In this episode, we explore how Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Julius Caesar, Richard III, and Coriolanus offer surprising insights into the psychology and strategy of irregular warfare. From narrative control to the weaponization of public sentiment, Shakespeare’s dramas reveal how legitimacy, loyalty, and perception shape modern conflict more than firepower ever could.

In this episode, we explore Martin Laryš’ Rebel Militias in Eastern Ukraine: From Leaderless Rebellion to Proxy Army. The discussion unpacks how Russia leveraged local militias in the Donbas through principal–agent dynamics, exposing the risks, costs, and fragmentation that shaped the early Russo-Ukrainian War. We examine how weak social ties, decentralization, and opportunistic leadership contributed to the conflict’s volatility and what these lessons reveal about the future of proxy warfare.

The War in Ukraine has transformed how nations fight. This episode explores how the U.S. can apply those lessons through the Military Personnel Exchange Program (MPEP), leveraging Ukrainian combat experience to modernize American doctrine and strengthen interoperability for future conflicts.

In this episode, we explore how “failure bias” has influenced U.S. Air Force decisions for decades, leading to the neglect of successful air advisory missions that advanced American strategic interests—from the Philippines to Afghanistan—and what lessons should guide future engagement with allies and partners.

This episode explores Hezbollah’s evolving information warfare strategy in the wake of October 7. Drawing on interviews with cyber operatives and experts, it reveals how the group is rebuilding its digital arsenal through AI, cyber operations, and psychological tactics while contending with Israel’s superior technology and intelligence capabilities.

This episode explores Israel’s irregular warfare paradox—how its precise operations in Iran contrast sharply with its brutal campaign in Gaza. Through analysis of recent conflicts, shifting U.S. support, and expert commentary, we examine how these dual strategies threaten Israel’s security and global standing.

This episode examines Operation Spider Web, Ukraine’s drone strike on Russian bases, and the lessons it offers for imposing strategic costs on China using drones and AI-enabled conventional weapons.

This episode explores how the indigenous approach in Special Operations Forces can be maximized through secondment. Learn how embedding SOF with Indo-Pacific partners builds trust, frustrates Chinese influence, and strengthens U.S. alliances.