Podcasts
The "Irregular Warfare Podcast" is the flagship program of the Irregular Warfare Initiative—and where it all started. Each episode brings together leading practitioners and scholars to unpack the complexities of modern competition, from proxy conflicts and statecraft to technology, economics, influence, and resilience. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms.
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
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
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
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
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
Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of Ex-Combatants
Episode 101 examines the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants. Our guests begin by introducing the concept of DDR and discussing how the DDR process plays a role in preventing the recurrence of conflict. They then discuss some common challenges of implementing and monitoring DDR efforts, providing some real-world
Secret Wars: Covert Action and Irregular Warfare
In Episode 100 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast, we delve into the world of covert operations. Our guests begin by defining covert and clandestine operations, shedding light on their intricacies and historical significance. They then discuss the complexities of clandestine activities, and address the difficulties associated with translating irregular warfare
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.
Armed Politics
Episode 97 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast focuses on a theory of armed politics as proposed by General Sir Nick Carter. We recorded this episode in late spring of last year during one of General Carter’s visits to Stanford University as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow. Our guests begin by
Bridging the gap between irregular warfare scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.