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Intelligence Squared

Archive: Western Intervention and the Rise of Guerrilla Warfare, with David Kilcullen

May 24, 2024
Join David Kilcullen, a veteran soldier and counterinsurgency advisor, as he unpacks the complex aftermath of Western military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. He discusses how adversaries like Al-Qaeda and state actors have evolved tactics in response to these conflicts. The conversation also explores the rise of information warfare, the blurring lines between combatants and civilians, and the political dimensions of military engagement. Kilcullen's insights shed light on the changing nature of warfare in today's world.
56:03

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Guerrilla warfare evolves through social learning, natural and artificial selection, and institutional pressure.
  • Understanding 'dragons' (state actors) and 'snakes' (non-state actors) reveals diverse combat approaches and adaptations.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Adversaries

David Kilkollin, an expert in unconventional and guerrilla warfare, delves into the evolving strategies of adversaries like non-state actors and state actors. He discusses how adversaries have learned and adapted under the conditions set after the Cold War, emphasizing themes of adaptation and evolution in response to changing geopolitical landscapes.

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