The Voices of War

Vedran ’Maz’ Maslic
The Voices of War

‘The Voices Of War’ is guided by a simple vision—to scratch below the simple narratives of war. To do this, I speak with refugees, soldiers, negotiators, academics, development workers, and anyone else whose life has been shaped by war, be they a survivor, a perpetrator, a mediator, a student, or a healer of it. Ultimately, I want to make it lucid that neither war nor peace is a foregone conclusion. Both are a product of upstream causes that make one or the other more likely. Understanding and embracing this fact is critical when trying to find moral and ethical solutions to our many local, regional, and global challenges. ----- The project, ’The Voices of War’, aims to challenge the traditional narratives of war by giving a voice to those who have experienced its complexities firsthand. These voices come from a diverse group of individuals, including refugees, soldiers, negotiators, academics, development workers, and anyone else whose life has been impacted by war. Through these interviews, I hope to shed light on the complex causes of conflict and the multifaceted experiences of those caught in the crossfire. War and peace are not predetermined outcomes. Rather, they are the result of a range of political, economic, social, and cultural factors. By exploring the root causes of conflict, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of war and the factors that contribute to it. One of the key themes that emerges from the interviews is the human toll of war. From the trauma experienced by refugees to the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers, the voices of war offer a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and communities. At the same time, however, the voices of war also offer hope and resilience. Despite the devastating effects of conflict, many of those I spoke with have found ways to heal, rebuild, and move forward. Whether through professional engagement, volunteering, community building, or simply persevering in the face of adversity, these individuals serve as a source of inspiration for us all. Ultimately, ’The Voices of War’ seeks to challenge the dominant narratives of conflict and offer a more nuanced understanding of its complexities. By amplifying the voices of those who have explored its complexities in one way or another, I hope to contribute to a more informed and empathetic conversation about the causes and consequences of conflict.

  1. JUL 4

    86. Professor Christopher Coyne - Monsters, Empires, and Illusions of Peace: Navigating the Perils of American Interventionism

    Today, I spoke with Dr Christopher Coyne, who is a Professor of Economics at George Mason University and the Associate Director of the F. A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the Mercatus Center. He is the author of five books and numerous academic articles, book chapters, and policy studies. He joins me today to discuss his latest book, In Search of Monsters to Destroy: The Folly of American Empire and the Paths to Peace (2022), which is a pragmatic and unashamedly critical appraisal of American foreign policy. Some of the things we talked about are: Chris’ background and entry into academia and How and why training in economics shaped Chris’ worldview Importance of understanding incentives and their power An argument against the concept of a 'Hobbesian world' Definition of the American Empire and its governance of 'dominion' Dangers of crony capitalism and its ties to the Military Industrial Complex Issues with broken or non-existent chains of accountability Concerns surrounding the 'revolving door' principle Origins of US militarism and the Permanent War Economy Military Keynesianism and the 'Iron Triangle' Limitations and unintended consequences of American interventionism Unpredictability of complex systems Impact of technological advances and the shift from 'defence' to 'offence' Exploring alternatives to war Previous episodes that address similar topics and were referenced in this discussion include: Samuel Moyn - On ‘Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War‘ Marc Garlasco - War through the eyes of a Pentagon Chief of High Value Targeting Amos Fox - Beyond the illusion of manoeuvre: Navigating the clash between intentions and reality in modern warfare

    1h 30m
  2. APR 30

    111. Lest We Forget: Our Duty Is Not To The People with David McBride

    David McBride, a retired Major and former legal officer in the Australian Army, discusses his actions of leaking information to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that ultimately led to the exposure of alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. David highlights the political manipulation of the war narrative and emphasises the need for clear rules of engagement. David became disillusioned with the Australian military's handling of war crimes and the seeming politicisation of the war in Afghanistan. He observed a lack of proper investigations into war crimes and a focus on appearances rather than effectiveness. McBride suspected that the Australian government was trying to cover up war crimes to maintain their alliance with the US.  David decided to take action and expose the political games played by leaking classified documents to the media. David McBride discusses his career and the challenges he faced when he discovered evidence of mishandling of allegations by Defence and political seniors. He highlights the lack of accountability and poor leadership within the military, and the difficulty he faced in trying to bring attention to these issues. McBride emphasises the need for a fair trial and public support to address the systemic problems within the military. He also shares his thoughts on ANZAC Day and the importance of genuine care for veterans.Key Takeaways David McBride, a former legal officer in the Australian Army, leaked information about alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. He highlights the excessive investigation of special forces soldiers and the political manipulation of the war narrative. McBride emphasises the need for clear rules of engagement and the importance of holding soldiers accountable for their actions. He also discusses how the Australian military mishandled war crimes and prioritised appearances over justice. The government may have tried to cover up war crimes to maintain their alliance with the US. David McBride took action by leaking classified documents to expose political games. The military leadership needs to be held accountable for potential war crimes and poor leadership. There is a need for a fair trial and public support to address systemic problems within the military. ANZAC Day should be a day of genuine care for veterans, not just political window dressing. Chapters03:00 Uncovering Alleged War Crimes 12:01 The Power of Narratives 35:46 The Australian Military's Mishandling of War Crimes 01:02:06 David McBride's Whistleblowing and Exposing the Truth 01:12:22 The Problem Starts at the Top 01:21:09 The Need for Accountability and Leadership 01:32:11 The Legal Dilemma

