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.
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
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
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
The Defense of Europe: The Trans-Atlantic Relationship After Two Years of War
Episode 94 examines the current state of European defense policy and the state of the trans-Altantic relationship after two years of war in Ukraine. This episode has been created in collaboration with Foreign Policy and the Foreign Policy Live podcast. Our guests begin by framing the current state of
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
Dealers and Brokers in Proxy Wars: Exploring All Means Available
Episode 92 examines conflict delegations and the roles of intermediary actors within proxy conflict. Our guests introduce the idea of intermediaries and pull from academic and practical experience to set the stage. Along with other historical examples, they examine the role Pakistan played as a key go-between from the
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
Gray Zone – Chinese Political Warfare
Episode 88 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast explores the Gray Zone through the lens of Chinese Political Warfare. Our guests begin by defining Chinese Political Warfare and how it differs from the Western approach to warfare. They then discuss examples of China’s information operations in the context of global
Bridging the gap between irregular warfare scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.
