Sean McFate

Shalu Yadav, an independent journalist based in Delhi, dives into the alarming trend of South Asian men misled into joining the Russian army amidst its ongoing war with Ukraine. She recounts the gripping story of a recruit who escaped after realizing the grim deception behind his enlistment. Joining her is Sean McFate, a professor and expert on mercenaries, who discusses the chilling recruitment tactics and the ethical implications of using unsuspecting foreign fighters. Together, they explore the dark realities of modern warfare and the dangerous paths young men are forced to navigate.

Sean McFate, an expert on contemporary and future conflict, dives into the evolving landscape of warfare. He discusses the rise of hybrid strategies and the power of disinformation in proxy wars. McFate critiques the reliance on high-tech weaponry, stressing the importance of strategic understanding over mere technological advancement. He also addresses the growing impact of private military contractors and the disconnect between military leaders and political realities, emphasizing the need for clear victory criteria in modern combat.

In this engaging discussion, national security expert Sean McFate, who has an extensive background in military service and private contracting, delves into the evolving nature of irregular warfare. He introduces the clever concept of 'sneaky war' and emphasizes the need for unconventional tactics against global adversaries like China. The conversation also highlights the rising influence of mercenaries like the Wagner Group and the crucial role of information warfare in modern conflicts, urging a sophisticated approach to combat disinformation.

In this discussion, Sean McFate, a professor at the National Defense University and expert on mercenary groups, delves into the Wagner Group. He examines the fallout from Yevgeny Prigozhin's mysterious plane crash and its implications for global security. McFate explains how the Wagner Group emerged as a powerful player by capitalizing on political instability, highlighting its duality in warfare. He also explores the group's strategic operations in Africa, addressing the geopolitical consequences of its business model and the significance of rare earth minerals.

Sean McFate, a Georgetown professor and former U.S. Army paratrooper, joins Stephen Levy, Wired editor, and Colonel Molly Salisbury to discuss a groundbreaking initiative. Tech leaders from companies like Meta and OpenAI have been appointed as lieutenant colonels in the U.S. Army Reserves. They aim to fuse Silicon Valley expertise with military operations, addressing modern warfare challenges through technology and psychological strategies. The group navigates the ethical implications and potential conflicts between military values and innovation.