Salo Appointed Research Fellow for Modern War Institute and JSOU Programs
JONESBORO – One of Arkansas State University’s faculty members in history has received two prestigious appointments for conducting specialized military research.
The Modern War Institute at West Point selected Dr. Ed Salo, associate professor of history, as one of 11 research fellows for its 2023–24 class.
In addition, the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., has appointed Salo to serve as a non-resident research fellow.
“I am honored and excited to have been selected for these fellowships and I look forward to working with different cohorts,” Salo said. “I think it is important to use the lens of history to examine modern issues related to our national security. While the past does not repeat itself, we can use the lessons of the past to help guide our actions and learn lessons.”
One of the roles of the research fellows is to help enhance the rigor of the institute’s research program, contribute to MWI publications, and participate in MWI programming and events.
Salo described the anticipated scope of his research work, which may include guest lectures, working on panel discussions, and assisting with the Modern War conference that is hosted at West Point.
"I will be examining the weaponization of heritage as part of irregular war as well as historical examination of contested logistics and how that can help the U.S. in future military operations,” he continued. “We can see that the Russians have been trying to use misinterpretations of heritage to undermine Ukrainian claims of a national history, and I believe this weaponization of heritage will continue in future military operations, and we must be ready to counter them.”
Salo also is assistant chair for the Department of History and associate director of the Heritage Studies Ph.D. program.
A spokesman for The Modern War Institute (MWI) noted, “Those we selected as research fellows demonstrated both impressive accomplishments and a strong desire to contribute to improving our understanding of issues related to modern war.”
The MWI was established in 2015 by the U.S. Military Academy superintendent as a center of excellence. It promoted informed debate and discussion among military and national security professionals, policymakers and academics to advance the study of war.
One of the roles of the research fellows is to help enhance the rigor of the institute’s research program, contribute to MWI publications, and participate in MWI programming and events.
At the JSOU, Salo may develop and deliver a course, publish research through the JSOU Press or comparable publication, or moderate a panel in support of a JSOU or JSOU-affiliated event.
One of the benefits to the non-resident fellows is the opportunity to benefit from the immersion in issues relevant to the future of military Special Operations, facilitated by the association with JSOU.
