by Tom Johansmeyer, a PhD candidate in international conflict analysis at the University of Kent.

When natural disasters strike, foreign actors often exploit food insecurity to spread disinformation and influence vulnerable populations. In this episode, Tom Johansmeyer proposes an innovative solution: parametric insurance that provides rapid economic relief to affected communities. Learn how this financial tool could help counter foreign influence operations while delivering humanitarian aid to those who need it most.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official position of the Irregular Warfare Initiative, Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, the Modern War Institute at West Point, or the United States Government.

The essay can be found on the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website.

If you value reading the Irregular Warfare Initiative, please consider supporting our work. And for the best gear, check out the IWI store for mugs, coasters, apparel, and other items. Subscribe to this podcast and leave us a review.

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 contribute to the discussion, explore the difficult questions, and help.

This essay examines the debate around adopting a Special Operations Command (SOCOM)-like model for U.S. Cyber Command's force generation and recruitment needs. The authors argue that while senior military leaders frequently advocate for applying the SOCOM model to cyber forces, this recommendation is based on unexamined assumptions and may not address Cyber Command's unique challenges in recruiting, training, and retaining qualified personnel. The paper also challenges the perceived binary choice between adopting a SOCOM-like model or creating an independent cyber service, suggesting that a hybrid approach combining elements of both might be more effective. Ultimately, the authors call for more detailed analysis and planning before committing to any particular force generation model, emphasizing that Cyber Command needs to clearly define its goals and requirements in light of growing threats from adversaries like China.

The essay can be found on the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website.

If you value reading the Irregular Warfare Initiative, please consider supporting our work. And for the best gear, check out the IWI store for mugs, coasters, apparel, and other items. Subscribe to this podcast and leave us a review.

Until next time,

Keep Warfare Irregular