This Means War

In this discussion, Trent Telenko, a former Department of Defense civil servant and logistics expert based in Dallas, unpacks the outdated logistics system of the Russian military in Ukraine. He explains how their reliance on 19th-century methods has hindered progress. The conversation also highlights the impact of long-range precision weaponry on military planning for both sides. Additionally, Trent contrasts Russian logistics with China's modern practices, revealing key lessons that could reshape future warfare strategies.

As the Iranian proxy in Yemen, the Houthi’s have evolved from a guerrilla organisation to one capable of facing down a first-world military and becoming adept with ballistic missiles, maritime warfare, and influence operations in Western capitals. In this episode, Peter talks to Dr Michael Knights about what an effective – if morally dubious – ‘train and assist’ mission looks like when conducted by an adversary. It’s not just about what you weapons you fight with, it’s about how you fight and who (and how) they support you, ending with the lesson that military power is no absolute; it is only relative to the enemy.

Prof. John Spencer, an expert in Urban Warfare at West Point, shares insights from his recent trip to Ukraine. They dive deep into the Battle of Kyiv, highlighting the unexpected resilience of Ukrainian forces and the importance of urban terrain in military strategy. The discussion reveals the tactical intricacies of Russian withdrawals and the ongoing challenges both sides face amidst artillery superiority. As the war evolves, they emphasize the significance of momentum and resistance in determining future outcomes.

Dr Jack Watling talks to Peter as he returns from his most recent trip to Ukraine. As both Ukrainian and Russian forces reorganise for the next phase, the conflict is poised at a critical moment: one dependent on stockpiles, logistics, resupply, people, leadership and styles of fighting. Whilst Jack brings his latest insights to the listeners, he and Peter have a discussion over the information war and debunk some of the myths and fallacies around the public face of the war. Jack also highlights some of the lessons emerging from the conflict that are likely to endure and apply across other wars. Sobering stuff.

Ewan Lawson, a Senior Associate Fellow at RUSI, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of modern warfare. He emphasizes the critical importance of context in analyzing conflicts, particularly highlighted by the surprise resurgence of conventional warfare in Ukraine. The conversation critiques the current military strategies of Western nations, examining their inclination toward hybrid warfare without appreciating historical and geographical nuances. Lawson also underscores the need for a more holistic approach to military logistics and the multidimensional nature of contemporary warfare.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has stimulated a considerable outpouring of emotion, passion and commentary – not to mention the death and destruction that always accompanies war. The same level of interest by the general publics of Europe, America and Australasia was not present for wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, across sub Saharan Africa or during the bloody civil wars and engagements fought elsewhere around the globe in the last decade or so. And whilst the border clashes between China and India could have started something much more catasophic than what started in Ukraine earlier this year, it received little attention in terms of debate and discussion in diplomatic, economic, political or military circles. Let alone failing to capture the imagination of the international public. I want to explore why this is – and talking to people in the profession of arms and wider community – I understand they are curious too.