4/18/24 Bill Buppert on the Threat of Terrorist Attacks after October 7 and the Changing Nature of Warfare
Apr 23, 2024
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Bill Buppert, Fellow for Military Affairs at the Libertarian Institute, chats with Scott about stoicism, potential terrorist attacks in America, warfare evolution, changing alliances, and the ongoing slaughter in Gaza. They also touch on drone technology, domestic insurgency, extremist threats, and the historical implications of conflicts.
Stoicism guides decision-making and inner peace in face of challenges.
Middle Eastern conflicts fueled by oral history and generational memory.
Technological advancements reshape warfare towards precision and autonomy.
Deep dives
Honor at the Libertarian Institute
Being named the Smiddly D Butler Fellow at the Libertarian Institute is an honor for Bill Bupurt, host of the Chasing Ghosts podcast. His military background, ranging from the US Navy to the US Army, provides a valuable perspective for discussing libertarian ideals.
Stoicism: A Moral Guide
Stoicism, as highlighted by Bill Bupurt, emphasizes doing the right thing and maintaining inner serenity in the face of challenges. It serves as a moral and spiritual guide for him and his family, influencing their approach to life and decision-making.
Moral Injury and Stoicism
Moral injury, a component of post-war struggles, is mitigated by stoicism for Bill Bupurt. His adherence to stoic principles alongside his autistic nature contributes to maintaining inner peace and controlling negative emotions, aiding in coping with past military experiences.
The Impact of Oral History and Memory in Middle Eastern Conflict
In the Middle East, the significance of oral history and familial memory plays a crucial role in fueling conflicts. Despite lower literacy rates in comparison to the West, Middle Eastern societies possess strong oral generational histories. Their collective memory retains incidents of dishonor or harm, instigating retaliation that can span generations. The familial and clan ties prevalent in Middle Eastern cultures amplify the lasting impact of perceived injustices, creating a sense of duty to address dishonors and seeking retribution. This oral tradition of remembrance shapes the enduring conflict narratives in the region.
Evolution of Warfare through Technological Advancements and Strategic Shifts
Recent global conflicts highlight a transformative shift in warfare dynamics driven by technological advancements. The integration of drones, autonomous targeting systems, and hypersonic munitions mark a revolutionary era in military affairs, overshadowing traditional tools like tanks and combat aircraft. The role of robotics and hypersonics reshapes combat strategies, emphasizing the importance of adaptable and nimble warfare tactics over conventional force projections. This shift underscores a fundamental transformation in the nature of warfare toward precision, autonomous, and technology-driven engagements.
Scott interviews Bill Buppert, the new Smedley D. Butler Fellow for Military Affairs at the Libertarian Institute, about some of the topics he’s covered on his podcast, Chasing Ghosts. They discuss stoicism, Scott’s concern about a bin Ladenite terrorist attack happening in America, the ongoing slaughter in Gaza, the changing nature of warfare and more.
Bill Buppert is the Smedley D. Butler Fellow for Military Affairs at the Libertarian Institute and host of Chasing Ghosts: An Irregular Warfare Podcast. He served in the military for nearly a quarter century and was a combat tourist in a number of neo-imperialist shit-pits planet-wide. He can be found on Twitter at @wbuppert and reached via email at cgpodcast@pm.me.