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
Combatting Russian Lawfare with a Cognitive Shield
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 unpersuasive in a legal sense and widely condemned by the international legal
Twelve Essential Irregular Warfare Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List
Spring buds may have only just started to sprout, but with Memorial Day behind us, it’s officially summer. As you prepare for some well-deserved R&R, the Irregular Warfare Initiative has you covered with some stellar summer reading recommendations. And what pairs better with relaxation than diving
From the Editor: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Coming off its fourth anniversary, the Irregular Warfare Initiative (IWI) proudly announces a series of internal promotions, new members to the team, and sends off two of its own. IWI’s leadership includes scholars and practitioners within the irregular warfare space. Grateful for the contributions of * Jennifer Walters who served
D-Day's Bodyguard of Lies: Intelligence and Deception in Normandy
https://irregularwarfareinsider.podbean.com/e/d-day-s-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
Secret Cyber Wars: Why States Are Increasingly Turning to Economic Espionage and How Cyber Proxies Play a Key Role
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, and help influence the future of proxies and partners. Please
Drones, Automation, and how ARSOF is Adapting
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
Israel, Iran, and the Failure of Irregular (and Conventional) Warfare in Gaza
On April 1, 2024, an Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus killed several Iranian military advisors, including a senior revolutionary guards commander. The world awaited Iran’s response and feared the worst. About two weeks later on April 13, Iran launched a barrage of missiles, rockets, and drones
From the Shadows to the Social Sphere: Ukraine’s Strategy of Engagement
Conventional wisdom suggests intelligence services should maintain a discreet profile to avoid drawing undue attention to the secretive nature of their work. However, 'Intelligence Laboratory Express,' a Russian journal focused on intelligence studies, recently spotlighted Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) as an exception. It portrayed HUR as
The Failure of Israel’s “Strategy” in Gaza Continues
Despite decades of demonstrated failure of military operations to achieve Israeli security, Israel continues to prioritize use of its military in its conflict with the Palestinians rather than pursue political processes—such as negotiations, mediation, conciliation, or concessions—that have a chance to achieve peace. The Palestinians’ lack of self-
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