    1h 40m
  3. APR 23

    110. 🎙 AI's Impact on Massive Death Toll in Gaza with Meron Rapoport

    Summary The conversation with Meron Rapoport, an Israeli journalist, focuses on the use of AI in Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza. The investigation reveals that an AI machine, called Lavender, was used to create a list of targets, resulting in a high death toll and destruction. The conversation covers the level of involvement in the investigation, the role of military censorship in Israel, the surprise at the article passing censorship, and the lack of awareness about this process globally. The main themes include the technological side of AI in warfare, the use of private homes as targets, the collateral damage caused, and the allocation of munitions based on target importance. The conversation explores the principal themes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the trauma experienced by Jewish Israelis, the goals of the Israeli military campaign, the impact on the Gaza population, the lack of reporting in Israel, and the long-term consequences for Israeli society. The conversation also touches on the use of AI technology in warfare and the potential dangers it poses. The main takeaways include the need for a political solution, the fear and insecurity felt by Jewish Israelis, and the importance of understanding the human cost of the conflict.   Keywords AI, Israel, Gaza, bombing campaign, investigation, military censorship, surprise, technological side, private homes, collateral damage, munitions, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, trauma, military campaign, Gaza, reporting, AI technology, political solution, fear, insecurity, human cost Takeaways AI was used in Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza, resulting in a high death toll and destruction. The military censorship in Israel requires approval for any information related to the army, leading to self-censorship and limited dialogue. The use of private homes as targets and the high collateral damage raises ethical concerns. The allocation of munitions based on target importance shows a pragmatic and systematic approach to warfare. The trauma experienced by Jewish Israelis is a significant aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The goals of the Israeli military campaign include destroying Hamas and making life in Gaza impossible. There is limited reporting on the conflict in Israel, leading to a lack of awareness of the human and infrastructure costs in Gaza. The use of AI technology in warfare raises ethical concerns and can lead to large-scale destruction. A political solution is necessary to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure long-term peace.

    1h 15m
  4. APR 19

    109. Chris Gunness: Israel's Opposition to UNRWA and the Campaign to Delegitimise the Organisation

    Chris Gunness discusses the role and mandate of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, and the challenges it faces amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He highlights the size and scope of UNRWA's operations, providing education, healthcare, and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Chris also addresses the historical context of the Palestinian refugee crisis and the failure to find a durable solution. He explores the motivations behind Israel's opposition to UNRWA and its campaign to delegitimise the organisation. The conversation delves into the impact of the information war and the desensitisation of the Israeli population to the suffering of Palestinians. The conversation then delves into the impact of the smear campaign against UNRWA, the role of media in shaping narratives, and the asymmetry in the information war. We discuss the systematic efforts to dismantle UNRWA and the consequences of its defunding. The conversation also explores the enduring impact of the recent events in Gaza on geopolitics and the potential for a just and durable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.KeywordsUNRWA, Palestine, refugees, Gaza, genocide, humanitarian, Israel, mandate, education, healthcare, social services, history, right of return, durable solution, occupation, genocide, asymmetry, information war, desensitisation, UNRWA, smear campaign, media, information war, defunding, humanitarian organisations, Gaza, geopolitics, Israeli-Palestinian conflictKey Takeaways• UNRWA is a massive organisation that provides education, healthcare, and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.• The Palestinian refugee crisis is a result of the 1948 Middle East War and the failure to find a durable solution, including the right of return for refugees.• Israel opposes UNRWA and seeks to delegitimise the organisation due to its fear of a demographic shift and the potential loss of a Jewish majority.• The information war and asymmetry in power contribute to the desensitisation of the Israeli population to the suffering of Palestinians.• The international community must read and understand the history and context of the conflict to challenge false narratives and work towards a just and lasting solution. The smear campaign against UNRWA and the defunding of humanitarian organisations have had a significant impact on their operations and reputation.• The asymmetry in the information war, with right-wing Zionists dominating the narrative, has hindered the dissemination of accurate information.• The recent events in Gaza have further damaged the prospects for a just and durable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.• The enduring impact of the events in Gaza includes a loss of faith in international law and a potential increase in regional instability.• There is a need for independent investigations and accountability for the crimes committed during the recent conflict.

