War on the Rocks

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.

Lieutenant General Andrea Tullos, Commander of Air University, shares her insights on revolutionizing professional military education in the Air Force. She discusses the urgent need to adapt education to face challenges like the competition with China. Tullos highlights how Air University integrates agile combat concepts and emphasizes on-demand learning for service members. The conversation touches on transforming education models, blending online resources with practical training, and enhancing international military collaborations to boost operational readiness.

Nicole Grajewski, a nuclear policy expert at the Carnegie Endowment, and Rachel Brandenburg, an authority on Middle Eastern geopolitics from the Israel Policy Forum, dive deep into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. They analyze Israel's recent military strikes and the resulting geopolitical upheaval. The conversation reveals the complexities behind Iran's nuclear ambitions and the implications of U.S. diplomatic failures. Additionally, they discuss Russia's growing defense alliance with Iran and its impact on regional stability.

Justin Fanelli, Chief Technology Officer of the Department of the Navy, dives into the dynamic intersection of innovation and military needs. He discusses how the Navy is integrating commercial technology to enhance mission effectiveness while balancing operational demands. Fanelli highlights the push for better enterprise services that improve sailors' lives and the critical role of 'Mavericks' in fostering innovation. The conversation also touches on the urgent need for improved AI education and training to bolster human-machine collaboration in the defense sector.

Lieutenant General Frank Donovan, vice commander of Special Operations Command, shares insights on the future of warfare. He discusses the shift from counter-terrorism to great power competition, emphasizing the integration of advanced technologies like AI and data into military strategies. Donovan highlights lessons learned from conflicts in Ukraine and other regions, showcasing the evolving role of special operators. The conversation also touches on recruitment challenges, the need for diverse talents, and how traditional values must adapt in a rapidly changing security landscape.

Sameer Lalwani, a former expert at the U.S. Institute of Peace, sheds light on the escalating tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan. He discusses the historical context of their conflicts and the precarious balance of nuclear strategies. The conversation delves into Pakistan's internal crises, which could influence military actions. Lalwani also examines the U.S. shifting role, moving from mediation to aligning with India, and the implications for regional stability amid potential military responses.

In this discussion, Daniel Driscoll, Secretary of the Army, and Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army, dive into the Army Transformation Initiative aimed at modernizing capabilities and cutting inefficiencies. They emphasize a soldier-centric approach and the integration of innovative civilian technologies. Key discussions include enhancing combat effectiveness with strategic program cuts and adapting to modern warfare with advanced drone capabilities. The importance of agility in training and operations is also highlighted, ensuring soldiers are equipped for complex future challenges.