Revolution in Military Affairs
P.W. Singer and the Power of Useful Fiction
Dec 31, 2024
Peter Singer, an award-winning author and thought leader on future warfare, discusses the concept of 'useful fiction.' He emphasizes how storytelling can simplify complex military strategies and technologies, making them more relatable and actionable. Singer shares insights on the importance of grounding narratives in reality and how they've been applied in projects for NATO and U.S. Special Operations Command. The conversation touches on resistance to change within military institutions and the role of logistics in modern warfare, all delivered with humor and depth.
35:01
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Peter Singer illustrates how useful fiction blends storytelling with rigorous analysis to communicate complex military strategies effectively to diverse audiences.
- The podcast emphasizes that grounding narratives in reality ensures credibility and encourages military leaders to engage with plausible future scenarios and challenges.
Deep dives
Concept of Useful Fiction
Useful fiction blends nonfiction research and narrative storytelling to effectively communicate complex ideas regarding future conflicts and competition. By presenting critical insights within engaging stories, this approach allows audiences to absorb information more naturally compared to traditional academic texts. For instance, the method aims to overcome the inherent density of military doctrine papers by narrating scenarios that illustrate the principles involved in specific military strategies. This innovative approach enhances understanding and retention, making it easier for stakeholders to grasp the implications of various trends and strategies.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
