In the Room with Peter Bergen
How to Beat the Russian Army
Dec 5, 2023
The podcast explores the achievements of Mike Vickers as the strategist who drove the Russian army out of Afghanistan, and discusses strategies for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. It also delves into the challenges of arming Ukraine and the concept of under reach in decision-making.
31:45
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Quick takeaways
- Providing the right mix of weapons, ammunition, and strategies, such as the introduction of the Stinger anti-aircraft missile, can be a game-changer in driving an invading force out of a country.
- To successfully defend Ukraine against a conventional war, they need longer-range missile artillery, more ammunition, and most importantly, air superiority, which requires a comprehensive mix of capabilities strategically employed.
Deep dives
The Strategic Architect of the Covert Afghan War
Mike Vickers, a brainy weapons expert, played a major role in the covert war in Afghanistan. As the CIA's Ace in the Hole, Vickers developed a precise blueprint for driving the Russian army out of Afghanistan in the 1980s. He focused on providing the Afghan resistance with the right mix of weapons, ammunition, and strategies. One of the game-changers was the introduction of the American-made Stinger anti-aircraft missile, which neutralized Soviet air power and ultimately led to the Russian withdrawal. Vickers' insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for understanding modern conflicts such as the current situation in Ukraine.
