101 episodes

The Irregular Warfare Podcast explores an important component of war throughout history. Small wars, drone strikes, special operations forces, counterterrorism, proxies—this podcast covers the full range of topics related to irregular war and features in-depth conversations with guests from the military, academia, and the policy community. The podcast is a collaboration between the Modern War Institute at West Point and Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project.

Irregular Warfare Podcast Ben Jebb

    • News
    • 4.8 • 352 Ratings

The Irregular Warfare Podcast explores an important component of war throughout history. Small wars, drone strikes, special operations forces, counterterrorism, proxies—this podcast covers the full range of topics related to irregular war and features in-depth conversations with guests from the military, academia, and the policy community. The podcast is a collaboration between the Modern War Institute at West Point and Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project.

    Secret Wars: Covert Action and Irregular Warfare

    Secret Wars: Covert Action and Irregular Warfare

    In Episode 100 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast, we delve into the world of covert operations.
    Our guests begin by defining covert and clandestine operations, shedding light on their intricacies and historical significance. They then discuss the complexities of clandestine activities, and address the difficulties associated with translating irregular warfare and covert operations into tangible policies.

    • 54 min
    The Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space

    The Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space

    Episode 99 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast takes us to the final frontier as we examine irregular warfare in space. 
    Our guests begin by explaining the importance of the space domain in the private and public spheres. They then give us multiple frameworks for thinking about space by using more familiar, terrestrial-based concepts to enhance our understanding of space competition. Finally, our guests conclude by contemplating how private industries could shape the space domain, and how U.S. policymakers should approach space-based deterrence.

    • 53 min
    Stay Behind Operations

    Stay Behind Operations

    Episode 98 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast delves into resistance warfare—with a specific focus on stay behind operations. 
     
    Our guests begin by contrasting conventional conflict with resistance warfare. They then discuss the utility of stay behind operations by examining how small states can impose outsized costs on occupying powers. More specifically, they address how distributed resistance elements can frustrate aggressive powers by operating behind enemy lines. Finally, they end by providing policymakers with a framework for crafting indigenous, stay behind forces in the digital age. 

    • 45 min
    Armed Politics

    Armed Politics

    Episode 97 of the Irregular Warfare Podcast focuses on a theory of armed politics as proposed by General Sir Nick Carter and Dr. Joe Felter. Our guests begin by describing the shifting landscape of the international order from the Cold War to today, and the resultant impact on alliances, partnerships, and competition across the globe.  General Carter proposes a theory that emphasizes the need for those engaged in war today to deeply understand every level of politics, as neglecting this understanding can have catastrophic effects.  Our guests reflect on the challenges of implementation, including tactical trade-offs and measuring effects.  They conclude by considering the impact of rapidly evolving technology on this theory of armed politics, as well as the roles of the United States and United Kingdom in a world faced with disarray.

    • 52 min
    Active Defense: China’s Military Strategy Since 1949

    Active Defense: China’s Military Strategy Since 1949

    Be sure to visit the Irregular Warfare Initiative website to see all of the new articles, podcast episodes, and other content the IWI team is publishing!
    How have the revolutionary roots of China’s military forces influenced Chinese military strategy? How has the doctrine of the People’s Liberation Army been influenced by global events, changes in the international system, and technological advancement? And what does China’s military strategy—shaped by all of these factors—look like today, particularly with respect to the flashpoints of Taiwan and the South China Sea? This episode features a discussion with retired Lieutenant General Charles W. Hooper and Professor M. Taylor Fravel, who join our hosts to explore the historical arc of contemporary Chinese military strategy since 1949.

    Intro music: "Unsilenced" by Ketsa
    Outro music: "Launch" by Ketsa
    CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

    • 50 min
    The Defense of Europe: The Trans-Atlantic Relationship after Two Years of War

    The Defense of Europe: The Trans-Atlantic Relationship after Two Years of War

    Be sure to visit the Irregular Warfare Initiative website to see all of the new articles, podcast episodes, and other content the IWI team is publishing!
    Nearly two years have passed since Russia invaded Ukraine. In the lead-up to the war, European states largely agreed on the importance of supporting Russia, but disagreed about the optimal form—and scale—of that support. In many ways, the invasion served an extraordinary unifying function within Europe and strengthened the trans-Atlantic alliance. But what is the state of those relations now? And where does European defense policy stand after two years of war? To explore those questions, we’re joined in this episode by Ravi Agrawal, editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy, and retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, the former commanding general of US Army Europe and coauthor of the book Future War and the Defence of Europe.

    Intro music: "Unsilenced" by Ketsa
    Outro music: "Launch" by Ketsa
    CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

    • 49 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
352 Ratings

352 Ratings

81hambo ,

Episode 100 is intense!

A no holds barred discussion that is illuminating and candid. Glad this got aired!

NickKol1975 ,

Insightful and concise

The level of conversation is great and depth of expertise of the participants comes across quickly.

spintrongalaxy ,

One of the Best

This podcast is straightforward. The guests are knowledgeable and thoughtful. The presentation is without extraneous nonsense. And the topics are important to understand the world we live in now, and what are the various scenarios for the future. Should be required listening by every government official as well as in schools.

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