War on the Rocks aims to re-center diverse voices in national and international strategic matters through intimate and community-building conversations.
High-quality articles on War on the Rocks prioritize authenticity and personal experiences to drive change in national security strategies and operations.
War on the Rocks has evolved from focusing on counterinsurgency to addressing broader security challenges, elevating discussions on military personnel matters for policy decisions.
Deep dives
The Inception of War on the Rocks
The idea for War on the Rocks originated in response to a lack of in-depth, educational content amidst the saturation of online articles during the clickbait revolution. The founder, inspired by meaningful discussions with experienced individuals, sought to re-center these voices for a broader audience. The name 'War on the Rocks' arose from a brainstorming session in London, combining the weightiness of war with the informality of conversations over drinks.
Community Building Through Intimate Conversations
The mission of War on the Rocks aimed to provide a platform for diverse voices, including lesser-known experts like majors and captains returning from war zones. By creating an intimate and community-building atmosphere akin to bar conversations, War on the Rocks encouraged participation from various individuals interested in national and international strategic matters. The engaging dialogue offered a unique space for sharing insights and perspectives.
Impactful Editorial Decisions
War on the Rocks focused on maintaining high-quality, argumentative articles to drive change in national security strategies and operations. The editorial team prioritized authenticity and credibility in articles, highlighting the importance of making compelling arguments based on personal experiences or gathered evidence. The platform facilitated discussions on critical military personnel issues, including reforms in key areas like recruitment and retention.
Evolution of the Strategic Conversation
Over the past decade, War on the Rocks witnessed shifts in strategic discourse, moving from a focus on counterinsurgency and special operations to addressing broader security challenges, including great power competition with countries like Russia and China. The platform played a significant role in elevating discussions on military personnel matters, revealing the impact of diverse voices and perspectives in shaping policy decisions. Despite ongoing disillusionment and cynicism, War on the Rocks aims to provoke a more constructive and informed strategic dialogue.
Future Plans and Institutionalization
As War on the Rocks celebrates its milestone anniversary, the focus shifts towards institutionalization and long-term sustainability. The founder envisions a future where the platform operates beyond individual leadership, aiming for continuity and expansion under new management. By transitioning towards institutionalization, War on the Rocks seeks to solidify its role as a critical, self-critical mechanism for fostering healthy strategic conversations amidst historic and transformative times.
To mark the tenth anniversary of War on the Rocks, Philip D. Zelikow did us the honor of interviewing Ryan on the origin story of War on the Rocks, where it's gone from there, and where it is going next.
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