Best Irregular Warfare Initiative Podcasts (2025)

1
The Fourth Age: The SOCOM Commander's Vision for the Future 58:45

5d ago58:45

58:45

Episode 124 explores the evolution and future of Special Operations Forces (SOF) through the lens of "The Fourth Age," a work of fictional intelligence examining future SOF capabilities and missions. Our guests discuss how SOF has evolved through distinct eras since World War II and examine how emerging technologies and domains will shape special o…

1
To Beat China’s Navy to the Punch, Defend Forward in Taiwan 13:11

7d ago13:11

13:11

The US is falling behind China in naval power, making conventional deterrence strategies for Taiwan ineffective. In this episode, we explore an alternative military approach—one that sidesteps China's naval dominance and strengthens deterrence through irregular warfare and strategic presence. Tune in to understand why a new US military strategy for…

1
Lessons from the Frontlines: Ukrainian SEAD Operations and Their Implications for Western Special Operations Forces 16:00

13d ago16:00

16:00

In this episode, we explore Ukrainian SEAD operations and their impact on modern warfare. Learn how Ukrainian special operations forces have successfully targeted Russian air defenses and what this means for the future of U.S. and NATO SOF. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of tactics, strategies, and lessons from the frontlines.…

1
Dominating Conflict’s Leading Edge: Five Principles for an Assertive Irregular Warfare Doctrine 11:45

14d ago11:45

11:45

In today’s episode, we delve deep into the complexities of irregular warfare in the modern geopolitical landscape. With global tensions on the rise, from the Syrian conflict to the shifting power dynamics in Ukraine and beyond, this episode explores the need for an adaptive and layered U.S. strategy to navigate the "gray zone" of conflict. From pro…

1
Enhancing USSOF Capacity to Foster Resistance: Aligning Authorities and Resources to Win the Gray Zone 13:12

20d ago13:12

13:12

n this episode, we dive into the evolving role of U.S. Special Operations Forces (USSOF) in Irregular Warfare (IW) and their growing impact on gray zone conflicts. USSOF’s adaptability, specialized skills, and focus on building resilient partnerships have made them pivotal in shaping regions and preempting threats—especially in conflicts like the o…

101
Training for Victory: Lessons for Security Force Assistance 47:38

21d ago47:38

47:38

Episode 123 explores the critical role of security force assistance (SFA) and identifies the key factors that influence the effectiveness of building foreign armies. Our guests start by situating SFA within the broader context of Washington’s national security strategy. They then analyze the variables that impact the success of security assistance,…

1
How to Counter Russian Occupation: Building Multinational Resistance Networks Before a Crisis 14:01

22d ago14:01

14:01

In this episode, we delve into the historical and modern strategies for countering Russian occupation. From the guerrilla tactics of the Forest Brothers to lessons drawn from Ukraine's resistance, discover how multinational cooperation, emerging technologies, and pre-crisis planning can strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. Learn why resilience, innovat…

1
The Necessary Evolution of U.S. Grand Strategy: Learning from the Past to Address Modern Challenges in the Era of Strategic Competition 17:13

27d ago17:13

17:13

The Necessary Evolution of U.S. Grand Strategy: Learning from the Past to Address Modern Challenges in the Era of Strategic Competition by Doug Livermore In an era of increasing global complexity and competition, the United States faces unprecedented challenges that require a fundamental reassessment of its grand strategy. As defined by Sir Basil L…

1
A New Playbook for Irregular Warfare: How the United States Can Win Without Fighting 13:50

29d ago13:50

13:50

During the final stretch of the 2024 American presidential election, the Department of Justice seized 32 web domains linked to ‘Doppelganger,’ an aggressive Russian disinformation campaign to influence American voters. Meanwhile, China has continued to exploit the US sanctions regime to promote its own currency, the renminbi, as a viable alternativ…

1
Assembling the A-Team: Creating an Interagency Office to Counter Irregular Warfare 12:22

1M ago12:22

12:22

Irregular warfare is a nebulous term that very much resembles the polycephalic hydra of Greek mythology. The manipulation of international law and norms to secure regional hegemony, use of unmarked soldiers and equipment to occupy the territory of another nation, highly violent transnational militia and terror networks, recurring cyberattacks, thre…

