Ben Jebb
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
Irregular Warfare at Sea: The Cod Wars and Sea Shepherd
This week’s episode of the Irregular Warfare Podcast features our Maritime Irregular Warfare (IW) Special Project by examining two case studies of IW at sea. Our guests begin by discussing the Cod Wars, which was a protracted maritime conflict between Iceland and the United Kingdom. They then explore how
Subversion: The Strategic Weaponization of Narratives
This week’s episode of the Irregular Warfare Podcast examines how states weaponize strategic narratives to control the information space and achieve their interests. Our guests begin by addressing how recent changes in the information environment have enabled revisionist states to wage information warfare. They then talk about how states
The Prisoner’s Dilemma: Hostage Diplomacy 101
This week’s episode of the Irregular Warfare Podcast examines how states use hostages and hostage diplomacy to achieve their interests. Our guests begin by addressing why states and non-state actors engage in hostage taking, as opposed to relying on other, more traditional instruments of power. They then talk about
Securing the Cyber Domain: Exploring Cyber Policy in the Department of Defense
Episode 81 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast is our third installment of the IWI Project on Cyber where we look at how the Department of Defense handles Cyber policy and strategy. Our guests take a holistic look at the nation's different Cyber Policies and Strategy and how they
The Merits—And Pitfalls—Of Fighting “By, With, And Through” A Partner Force
This week’s episode of the Irregular Warfare Podcast examines the US military’s “by, with and through” approach while working alongside Iraqi security forces in Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). Our guests begin by examining the geopolitical trends that led to America’s reengagement in Iraq in the mid-2010s. They
The Cyber-SOF-Space Triad and the Future of Army Special Operations
Episode 78 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast explores the evolution of Army special operations forces (ARSOF) and the ways that ARSOF can contribute to future irregular warfare campaigns around the world. Our guests begin by addressing current geopolitical trends and future threats to the United States and its allies. They
Bridging the gap between irregular warfare scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.