Insider: Short of War

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.

This episode explores “security hybridization,” a growing global trend where states engage both the U.S. and China for different types of security support. We examine how this dual cooperation shapes policy, highlights contrasting approaches to internal versus external threats, and raises implications for practitioners working in irregular warfare and security force assistance.

In this episode, we explore how disjointed Army Security Cooperation efforts—across SFABs, ARSOF, and SPP—are missing the mark. From command silos to overlapping missions, we unpack why better coordination is critical to building lasting partnerships and deterring adversaries. Learn about three powerful structural fixes that could unleash the full potential of the Army’s global engagements.

This episode explores Finland's struggle against escalating hybrid threats, including Russian GPS jamming, disinformation, and democratic vulnerabilities. Tune in for insights on national resilience, freedom of expression, and what other NATO countries can learn from Finland’s evolving security landscape.

In this episode, we examine overlooked amphibious and riverine operations in irregular warfare, from French Indochina to modern Syria. Discover how waterborne missions have shaped—and continue to shape—conflict across centuries and why Western militaries must rethink their force design assumptions.

In this episode, we dive into the Norwegian resistance during WWII—its clandestine operations, intelligence networks, and the heroic efforts that helped shape the war’s outcome. Join us as we explore the impact of SOE, SIS, and key figures like Colin Gubbins in countering German occupation.

In this episode, we explore how Harriet Tubman’s intelligence work and her leadership in the Combahee River Raid reflect the core principles of U.S. special operations. From building networks to achieving political goals through force, Tubman’s legacy offers valuable lessons for today’s military strategies.

Explore how the PRC Grand Strategy AI model ("PRC-StrateGPT") uses artificial intelligence to decode Chinese strategy, with a case study of the Solomon Islands' geopolitical shift.

In this episode, we delve into the UK's evolving cyber power strategy, examining its cybersecurity policies, role in Great Power Competition, and approach to responsible cyber influence. From resilience to offensive cyber operations, we break down the nation's vision for digital sovereignty and global leadership in cyberspace.

In this episode, we examine how the collapse of Assad’s regime in Syria is disrupting Iran’s irregular warfare strategy, weakening Hezbollah, and reshaping power dynamics across the Middle East.

The US is falling behind China in naval power, making conventional deterrence strategies for Taiwan ineffective. In this episode, we explore an alternative military approach—one that sidesteps China's naval dominance and strengthens deterrence through irregular warfare and strategic presence. Tune in to understand why a new US military strategy for Taiwan is critical for maintaining regional stability.

In this episode, we explore Ukrainian SEAD operations and their impact on modern warfare. Learn how Ukrainian special operations forces have successfully targeted Russian air defenses and what this means for the future of U.S. and NATO SOF. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of tactics, strategies, and lessons from the frontlines.