1
Theory vs. Practice: What is Irregular War? 51:37

1M ago51:37

51:37

Episode 122 examines a unique theory on Irregular War that challenges both historical and contemporary frameworks on the topic. The guests conduct an in-depth discussion and debate over the complexities of Irregular War and its implications for the U.S. in future conflicts throughout the globe. Our guests define and discuss the various terminology …

1
Ethics, Integrity, and the Toll of Modern Irregular Warfare: A Conversation with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Dave Philipps 20:28

1M ago20:28

20:28

This episode is part of Project Maritime, which explores modern challenges and opportunities in the maritime dimension at the intersection of irregular warfare and strategic competition. We warmly invite your participation and engagement as we embark on this project. Please send submissions with the subject line “Project Maritime Submission” and fo…

1
Irregular Warfare in 2024: Lessons Learned, Paths Forward 23:11

2M ago23:11

23:11

by: Guido Torres, Executive Director of IWI January 2nd, 2025 The global security environment in 2024 proved as unpredictable as ever—yet, beneath the headlines, several clear themes and patterns emerged. A review of our articles published throughout the year reveals deeper insights into how irregular warfare is evolving across multiple fronts, fro…

1
Below the Threshold: China's Strategy of Armed Coercion 45:49

2M ago45:49

45:49

Episode 121 explores China's use of armed coercion and its implications for irregular warfare with James Siebens and Jimmy Wang. Our guests begin by examining how China employs both military and paramilitary forces to advance its territorial claims in disputed areas. They then discuss how psychological warfare, lawfare, and maritime operations inte…

1
Culture, Access, Influence: The FAO Advantage in Irregular Warfare 55:50

2M ago55:50

55:50

Episode 120 explores the critical role of Foreign Area Officers (FAOs) in irregular warfare and strategic competition with Mike Burgoyne and Jim Marckwardt. Our guests examine the foundational aspects of the FAO program and its evolution, highlighting how FAOs serve as "Pentagon diplomats" maintaining critical defense relationships worldwide. They …

1
Sneaky Wars in the Indo-Pacific 52:20

3M ago52:20

52:20

Episode 119 discusses irregular warfare in the Indo-Pacific with Dr. Sean McFate, and COL Ed Croot. Our guests discuss the evolving landscape of irregular warfare. They critique the conventional vs. irregular warfare paradigm, introduce the concept of 'sneaky war,' and explore the importance of unconventional strategies in countering global adversa…

1
Money Talks and Hunger Walks: Buying Down State-Actor Influence Risk 16:45

3M ago16:45

16:45

by Tom Johansmeyer, a PhD candidate in international conflict analysis at the University of Kent. When natural disasters strike, foreign actors often exploit food insecurity to spread disinformation and influence vulnerable populations. In this episode, Tom Johansmeyer proposes an innovative solution: parametric insurance that provides rapid econom…

1
The Day After Nasrallah: Succession and Strategic Opportunities 16:32

3M ago16:32

16:32

by Alexandra Veyne, the Chief Human Resources Officer of the Irregular Warfare Initiative. In this analysis of Hezbollah's leadership crisis, Alexandra Veyne examines the strategic implications of Hassan Nasrallah's elimination and his successor Naim Qassem's appointment. She argues that Qassem's lack of charisma and weaker leadership profile could…

1
SOF’s Role in Conflict 51:20

3M ago51:20

51:20

Episode 118 focuses on SOF in Conflict. The podcast falls within the SOF Special Project. Contact Director SOF Adam Darnley-Stuart to join the team. Episode 118 of the Irregular Warfare podcast explores the definitions of conflict and SOFs value proposition to the joint force. Our guests discuss the unique capabilities and humans required to build …

1
Beyond Binaries: Cyber Force Generation and the SOCOM-like Model 20:40

3M ago20:40

20:40

This article is part of Project Cyber, which explores and characterizes the myriad threats facing the United States and its allies in cyberspace, the information environment, and conventional and irregular spaces. Please contact us if you would like to propose an article, podcast, or event environment. We invite you to contribute to the discussion,…

