Articles
Our articles cut through the noise on irregular warfare to connect strategic theory to operational reality and translate complexity into insight for practitioners and policymakers. No time to read? Check out our podcast, "Insider: Short of War," which transforms our articles into concise, engaging audio pieces you can listen to anywhere. Available directly in most of our articles and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.
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 of insurgency itself. From the bustling streets
Resilience and Resistance Post-Raisi: A Data-Centric Approach to Iran
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 Leader Khamenei’s enforcer in consolidating the clerics’ power through the
Cyber Attacks in Perspective: Cutting Through the Hyperbole
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
Chinese Unconventional Threats in the Era of Great Power Competition
Would China ever take a page from Iran’s playbook and cultivate relationships with violent extremist organizations (VEOs)? Despite its seeming improbability, the increasingly assertive actions of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Southeast Asia raise this compelling question. This article explores when, where, and how the PRC
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
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
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