The Fourth Age: The SOCOM Commander's Vision for the Future
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
Training for Victory: Lessons for Security Force Assistance
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
Paramilitaries Abroad: China’s Use of Nontraditional Security Forces
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
Lessons from the Eastern Front: Security Force Assistance in Ukraine
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
Strategic Disruption by Special Operations Forces
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 bring
The Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space
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
Stay Behind Operations
Photo obtained on Flickr, courtesy of Cassowary Colorizations.
The Stability Instability Paradox: How Nuclear Weapons Incentivize Irregular Warfare
This week’s episode delves into the 1999 Kargil Conflict, exploring the intricate dynamics of the India-Pakistan rivalry and the impact of nuclear weapons on conflict below the threshold of open war. Our guests kick off by exploring the regional security dynamics germane to South Asia. They delve into the
Active Defense: China’s Military Strategy Since 1949
This week’s episode of the Irregular Warfare Podcast examines the historical arc of Chinese Military Strategy from 1949 until today. Our guests begin by explaining how the Chinese military’s revolutionary roots have influenced its strategy over the last century. They then address how technological innovations, changes in the
IW Lessons from Gaza: Lawfare, Humanitarian Crises, and Urban Combat
Episode 93 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast examines irregular warfare in the Gaza Strip and Israel. Our guests begin by delving into Hamas and its hybrid strategy in Gaza before addressing Israel’s traditional counterterrorism approach in the Middle East. They then discuss the risks associated with an invasion of
Bridging the gap between irregular warfare scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.