1
“I Want to Live”: Psychological Warfare for the Modern Era 17:21

4M ago17:21

17:21

Peter Schrijver is a Ph.D. researcher affiliated with the Netherlands Defence Academy. His academic interests focus on Ukraine’s operations in the information environment. This essay analyzes Ukraine's "I Want to Live" project, a modern psychological operations (PSYOP) campaign that uses smartphones and social media to encourage Russian soldiers to…

1
Adapting to the Unpredictable: Climate’s Impact on Irregular Warfare 51:36

4M ago51:36

51:36

Episode 117 examines the intersection of climate change, national security, and irregular warfare, with a particular focus on how environmental changes are reshaping global security challenges from the Arctic to the Pacific Islands. Our guests begin by exploring pivotal moments in the evolution of environmental security and its impact on national d…

1
Israel, Hezbollah, and Arab Hostility 18:28

4M ago18:28

18:28

by Amir Asmar, a former senior executive and Middle East analyst in the US Department of Defense. Amir Asmar examines Israel's latest military campaign in Lebanon against Hezbollah and what it reveals about the limitations of military solutions to fundamentally political problems. Drawing on decades of experience as a Middle East analyst, Asmar tra…

1
Ukraine’s Railway Wars: How to Sabotage Russian Military Logistics 9:50

4M ago9:50

9:50

by Doug Livermore the Director of Engagements for the Irregular Warfare Initiative. In this eye-opening analysis, Doug Livermore examines Ukraine's sophisticated sabotage campaign against Russia's railway infrastructure and its critical impact on the war effort. Drawing parallels to World War II resistance operations, the article details how Ukrain…

1
SOF and Influence Activities 44:34

4M ago44:34

44:34

Episode 116 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast explores the role of Special Operations Forces (SOF) in influence activities, featuring insights from Professor Martijn Kitson and Major General Ron Smits. The guests discuss the value proposition of SOF in influence operations, emphasizing their ability to integrate various capabilities for maximum effe…

1
Bridging the Gap: Why Conventional Forces Need Irregular Warfare Training 15:25

4M ago15:25

15:25

By Austin Wesley, a US Army officer. This essay argues that the US Army must break its cycle of neglecting irregular warfare (IW) by fully integrating IW concepts into its Professional Military Education (PME) for conventional forces. Drawing lessons from Vietnam and Iraq, the author demonstrates how the Army's focus on Large Scale Combat Operation…

1
Partners in Peril: Hybrid Threats Come for Jordan 20:37

4M ago20:37

20:37

By Anthony Marco a US Army officer and advisor to the Irregular Warfare Initiative's Proxies and Partners Special Project. This article is part of Project Proxies and Partners, which explores the promises and pitfalls of security cooperation in war, at peace, and in between. Anthony Marco examines the complex security challenges facing Jordan, a ke…

1
The Stability Instability Paradox: How Nuclear Weapons Incentivize Irregular Warfare 54:14

5M ago54:14

54:14

Disclaimer: Episode 115 is a re-release of our original Episode 96, which explored the 1999 Kargil Conflict and its implications for irregular warfare in South Asia. Due to an unfortunate data corruption issue with our original file, we are re-publishing this important discussion. The content remains as relevant and insightful as when it first aire…

1
Decapitating The Hydra: Iran’s Response Options To Israel’s Offensive 10:13

5M ago10:13

10:13

by Doug Livermore the Director of Engagements for the Irregular Warfare Initiative. This essay analyzes Israel's recent strikes against Iran's proxy forces, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. It examines the strategic implications of these operations, which have significantly degraded Tehran's regional influence network. The author explor…

1
Call for Submissions: Policy Recommendations for the New Administration 2:42

5M ago2:42

2:42

By Tobias Bernard Switzer, the Editorial Director of the Irregular Warfare Initiative When a new American president takes office on January 20th, they will confront a dangerous national security environment shaped by Irregular Warfare (IW) challenges. From cyber warfare and gray zone conflicts to terrorism and insurgency, these challenges demand im…

