War on the Rocks

Frank Hoffman, an experienced strategist, joins Rebecca Friedman Lissner, a Council on Foreign Relations fellow, and Justin Logan, a Cato Institute commentator, to dive deep into contemporary U.S. strategy. They discuss the evolving American military stance in Venezuela and the implications of limited strikes in the Middle East. The guests dissect the Monroe Doctrine's relevance and explore the risks of current policies eroding the U.S. strategic capacity. With spicy takes on China, transatlantic relations, and national security documents, it's a thought-provoking conversation!

Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., a retired four-star general and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shares insights on revitalizing America’s defense industrial enterprise. He discusses the urgency for action amid existing frameworks, the impact of munitions shortages highlighted during the ISIS campaign, and why the Ukraine war fell short in driving necessary reforms. Brown advocates for flexible funding, the importance of nontraditional firms in innovation, and reflects on his abrupt dismissal, underscoring his ongoing commitment to national defense.

Jim Himes, a Democratic Congressman from Connecticut and ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, shares critical insights on national security and foreign policy. He discusses the legality of strikes on drug boats and the administration's failure to involve Congress. Himes emphasizes that these strikes are ineffective against U.S. fentanyl issues and critiques the performative nature of actions against Venezuela's regime. He also argues for a bipartisan approach to engage Argentina, and stresses the need for demand-side solutions to drug trafficking.

In this insightful discussion, Alex Miller, the Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. Army, delves into the Army's strategies for countering drones. He shares lessons learned from countering improvised explosive devices and the emerging threats observed on the southern border. Alex emphasizes the need for better industry collaboration and adaptation to rapidly evolving technologies. Additionally, he highlights the challenges of outdated systems and how the Army is shifting its focus to more effective solutions for detecting and defeating small drones.

Michael Kofman, a military expert at the Carnegie Endowment, and defense analyst Dara Massicot delve into the intricacies of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They discuss the current battlefield dynamics, Ukraine's strategic choices, and the possible impact of Tomahawk missiles. The duo highlights Russia’s domestic challenges and explores how drone warfare is reshaping tactics. With winter approaching, they predict stabilization on the frontlines and caution against relying on unlikely contingencies in military strategy.

General Sir Richard Barrons, a retired British Army officer with expertise in defense strategy, joins Peter Michael Nielsen, Denmark's Deputy National Armaments Director, to dive into Europe's approach to defense. They discuss the shift in Europe-Russia dynamics and Denmark's aggressive procurement reforms during its EU presidency. Barrons highlights challenges in UK modernization, while Nielsen emphasizes Denmark's swift budget increases and agility in decision-making. They also explore crucial emerging technologies like AI and quantum advances shaping future defense.

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.