

Michael Kofman
Expert on the Russian military and defense issues affiliated with the Carnegie Endowment; provides analysis on battlefield dynamics and strategic implications for the Russia–Ukraine war.
Top 10 podcasts with Michael Kofman
Ranked by the Snipd community

90 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 42min
Can the U.S.-Ukrainian Rift Be Healed?
Constanze Stelzenmüller, a Brookings expert on U.S.-European relations, and Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at Carnegie focusing on Russian military matters, discuss the current U.S.-Ukrainian tensions following a controversial White House meeting. They explore the ramifications of halted U.S. military aid for Ukraine and its implications for European security. The duo also delves into Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russian aggression, the changing dynamics in military assistance, and the historical context influencing U.S. public perception towards Ukraine.

66 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 49min
Putin’s Fight Won’t End With Ukraine
Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a former intelligence official and expert on authoritarian regimes, teams up with Michael Kofman, an analyst known for his insights on the Ukraine conflict. They delve into Russia's military strategy and the implications for global politics as Ukraine faces increasing challenges. The duo discusses the resilience of the Russian economy under sanctions and Putin's enduring ambitions that may threaten Western interests beyond the current war. Their analysis paints a complex picture of the battlefield and the shifting political landscape.

64 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 53min
Ending the Ukraine War: A Reset in U.S.-Russia Relations? | Andrea Kendall-Taylor & Michael Kofman
Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a senior fellow and director at the Center for a New American Security, and Michael Kofman, a senior research scientist at the Center for Naval Analyses, dive into the intricate negotiations between the U.S. and Russia over the Ukraine war. They discuss the evolving power dynamics within Russia, the significance of casualty reporting, and the implications for European security. The duo also critiques U.S. foreign policy strategies, especially during the Trump administration, while exploring the complex influences of China and nuclear doctrines on global relations.

40 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 38min
The Puzzling Diplomacy over Ukraine's Future
Michael Kofman, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, brings his expertise on Russian military affairs, joined by Justin Logan from the Cato Institute, specializing in defense policy, and Liana Fix, a Council on Foreign Relations Fellow focused on European security. They dive into the chaotic diplomacy surrounding Ukraine's future, discussing the role of minerals, the influence of Trump on U.S.-Ukraine relations, and prospects for a European peacekeeping force. Their lively debates uncover the complexities of security guarantees and the shifting dynamics of European defense strategies.

38 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 27min
Drones, Discord, and the Shifting Front in Ukraine
Michael Kofman, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and an expert on Russian military affairs, shares insights from his recent field study in Ukraine. He discusses how drones are reshaping battlefield dynamics and the adaptability of Ukrainian military strategies. The conversation dives into Ukraine's political unrest, anti-corruption reforms, and Western arms supply efforts. Kofman also addresses the implications of U.S. political shifts and proposed sanctions on Russia, providing a nuanced look at the conflict's future.

36 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 2min
Technology, the Battlefield, and Beyond in Ukraine
Michael Kofman, an expert on the Russian military, and Rob Lee, his fellow analyst, discuss the evolving dynamics of the Russo-Ukrainian War. They highlight recent territorial shifts and the strategic importance of technology, particularly drones, in modern warfare. With Ukraine's impressive drone production exceeding 1.3 million units, they delve into how these advancements are reshaping battlefield tactics. The conversation also addresses the implications of tactical innovations like FPV drones and the use of anti-personnel mines in critical engagements.

29 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 2min
Michael Kofman on the Russo-Ukraine War and the State of Military Thought
Michael Kofman, Director of the Russia Studies Program at the Center for Naval Analyses and an expert on Russian military affairs, delves into the complexities of the Russo-Ukraine War. He discusses the adaptive strategies employed by both Ukrainian and Russian forces, emphasizing the pivotal roles of drones and logistics. Kofman also critiques misconceptions about military precision and the challenges organizations face in adapting to new technologies. A humorous exploration of beards in the military adds a light-hearted twist to serious discussions on modern warfare.

27 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 55min
Michael Kofman on Attrition, Doodling Range Rings, and Magical Thinking in Modern War
In this enlightening conversation, Michael Kofman, an expert on military thought and the Russia-Ukraine War, delves into the concept of attrition as a key strategy for Ukraine's prolonged conflict. He discusses the critical role of manpower replacement and Western support in shaping military resilience. Kofman critiques Russia's outdated equipment and high operational costs, while emphasizing the importance of effective defensive strategies and adapting to innovations like drone warfare. His insights reveal the complexities of modern military dynamics and the need for endurance over traditional decisive battles.

23 snips
Sep 26, 2022 • 36min
Russia's Plan to Stay in the War
After Ukraine's stunning Kharkiv counter-offensive, Vladimir Putin has doubled down on his war against Ukraine, announcing a large military mobilization, threatening nuclear use, and pressing ahead with referenda in territories Russia has seized from Urkaine. Can Putin salvage his campaign? Michael Kofman helps us understand these issues and more, encouraging people to think more temporally about Russia's mobilization pipeline and delivering a warning: We are in uncharted territory.

20 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 38min
Holding Ground: Ukraine, Russia, and the Politics of Persistence
Michael Kofman, a military expert at the Carnegie Endowment, and defense analyst Dara Massicot delve into the intricacies of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They discuss the current battlefield dynamics, Ukraine's strategic choices, and the possible impact of Tomahawk missiles. The duo highlights Russia’s domestic challenges and explores how drone warfare is reshaping tactics. With winter approaching, they predict stabilization on the frontlines and caution against relying on unlikely contingencies in military strategy.