1
DIU: Silicon Valley Meets the Modern Battlefield 45:13

5M ago45:13

45:13

Episode 114 examines the formation of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and its mission to integrate Silicon Valley technology within the Department of Defense innovation sphere. The guests are the co-authors of Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley are Transforming the Future of War, which is the foundation for the conversation. Our guests b…

1
Boxing with Shadows: Drawbacks in US Counterstrategies Against the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Russian Wagner Group 20:18

5M ago20:18

20:18

by Dalton T. Fuss, a US Army Special Forces Officer, and Nakissa P. Jahanbani, a senior analyst at the Afghanistan War Commission, as a part of Project Proxies and Partners This essay examines the shortcomings in U.S. strategies against the Wagner Group and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It highlights two key issues: these groups'…

1
Shining a Light: Highlighting Successes in US Counterstrategies Against the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Russian Wagner Group 21:19

5M ago21:19

21:19

Shining a Light: Highlighting Successes in US Counterstrategies Against the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Russian Wagner Group by Dalton T. Fuss, a US Army Special Forces Officer, and Nakissa P. Jahanbani, a senior analyst at the Afghanistan War Commission, as a part of Project Proxies and Partners This essay, the first installment …

1
Autonomous Ghosts are Reshaping Irregular Warfare and Maritime Security 18:30

5M ago18:30

18:30

Autonomous Ghosts are Reshaping Irregular Warfare and Maritime Security by Laurel Baker the 2024 Rising Expert on Geostrategy in the Rising Experts Program at Young Professionals in Foreign Policy in collaboration with the Irregular Warfare Initiative's Project Maritime. Baker works for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory as a National Nuclea…

1
Uprooting the Enemy: A New Paradigm for Irregular Warfare Analysis 14:41

5M ago14:41

14:41

Uprooting the Enemy: A New Paradigm for Irregular Warfare Analysis by Nicholas Krohley founder of Frontline Advisory. This article and accompanying report are a part of Project SOF in Competition. The report titled Integrated Understanding: Re-Thinking the Human Environment of Military Operations, is the first of the Irregular Warfare Initiative's …

1
Afghanistan Three Years Later: Alliances and Rivalries 55:54

6M ago55:54

55:54

Episode 113 examines the challenges presented by the Islamic State Khorasan (ISK) in Afghanistan within the context of the three-year anniversary of U.S. withdrawal from the region. Our guests share their extensive backgrounds, research, and practical experience related to the emergence of ISK in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They define the current op…

1
Burma's Quest for Drone Supremacy: A Cautionary Tale 17:55

6M ago17:55

17:55

Burma's Quest for Drone Supremacy: A Cautionary Tale by Beau Chapman, Alexander Suster, and Steven Ahart from the University of Texas Austin's Global Disinformation Lab in collaboration with the Irregular Warfare Initiative's Project Air and Space Power. Burma's military junta, in its desperate bid to maintain power, has embarked on a complex and c…

1
Seize the Advantage: Three Models to Improve Security Cooperation Planning 14:50

6M ago14:50

14:50

Seize the Advantage: Three Models to Improve Security Cooperation Planning In this essay, James P. Micciche, a US Army Strategist, presents a comprehensive framework for improving security cooperation planning and execution in support of U.S. defense strategy. He proposes three interconnected models: one that emphasizes clearly defined objectives t…

1
The Peril of Ignoring the Legitimacy of Violent Non-State Actors 18:58

6M ago18:58

18:58

The Peril of Ignoring the Legitimacy of Violent Non-State Actors This episode explores the often-overlooked legitimacy of violent non-state actors and its implications for international security. We delve into how insurgent groups gain support from local populations and why current approaches to countering them often fall short. Our experts discuss…

1
The Cacti and the Grass: The Collapse of Afghanistan's Security Forces 16:50

6M ago16:50

16:50

By Antonio Salinas The Cacti and the Grass: The Collapse of Afghanistan's Security Forces Antonio Salinas offers a unique perspective on the collapse of the Afghan National Defense Security Forces (ANDSF) following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Through his "Cacti and Grass" analogy, Salinas illustrates how the U.S. attempted to cultivate a …

