The Pete Quiñones Show Operation Gladio with Thomas777 - Complete
Sep 10, 2025
Thomas777, a radio host at Radio Free Chicago and author of 'Steelstorm,' dives deep into Operation Gladio and its complex legacy during the Cold War. He discusses Italy's strategic importance and the political chaos that ensued post-WWII, illuminating the rise of neo-fascist movements. The conversation covers asymmetrical warfare tactics used by NATO, public diplomacy efforts, and the covert operations that shaped European defense strategies. Thomas also explores the moral dilemmas faced during these clandestine military operations, providing a thought-provoking look at history's impact on today's political landscape.
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Episode notes
Cold War Changed The Moral Metric
- The Cold War created abnormal moral and operational conditions where political warfare blurred peace and war boundaries.
- Thomas777 argues Gladio must be judged within that wartime logic rather than as a standalone moral horror.
Counter‑Gang Doctrine Shaped Responses
- Frank Kitson's counter-gang doctrine shaped Western responses to insurgency by turning organic local militias into disciplined proxy forces.
- Thomas777 says this method was seen as more effective and morally preferable to indiscriminate heavy bombardment.
Gladio Was A Stay‑Behind Resistance Plan
- NATO planned stay‑behind networks to generate resistance if Warsaw Pact overran Europe during a rapid, catastrophic invasion.
- Gladio concealed arms caches, escape routes, and clandestine cells to let local insurgency re-emerge after occupation.
