Caesar led by example, inspiring his troops with tactics, presence, and conviction. Leadership, participants noted, is also about offering hope.
• Negotiation: tool or trap? Participants discussed how negotiations can serve diplomacy and deception, drawing parallels with contemporary global dynamics and the caution required to choose allies.
• Technology is reshaping warfare — from legions to drones. But what remains unchanged is the importance of people. One of the key takeaways was that the values and meaning behind why people fight can matter more than the number of weapons.

The dialogue concluded with a powerful insight: while the means and pace of warfare evolve, the core drivers — strategy, leadership, human resilience — remain unchanged. By reading Caesar, we reflect on our present conflicts and draw strength to confront the challenges of our time.

Andriy Kulakov, Program Coordinator of the Aspen Institute Kyiv Community, moderated the seminar. We thank all participants for their thoughtful contributions and active engagement in this vital conversation.