1
SOF in Competition - Special Project 51:41

6M ago51:41

51:41

Episode 112 is the launch podcast for the SOF in Competition Special Project. The Irregular Warfare Initiative proudly announces the SOF in Competition Project. The intent is to coalesce the community of SOF policy makers, researchers, and practitioners to understand the role of SOF in addressing contemporary and future national security challenges…

1
Irregular Warfare at Sea: Using Privateers To Seize Chinese Commerce 19:52

6M ago19:52

19:52

by Christopher Booth Editor’s Note I: This article is part of IWI’s Project Maritime, a series exploring the intersection of irregular warfare and the modern maritime dimension. Focusing on current events and their underlying geographical and historical patterns, we aim to contextualize the drivers of conflict in the maritime domain and inspire dia…

1
Do we need a Cyber Force? Part 2: Arguments Against a Seventh Service 50:52

6M ago50:52

50:52

Episode 111 examines the arguments against a United States Cyber Force. This episode is a two part series of Project Cyber that looks at the arguments for and against a Cyber Force. Our guests share their backgrounds and the history of the U.S. Cyber Command. They express their skepticism towards forming a new cyber force, advocating instead for co…

1
Eroding Global Stability: The Cybersecurity Strategies Of China, Russia, North Korea, And Iran 17:59

7M ago17:59

17:59

Eroding Global Stability: The Cybersecurity Strategies Of China, Russia, North Korea, And Iran In recent years, declarations like “no-limits partnership,” “comprehensive agreement,” and “security partnership” between the United States’ adversaries have become increasingly common. On May 16, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Communi…

1
Illicit Financing of Violence in Sudan 44:09

7M ago44:09

44:09

Episode 110 examines Illicit financing of violence in Sudan and Africa. Our guests begin by outlining definitions for licit and illicit networks in the context sponsoring proxies in and violence in Sudan. From there, they delve into how state actors use illicit networks to achieve objectives in competition. Finally, our guests offer insights to the…

1
Beijing's Long Game: Gray Zone Tactics in the Pacific 13:49

7M ago13:49

13:49

Beijing's Long Game: Gray Zone Tactics in the Pacific Published July 25th, 2024 By Brandon Tran “During the progress of hostilities, guerillas gradually develop into orthodox forces that operate in conjunction with other units of the regular army… There can be no doubt that the ultimate result of this will be victory.” -On Guerilla Warfare, by Mao …

1
Irregular Warfare in the 21st Century: Autocracy’s Global Playbook 15:14

7M ago15:14

15:14

Irregular Warfare in the 21st Century: Autocracy’s Global Playbook July 16, 2024 by Ania Zolyniak Anne Applebaum, Autocracy, Inc. The Dictators Who Want to Run the World, (Penguin Random House 2024) Irregular warfare (IW), often hailed as the oldest form of warfare, remains an enigma within the US defense apparatus and government at large. The Depa…

1
Do we need a Cyber Force? Part 1: Arguments for a Seventh Service 43:37

7M ago43:37

43:37

Episode 109 examines a recent report from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies on the arguments for a United States Cyber Force. This episode is a two part series of Project Cyber that looks at the arguments for and against a Cyber Force. Our guests delve into their long-standing experiences with U.S. Cyber Command and detail the current chall…

1
The Digital Battlefield: How Social Media is Reshaping Modern Insurgencies 13:41

8M ago13:41

13:41

The Digital Battlefield: How Social Media is Reshaping Modern Insurgencies In the past two decades, the landscape of insurgency has undergone a profound transformation, driven by the rise of social media and increased global connectivity. This digital revolution isn't just changing how insurgents communicate—it's fundamentally reshaping the nature …

1
Drones are Here to Stay: The Proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Systems Across the Spectrum of War 1:00:00

8M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Episode 108 examines the use of unmanned aerial systems across the spectrum of conflict. This episode is part of IWI’s special project, Project Air and Space Power. Our guests explore the use of the full range of UAS technology by both state and nonstate actors. They unpack the democratization of air power through the proliferation of small unmanne…

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