Insiders, Outsiders and Enablers: Intelligence Support to Irregular Warfare
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
Arctic Defense: The US Needs Polar Special Operations Forces Aligned with the 5 SOF Truths
In 1935, General (Retired) William “Billy” Mitchell testified before a secret hearing of the House Military Affairs Committee. During that closed-door testimony, General Mitchell stated, “I believe that in the future, whoever holds Alaska will hold the world. I think it is the most important strategic place in the world.
Harnessing Insurgent and Narco-Criminal Drone Tactics for Special Operations
Editor’s note: This article is part of Project Air Power, which explores and advocates for the totality of air, aviation, and space power in irregular, hybrid, and gray-zone environments. We invite you to contribute to the discussion, explore the difficult questions, and help influence the future of air and
Proxy Wars from a Global Perspective: Non-State Actors and Armed Conflicts (Book Review)
Proxy Wars from a Global Perspective: Non-State Actors and Armed Conflict needs to be on the bookshelves at all military academies and special warfare centers across the world. The book advances the idea that definitions and understandings of proxy warfare from a bipolar era fail to explain the application of
Cold War Lessons for a New Era: Connecting IW and Great Power Competition
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
Unlawful Detention and Torture in Sudanese Conflict: Urgent Need for International Action
Sudan is embroiled in intense fighting between various parties, principally the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in mass displacement and civilian deaths. This conflict originated from a military coup in October 2021 led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, commander of the SAF. The coup
A DHS Office of Foreign Influence and Interference—Break Down Barriers to Protect US Democracy and Public Safety
The Internet drained the oceans protecting the US homeland and brought foreign threats to America’s borders in ways previously unimaginable. Foreign actors have taken advantage of this new technology to engage in ever more effective and corrosive propaganda campaigns designed to create and exacerbate extremism and division in the
Terrorists on the Rampage
The following is derived from “The Logic of Rampage Terrorism,” recently published in Studies in Conflict and Terrorism. The authors would like to thank Daniel Lebowitz, Jacob Ware, attendees of the 2023 U.S. Military Academy at West Point Security Seminar, and reviewers from Studies in Conflict and Terrorism for
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
Don’t Call it a Comeback: The Islamic State in an Age of Strategic Competition
The deadly assault by four alleged ISIS-affiliated gunmen at a Moscow concert on March 22nd returned international attention to the threats of global terrorist organizations. Taking the lives of at least 137 civilians, the shooting marked Russia’s worst terrorist attack in decades. ISIS-K—the Islamic State-Khorasan—claimed responsibility. The
Bridging the gap between irregular warfare scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.
