War on the Rocks

Horacio Rozanski, CEO of Booz Allen, shares his transformative journey from an immigrant in Argentina to a leader in defense technology. He discusses Booz Allen's shift towards becoming a technology integrator, emphasizing the cultural and organizational changes needed for agility in national security. Rozanski highlights the importance of mentorship and collaboration with personnel to optimize military technology. He also delves into Booz Allen's Vision 2020, focusing on innovations in AI and quantum computing to address evolving defense challenges.

Mike Kofman, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace with expertise in Russian military affairs, and Dara Massicot, an expert on Russian military capabilities, dive into the complex dynamics of the Ukraine conflict. They discuss the implications of recent summits, Putin's strategic gains, and Europe’s role in shoring up Kyiv. The conversation covers shifting security guarantees, territorial debates, and Ukraine's endurance amid ongoing military attrition, highlighting the intricate interplay of diplomacy and battlefield realities.

Liza Tobin, a former CIA staffer and China expert, and Brad Carson, a former congressman and defense official, discuss a pivotal shift in U.S. export policy allowing NVIDIA's H20 chips back into China. They examine the implications for American tech supremacy and national security amidst rising U.S.-China tensions. The duo debates whether NVIDIA's justifications are persuasive and how this move could reshape AI and semiconductor strategies, stressing its significance for everyday Americans in an increasingly competitive tech landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Vice Admiral Peter Garvin, president of the National Defense University, shares his insights on evolving military education in an era of rapid technological change. He emphasizes the need for adaptive training methods to prepare future leaders for great-power rivalry and disruptive technologies like AI. Garvin also details the university's role in fostering strategic defense education and highlights the importance of literature, particularly Stoicism, in shaping effective military leaders. The conversation underscores balancing technology with human development.

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.

A. Wess Mitchell, former Assistant Secretary of State, joins defense strategist Stacie Pettyjohn and foreign policy expert Justin Logan for a lively debate on U.S. global priorities. They tackle how to sequence American power amid rising threats from China, Russia, and Iran. The trio discusses the evolving landscape of military alliances, Israel's military independence, and the intricacies of missile strategies, while emphasizing the need for effective diplomacy and resource prioritization in today's complex geopolitical environment.

Mike Kofman, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, dives deep into the evolving landscape of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He discusses innovative Ukrainian tactics to counter Russian advancements, particularly with drones, and the challenges posed by the changing seasons. Kofman emphasizes the critical role of U.S. military support, especially in air defense, and examines Russia's strategic mindset during political shifts. This engaging conversation reveals the complexities of modern warfare and the resilience of Ukrainian forces.

Gen. Christopher Todd Donahue, leader of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, shares insights from his extensive military career, including his time in the Ranger Regiment. He discusses the Army Transformation Initiative and its focus on maneuver brigades and new technologies. Donahue emphasizes the importance of military readiness in Europe amid rising geopolitical tensions. He also delves into the evolving role of drones in warfare and strategic lessons learned from the Ukrainian conflict, highlighting the integration of innovative tactics with traditional military principles.

Afshon Ostovar, a prominent Iran scholar and author, delves into Iran's complex geopolitical landscape. He discusses the ongoing tensions between Iran, Israel, and the U.S., emphasizing the fragile ceasefire. Ostovar reflects on his Iranian heritage and how it informs his understanding of the region. He examines the shifting dynamics of Iran's influence since October 2022 and the implications of its military structure, particularly the IRGC. The conversation also tackles the looming threat of Iran's nuclear ambitions and its relationships with global powers like China and Russia.

Jim Rainey, the commander of Army Futures Command, discusses how emerging technologies like UAVs and AI are revolutionizing warfare and the Army Transformation Initiative. He delves into recent conflicts, emphasizing data-centric warfare and the balance between mass and precision in military operations. Rainey highlights the pivotal role of infantry in future battles, particularly in the Indo-Pacific theater, and the importance of integrating air operations. Finally, he outlines restructuring efforts aimed at enhancing military efficiency and addressing recruitment hurdles.