    1h 10m
  5. 12/29/2023

    107. 2023 Wrap-Up: A Year of Insight and Inquiry

    As 2023 draws to a close, I want to take a moment in this special year-end episode to reflect on the enlightening journey we've embarked on together through 'The Voices Of War.' This year, we’ve traversed a wide array of topics, spanning more than 35 hours of interviews across 26 episodes, reaching over 100,000 downloads, and connecting with listeners in more than 150 countries.   Our conversations have taken us deep into the heart of current global conflicts, including the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, where we've attempted to unravel the complex layers of these protracted struggles. We've dived into the dark waters of radicalisation, seeking to understand the roots and paths that lead individuals down this route. We explored the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence and its ethical implications in both civilian life and warfare, highlighting how technology is reshaping the character of war, if not its nature. We've grappled with the ethics of war, questioning the moral dilemmas faced by those on the front lines and the decision-makers behind them. We delved into war’s impact on mental health, and the unseen scars it leaves on individuals and societies, offering a sombre yet necessary reflection on the unspoken costs of conflict. We’ve looked at dehumanisation, the impact of information on our behaviour and we explored how our desire for status makes us vulnerable to exploitation. All these topics sought to contribute to the same goal—to scratch below the simple narratives of war, that dominate our mainstream and social media channels.    Lastly, as I prepare for my transition from the Army to civilian life (a surprise to some but not to others), these conversations have certainly enriched my perspective on the world we live in. I hope they have done the same for you. Thank you for joining me on this journey and here's to continuing our quest for nuance and depth in 2024.   #TheVoicesOfWar #2023WrapUp #Podcast #Reflections #GlobalConversations #WarAndPeace

    14 min
  6. 12/03/2023

    106. Jason Pack – Aspirations of Peace in the Middle East: A Deep Dive into Regional Dynamics and the Global Enduring Disorder

    Today, I spoke with Jason Pack, author of the acclaimed book ‘Libya and the Global Enduring Disorder’, and a recognised expert on the Middle East. Jason also hosts the excellent Disorder podcast and serves as a senior analyst for emerging challenges at the NATO college in Rome. With over two decades of research in the Middle East, Jason brings a unique perspective to understanding the complexities of the region’s geopolitics. This is Jason’s second appearance on the show. We first spoke back in May of 22, in Episode 55. That time, we explored Jason’s excellent book and his concept of the Global Enduring Disorder. You can listen to that episode here. Today, Jason joins me to discuss the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East, how it relates to the idea of the Global Enduring Disorder and what we might need to consider when looking for an enduring and just peace in the region. 00:00 Introduction to Jason Pack Jason discusses his background and the relevance of his work in current global affairs. Jason shares his transition from studying to focusing on Middle East geopolitics post-9/11, including his experiences in Beirut, Egypt, Syria, and Libya. 06:20 The Concept of Global Enduring Disorder and Orderers vs Disorderers Jason explains his concept of 'Global Enduring Disorder', contrasting the current global landscape with the past, focusing on the shift from order to disorder. Jason proposes a perspective to view global politics as a struggle between forces of order and disorder, expanding beyond traditional ideological divides. 13:15 The Impact of American Foreign Policy in the Middle East An Analysis of the influence and consequences of American hegemony in the Middle East, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. 15:15 Interconnected Global Conflicts Jason discusses how various global conflicts, including the Israel-Palestine issue, are interconnected and influence each other. Exploring the involvement of Russia and Iran in fostering global disorder, including their potential roles in the Israel-Palestine conflict. 23:05 The Three Blocks of Middle East Geopolitics Jason categorises the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape into three distinct groups, focusing on their respective roles and alliances. 25:56 The Pivotal Role of Qatar in Middle Eastern Peace Jason discusses Qatar's unique position in the Middle East and its potential role in bringing peace and stability to the region. 33:15 The Middle East Peace Process: A New Approach Exploring a novel approach to the Middle East peace process, involving regional players and addressing underlying causes. 39:10 Addressing Root Causes of the Israel-Palestine Conflict Discussion about the necessity of addressing the underlying causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict, including the creation of a Palestinian state and the role of external influences. 42:15 The Complexity of the Israel-Gaza Conflict in Global Perception Jason delves into the reasons behind the global attention on the Israel-Gaza conflict, highlighting the unique position of Jews and Israel in global dynamics and the disproportionate global response to the conflict. 52:38 The Potential of Qatar in Resolving Middle East Conflicts Jason reiterates the strategic importance of Qatar in bringing peace to the region, emphasising its unique position as a mediator among various conflicting parties. 55:09 The Influence of Gulf States in Global and Regional Politics Jason discusses the growing influence of Gulf states like the UAE and Qatar in global and regional politics, highlighting their roles in funding, cultural influence, and diplomacy. 01:02:14 Closing Thoughts: Challenges and Hope for Middle East Peace Jason concludes with his thoughts on the ongoing challenges in achieving peace in the Middle East and the potential for a new approach involving Gulf states to bring stability to the region. Resources: The Road to Middle East Peace Runs Through Doha, Foreign Policy: https://foreignpolicy.

