From LeMay to Trump: The Dangerous Persistence of a “Peace Through Strength” Mentality
The US military leader Curtis LeMay led air raids that killed hundreds of thousands of Japanese civilians in the final days of World War II. Despite this, he was honored by the Japanese government after the war. A literary scholar with a new book on LeMay highlights how his views on conflict remain relevant and threatening today.
About the Author and Translator
The translator is a scholar of American literature and a professor at Gakushūin University. They hold master’s degrees from the University of Tokyo and Brown University, and have translated works by top American authors such as The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
They are also the author of Tokyo daikūshū o shiki shita otoko Kātisu Rumei ([translate:Curtis LeMay: The Man Who Led the Great Tokyo Air Raid]), published in February 2025.
Curtis LeMay’s Role in World War II
Curtis LeMay (1906–90) oversaw numerous air raids on Japanese cities during World War II. Most notably, he commanded the March 10, 1945, Great Tokyo Air Raid, also known as Operation Meetinghouse, while serving as a major general in the United States Army Air Forces.
The Great Tokyo Air Raid claimed the lives of approximately 100,000 civilians and has been described as a genocidal act against the Japanese people.
Following the air raid, Tokyo was almost completely destroyed by fire.
Legacy and Modern Relevance
The mentality of “peace through strength,” exemplified by LeMay’s aggressive military strategy, continues to influence military and political thinking today, posing ongoing risks in international relations.
Author’s summary: Curtis LeMay’s wartime actions and the enduring "peace through strength" mindset reveal how past military doctrines still shape present global conflicts and diplomatic tensions.