Insider: Short of War

In this episode, we explore Patrick Latham’s award-winning analysis on applying the Alaska Territorial Guard concept to Indo-Pacific irregular warfare. Learn how local knowledge, unconventional partnerships, and preemptive preparation can help U.S. allies strengthen resilience against modern threats.

This episode explores how Austronesian identity strengthens networked deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. From cultural exchanges to security cooperation, learn how heritage and trust can counter China’s gray zone strategies and build resilience among regional allies.

This episode explores how Dutch counterpiracy operations in colonial Indonesia shaped maritime strategy. We connect historical lessons to today’s challenges in piracy, irregular threats, and global shipping security.

This podcast explores the complex history of U.S.-Iranian irregular warfare. From the 1953 coup and Iranian Revolution to cyberattacks, proxy conflicts, and the twilight war, Dr. Lumpy Lumbaca examines how unconventional tactics shaped today’s geopolitical landscape.

This episode explores how North Korean irregular warfare could unfold in a dual contingency with China, threatening U.S., Japanese, and South Korean security. We discuss SOF tactics, sabotage scenarios, lessons from Ukraine, and why resilience must become a strategic priority.

This episode explores the future of combat electromagnetic warfare and why U.S. ground forces must modernize to meet the growing threat from Russia and China. From the lessons of the “Wild Bill” prototype to a reimagined CEWI 2.0, discover how spectrum dominance will define success in irregular and conventional conflicts.

In this episode, we explore how open-source intelligence (OSINT) is transforming global security. From Bellingcat’s investigations to the OSINT revolution, discover how non-state actors now challenge state dominance in intelligence, reshape irregular warfare, and shift the balance of information power.

Explore how Russia’s Shadow Fleet has evolved from a sanctions workaround into a weapon of irregular warfare. This podcast unpacks how aging, uninsured tankers exploit legal gaps to spread environmental risks, destabilize critical waterways, and challenge global maritime security. Learn why targeting the fleet’s enabling infrastructure—not just the ships themselves—is essential to restoring order at sea.

This episode examines the rise of local militias in Nigeria, their role in combating Boko Haram, and the risks of escalating violence and alternative governance.

In this episode, we explore why revitalizing the U.S.-Latin America strategic partnership is crucial for countering external influence, combating transnational crime, and strengthening democratic institutions across the region.

In this episode, we explore the future of Special Operations Forces, examining their potential roles in space and the Arctic. Learn how a Space Joint Terminal Attack Controller (SJTAC) and “reverse” security force assistance from Nordic allies could redefine NATO’s ability to fight and win in extreme environments.

In this episode, we explore how China’s expanding economic footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean is reshaping the region's sovereignty and strategy. From deepwater ports to vaccine diplomacy, we unpack the tactics behind Beijing’s influence and what policymakers can do to push back.

In this audio version, we examine how Hezbollah’s hybrid warfare model is unraveling under the strain of leadership loss, reduced Iranian support, political shifts in Lebanon, and exposure to illicit trade. The episode dissects how irregular warfare theory applies to Hezbollah’s relative decline and why this matters for global security.

This podcast episode explores how Sweden’s civil defense handbook and Latin America’s disaster response strategies reveal critical lessons in national crisis preparedness. From irregular warfare awareness to community-based drills, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in security, resilience, and public policy.

In this podcast episode, we explore the long history of airfield raids and drone warfare, pushing back against the notion that modern tech revolutionizes war. Drawing on examples from WWII to the war in Ukraine, this article-turned-audio examines why understanding historical context is essential for grasping today’s military dynamics.

In this episode, we explore how historical lessons from the Balkan wars can inform Ukraine’s struggle for peace amid Russia’s hybrid warfare. We break down why irregular warfare—not just legal agreements—must guide any future resolution, and what steps Ukraine and its allies can take to build lasting resilience and sovereignty.

This podcast explores why U.S. military advising missions succeed or fail, drawing on Frank Sobchak’s in-depth case studies from El Salvador to Afghanistan. We examine key variables such as advisor relationships, mission design, and institutional reform. Whether you're a policy expert or a military professional, this episode breaks down critical lessons for future advising efforts.