    1h 9m
  7. 11/24/2023

    105. Professor Greg Barton - Terrorism, Jihadism, and Violent Extremism: Exploring the Roots and Impacts of Radicalisation

    Today, I spoke with Professor Greg Barton, a prominent Australian academic with a distinguished career specialising in global Islamic politics and countering violent extremism. His expertise, particularly in the realm of Islamic thought, positions him as a leading authority on issues of terrorism, extremism, and the development of effective interventions. Author of several influential articles and books, Professor Barton offering deep insights into the convergence of religion, politics, and societal challenges.   This is Greg’s second appearance on the show. Last time he joined me was on Episode 81, where we discussed the process of radicalisation generally. On that occasion, we used the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Covid pandemic as well as far fight extremism as the vehicle for our discussion. Today, Greg joins me for a follow-up with a particular focus on the events unfolding in the Middle East and their impact globally.    Main topics we covered include:   0:00 Introduction to Professor Greg Barton: A brief introduction to the episode and Professor Barton's background in global Islamic politics and countering violent extremism.   5:52 Deliberate Provocation by Hamas: Analysis of Hamas' tactics in Gaza and their global impact, including use by extremist groups for support generation.   8:10 Waning global support for Israel: An assessment of how global support for Israel might be shifting in the face of their response to the October 7th attack.   16:43 International Humanitarian Law: A reflection on Israeli application of the laws of war on their military operations in Gaza   23:42 Jihadism vs. Islamism: Clarifying the Concepts: A discussion aimed at differentiating between Jihadism and Islamism, with a focus on Hamas.   39:06 Decoding the Radicalisation Process: Exploring the 'triple P model' of radicalisation and how individuals are drawn to extremist ideologies.   44:08 Battle for Hearts and Minds: An analysis of the likely impacts of current military actions in Gaza on future cycles of violence.   53:34 Radicalisation at scale: A reflection on the ongoing global polarisation via mainstream and social media   57:25 Human Nature and Extremism: Emphasising the inherent potential for good in human beings and how this can be leveraged to counteract extremist ideologies.   1:08:20 Greg’s biggest concern: A reflection on how the current situation can descend into an even greater calamity.    Professor Barton's insights offer a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics of global Islamic politics, terrorism, and the ongoing challenges in countering violent extremism. His unique perspective combines academic rigour with a deep understanding of the human elements at play in these critical global issues. I hope you get as much out of this conversation as I have.    Resources: •           You can listen to Greg’s previous episode here. •           You can view my short reflection on the current situation here.   Finally, don't forget to review, rate, and share The Voices of War to help us continue exploring the complex narratives of war. To comment or take the conversation further, please connect with us here:   https://www.thevoicesofwar.com  https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/thevoicesofwar https://au.linkedin.com/company/the-voices-of-war https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/thevoicesofwar

    1h 12m
4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

‘The Voices Of War’ is guided by a simple vision—to scratch below the simple narratives of war. To do this, I speak with refugees, soldiers, negotiators, academics, development workers, and anyone else whose life has been shaped by war, be they a survivor, a perpetrator, a mediator, a student, or a healer of it. Ultimately, I want to make it lucid that neither war nor peace is a foregone conclusion. Both are a product of upstream causes that make one or the other more likely. Understanding and embracing this fact is critical when trying to find moral and ethical solutions to our many local, regional, and global challenges. ----- The project, ’The Voices of War’, aims to challenge the traditional narratives of war by giving a voice to those who have experienced its complexities firsthand. These voices come from a diverse group of individuals, including refugees, soldiers, negotiators, academics, development workers, and anyone else whose life has been impacted by war. Through these interviews, I hope to shed light on the complex causes of conflict and the multifaceted experiences of those caught in the crossfire. War and peace are not predetermined outcomes. Rather, they are the result of a range of political, economic, social, and cultural factors. By exploring the root causes of conflict, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of war and the factors that contribute to it. One of the key themes that emerges from the interviews is the human toll of war. From the trauma experienced by refugees to the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers, the voices of war offer a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and communities. At the same time, however, the voices of war also offer hope and resilience. Despite the devastating effects of conflict, many of those I spoke with have found ways to heal, rebuild, and move forward. Whether through professional engagement, volunteering, community building, or simply persevering in the face of adversity, these individuals serve as a source of inspiration for us all. Ultimately, ’The Voices of War’ seeks to challenge the dominant narratives of conflict and offer a more nuanced understanding of its complexities. By amplifying the voices of those who have explored its complexities in one way or another, I hope to contribute to a more informed and empathetic conversation about the causes and consequences of conflict.

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