Best Irregular Warfare Initiative Podcasts (2024)

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

2h 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

15h 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

22m 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

14d 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

18d 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

13d 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

23d 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

24d 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…

101
SOF and Influence Activities 44:34

28d 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

1M 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

1M 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…

151
The Stability Instability Paradox: How Nuclear Weapons Incentivize Irregular Warfare 54:14

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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…

1
Resilience and Resistance Post-Raisi: A Data-Centric Approach to Iran 11:43

5M ago11:43

11:43

Resilience and Resistance Post-Raisi: A Data-Centric Approach to IranJune 27, 2024 By Dr. Robert S. Burrell and Dr. David R. DiOrio The sudden death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024, may provide an opportunity to usher in a new destiny for the Iranian people. Many considered the hard-liner to be the Supreme L…

1
Cyber Attacks in Perspective: Cutting Through the Hyperbole 17:32

5M ago17:32

17:32

Cyber Attacks in Perspective: Cutting Through the Hyperbole June 25, 2024 by Tom Johansmeyer This article is part of the Irregular Warfare Initiative's 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 c…

1
Chinese Unconventional Threats in the Era of Great Power Competition 17:55

5M ago17:55

17:55

Chinese Unconventional Threats in the Era of Great Power Competition https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/chinese-unconventional-threats-in-the-era-of-great-power-competition/ June 18, 2024 by Leo Matthews, Kevin Hoerold Would China ever take a page from Iran’s playbook and cultivate relationships with violent extremist organizations (VEOs)? Despi…

1
Combatting Russian Lawfare with a Cognitive Shield 10:16

5M ago10:16

10:16

https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/combatting-russian-lawfare-with-a-cognitive-shield/ June 13, 2024 by Armenak Ohanesian On February 24, 2022, Putin formally announced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In his remarks, Putin attempted to justify his actions in part by citing the UN Charter and the right to self-defense. Putin’s argument was unpersua…

1
Paramilitaries Abroad: China’s Use of Nontraditional Security Forces 54:15

5M ago54:15

54:15

Episode 107 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast examines how China uses its paramilitary and internal security forces to project power abroad and build global influence. Our guests begin by dissecting the Chinese security apparatus: contrasting the People’s Liberation Army with the CCP’s internal police forces and paramilitaries. They then explore how…

1
Secret Cyber Wars: Why States Are Increasingly Turning to Economic Espionage and How Cyber Proxies Play a Key Role 16:38

5M ago16:38

16:38

June 4, 2024 by William Akoto Original article published on the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website. Editor’s note: 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. We invite you to contribute to the discussion, explore the difficult questions…

1
D-Day’s Bodyguard of Lies: Intelligence and Deception in Normandy 17:39

6M ago17:39

17:39

June 6, 2024 by Jacob Ware, Sam Rosenberg https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/d-days-bodyguard-of-lies-intelligence-and-deception-in-normandy/ The heroes who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, eighty years ago today, faced a rainstorm of gunfire as they disembarked from their landing crafts. Over 4,000 lost their lives in the initia…

1
Drones, Automation, and how ARSOF is Adapting 51:00

6M ago51:00

51:00

Episode 106 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast examines how drones, robotics, and automation are changing the battlefield in Ukraine and how ARSOF has adapted. Our guests begin by outlining the significance of robotics and autonomous systems on the Ukrainian battlefield. From there, they delve into how US Special Operations formations are learning fr…

1
Lessons from the Eastern Front: Security Force Assistance in Ukraine 53:38

6M ago53:38

53:38

Episode 105 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast contrasts security force assistance (SFA) efforts in Ukraine and Afghanistan. Our guests begin by outlining the significance of security force assistance and its pivotal role in Washington’s wider national security strategy. From there, they delve into a detailed analysis of SFA in both Afghanistan and U…

1
Insiders, Outsiders and Enablers: Intelligence Support to Irregular Warfare 59:01

7M ago59:01

59:01

Episode 104 examines the role of intelligence professionals and agencies at the tactical and operational levels of irregular warfare while diving deeply into the links between US SOF and the CIA. Our guests begin with an overview of the history of the CIA and the development in intelligence capabilities throughout the Global War on Terror, and then…

1
Cold War Lessons for a New Era: Connecting IW and Great Power Competition 50:55

7M ago50:55

50:55

Episode 103 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast examines the role that irregular conflicts played during the Cold War to inform today’s era of strategic competition. Our guests begin by explaining how irregular conflicts and capabilities play a role in strategic competition, despite policy structures in Washington that often silo great power conflict …

1
Strategic Disruption by Special Operations Forces 51:51

8M ago51:51

51:51

Episode 102 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast examines how special operations forces can disrupt the strategic designs of Washington’s adversaries. Our guests begin with an in-depth discussion on civil-military relations, examining the relationship between SOL/IC and SOCOM. They then discuss the unique capabilities that special operations forces bri…

1
Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration of Ex-Combatants 55:37

8M ago55:37

55:37

In today's episode, we delve into the topic of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants. Our guests explore the theoretical underpinnings of DDR, the motivations behind individuals joining armed groups, and effective strategies for reintegrating former combatants back into society.…

1
Secret Wars: Covert Action and Irregular Warfare 54:30

9M ago54:30

54:30

In Episode 100 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast, we delve into the world of covert operations. Our guests begin by defining covert and clandestine operations, shedding light on their intricacies and historical significance. They then discuss the complexities of clandestine activities, and address the difficulties associated with translating irregul…

1
The Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space 53:25

9M ago53:25

53:25

Episode 99 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast takes us to the final frontier as we examine irregular warfare in space. Our guests begin by explaining the importance of the space domain in the private and public spheres. They then give us multiple frameworks for thinking about space by using more familiar, terrestrial-based concepts to enhance our und…

1
Stay Behind Operations 45:57

10M ago45:57

45:57

Episode 98 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast delves into resistance warfare—with a specific focus on stay behind operations. Our guests begin by contrasting conventional conflict with resistance warfare. They then discuss the utility of stay behind operations by examining how small states can impose outsized costs on occupying powers. More specifica…

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Irregular Warfare Initiative Podcasts

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