In commemorating the outbreak of World War I, we explore the breakdown of diplomacy that preceded the "war to end all wars" and apply those lessons to today's challenges. Geoffrey Wawro, professor of history and director of the Military History Center at the University of North Texas, is the author of A Mad Catastrophe: The Outbreak of World War I and the Collapse of the Habsburg Empire. Veteran diplomat Chas Freeman, a former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia and assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, is the author of Arts of Power: Statecraft and Diplomacy. Moderated by Ian Masters, journalist, author, screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, and radio host.

Hammer Forum is made possible in part by Bronya and Andrew Galef.