
Mick Ryan
Retired Major General who served in the Australian Defence Force for more than three decades. He's now a senior fellow of the Lowy Institute and an adjunct fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
Top 10 podcasts with Mick Ryan
Ranked by the Snipd community

88 snips
May 1, 2025 • 53min
The Future Battlefield, from Europe to the Indo-Pacific
Retired Australian Army Major General Mick Ryan, a keen observer of the Ukraine war, shares insights on the future of warfare in a rapidly evolving security landscape. He discusses how lessons from Ukraine inform strategies in the Indo-Pacific, stressing the importance of human agency and the role of drones. Ryan emphasizes the need for effective command dynamics and strategic alliances in confronting authoritarian threats. He champions the necessity of adaptability and innovation in military leadership to navigate the complexities of modern conflict.

34 snips
May 13, 2025 • 42min
Ep 197: Mick Ryan on the Ukrainian Battlefield
Mick Ryan, a retired major general in the Australian Army and author of The War for Ukraine, dives into the complexities of the Ukrainian battlefield. He shares firsthand insights on the evolving roles of drones and the adaptability of military strategies. Ryan discusses the necessity of rethinking procurement for rapid response, and challenges the notion that artillery is obsolete. The conversation also touches on Putin's ambitions, the potential for a ceasefire, and the surprising resilience of military tactics in modern warfare.

33 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 16min
Episode 4: Can Australia defend itself by adopting the Echidna strategy?
In this discussion, Sam Roggeveen, a strategic expert and author, proposes the 'Echidna Strategy' for Australia, focusing on self-reliance and adaptable defense in a shifting geopolitical landscape. Retired Major General Mick Ryan shares his insights on the implications of U.S. foreign policy and the need for Australia to bolster its military capabilities independently. Brigadier Ian Langford emphasizes the integration of emerging technologies like AI and drones in defense strategies, advocating for a balance between military strength and regional diplomacy.

21 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 34min
Ukrainian C2: Adaptation under fire
Join Mick Ryan, a retired Major General and esteemed military strategist, as he delves into the transformative restructuring of Ukrainian command and control. He stresses the vital need for skilled commanders amid evolving battlefield dynamics. Discover how lessons from the Ukrainian conflict are reshaping European military strategies and the significance of history in understanding military failures and successes. Mick also draws intriguing comparisons with Israeli military operations, highlighting their diverse command strategies.

11 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 38min
Ep 175: Mick Ryan on War & Fiction
Mick Ryan, a retired Major General in the Australian Army and author of 'War Transformed,' talks about the intersection of war and fiction. He explores the influence of military-themed narratives, like Tom Clancy's, in shaping public perceptions of conflict. Ryan highlights the importance of deterrence in the Pacific, the complexities of modern warfare in places like Ukraine and Israel, and the vital role fiction plays in understanding soldier experiences and geopolitical realities. His insights bridge the gap between military strategy and civilian awareness.

10 snips
Feb 1, 2023 • 44min
Evaluating Operational Art w/ Mick Ryan
Australian Army Major General (Ret.) Mick Ryan discusses operational art, strategy of corrosion in warfare, preparing for intangible aspects of war, and the influence of design on execution. Exploring multinational collaboration, Ukrainian warfare strategies, combined arms obstacle breaches, and the vital role of morality in military operations.

6 snips
Oct 27, 2022 • 34min
Operational Art, Russia and Ukraine with Mick Ryan
In this engaging discussion, military expert Mick Ryan analyzes the operational art behind Ukraine's resilience against Russian forces. He emphasizes the effectiveness of the Ukrainian General Staff, who adeptly combine historical insights with modern tactics. Ryan contrasts Ukraine's innovative strategies with outdated Russian command structures and highlights the significance of real-time decision-making on the battlefield. He also touches on the role of platforms like the Wavell Room in enhancing military discourse. A thought-provoking exploration of modern warfare!

Sep 12, 2023 • 54min
Ep 89: Mick Ryan on Ukraine, Taiwan, and Future War
Mick Ryan, retired Major General in the Australian Army and author of White Sun War, discusses the war in Ukraine and the potential war in Taiwan. Topics include China's impact on Australia, Ukrainian progress, China's strategies, past wars, and Ryan's book.

Jun 6, 2025 • 22min
Is Australia drone-ready? | Insiders on Background
In this engaging conversation, retired Major General Mick Ryan shares his extensive experience from over three decades in the Australian Defence Force. He delves into lessons Australia can learn from Ukraine's innovative drone warfare strategies, highlighting how inexpensive drones and AI have reshaped military operations. Ryan discusses the challenges Australia faces in adapting these technologies due to bureaucratic hurdles and its defense budget issues. Emphasizing the need for decentralized decision-making, he raises concerns over vulnerabilities in Australian airbases.

Oct 14, 2024 • 58min
Zelensky claims North Korea is sending troops to Russia
In this discussion, James Kilner and James Rothwell, foreign correspondents with expertise in the Ukraine conflict, join retired Australian General Mick Ryan to analyze Volodymyr Zelensky's alarming claim about North Korea sending troops to Russia. They explore the ramifications of this alliance, the fierce battles in Donbas, and the evolving geopolitical landscape. Ryan shares insightful comparisons of leadership between Zelensky and Putin while discussing the ethical implications of military conduct amidst ongoing international tensions.