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War on the Rocks

Latest episodes

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16 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 18min

Championing NATO's Digital Transformation

Maj. Gen. Dominique Luzeaux, a French general and NATO's digital transformation champion, dives into groundbreaking topics like AI's crucial role in military strategies and lessons drawn from the Ukraine conflict. He discusses NATO's challenges in integrating diverse national forces and the importance of structured training. Luzeaux shares personal anecdotes about influential leaders he's encountered, emphasizing autonomy and leadership trust, while exploring how science fiction inspires technological innovation.
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26 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 23min

Waiting for a Theory of Victory in Ukraine

Mike Kofman, a research fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace specializing in Russian military affairs, joins the conversation to dissect strategies in the Ukraine conflict. They explore Ukraine's hesitation in mobilization, critique the Biden administration's strategy, and discuss the implications of security guarantees outside NATO. The conversation also delves into the need for a new security framework for Ukraine, highlighting innovative solutions amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and potential U.S. disengagement.
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36 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 2min

Technology, the Battlefield, and Beyond in Ukraine

Michael Kofman, an expert on the Russian military, and Rob Lee, his fellow analyst, discuss the evolving dynamics of the Russo-Ukrainian War. They highlight recent territorial shifts and the strategic importance of technology, particularly drones, in modern warfare. With Ukraine's impressive drone production exceeding 1.3 million units, they delve into how these advancements are reshaping battlefield tactics. The conversation also addresses the implications of tactical innovations like FPV drones and the use of anti-personnel mines in critical engagements.
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Nov 12, 2024 • 21min

As Ukraine Stumbles and Russia Advances, What Does it Mean?

Mike Kofman, a military analyst and expert on the Russian military, shares insights from his recent research trip to Ukraine. He discusses the precarious state of the frontlines, highlighting Ukrainian manpower shortages and Russian advances. Kofman explores the potential deployment of North Korean troops and its strategic implications for the conflict. He evaluates the evolving military landscape, contrasting earlier optimism with pressing challenges, and emphasizes the urgent need for the U.S. to reassess its policy in response to these developments.
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Oct 29, 2024 • 32min

The Transformation of Marine Marksmanship

Join Capt. Phil Williams, a CH-53 pilot, Gunner Josh Grayek, and Maj. Steve Stephenson, a logistics officer and CEO, along with Gunnery Sgt. Jude Stewart, as they dive into modernizing Marine marksmanship. They discuss innovative training initiatives that enhance individual combat skills while balancing technology and tradition. The conversation highlights the SPEAR model for quantifying lethality and the vital role of marksmanship in evolving warfare. Their insights shed light on making Marines more lethal and capable than ever before.
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12 snips
Sep 29, 2024 • 26min

The Meaning of Creeping Ukrainian Losses in the East

Michael Kofman, a military affairs expert, and Mick Ryan, a retired Australian general, delve into the complexities of the ongoing war in Ukraine. They analyze Ukraine's recent territorial losses in the Donbas and the strategic implications these shifts present. Discussion points include the manpower challenges faced by both sides and the impact of drone technology and Western military support. They also touch on how Ukraine might seek favorable war termination despite these challenges, offering a nuanced look at the evolving conflict.
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6 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 33min

Can ICE Pact Salvage American Shipbuilding?

Ryan, an expert in shipbuilding and the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, discusses the trilateral ICE Pact among the U.S., Canada, and Finland aimed at enhancing American icebreaker capabilities. He highlights the strategic necessity of icebreakers for Arctic access and the inadequacies of the current U.S. fleet compared to Russia and China. The conversation touches on funding challenges for the Coast Guard and the urgency of revitalizing domestic shipbuilding through international partnerships. Ryan also emphasizes the role of innovation and bipartisan support in strengthening U.S. maritime power.
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11 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 24min

How Ukraine Re-Introduced Dynamism Into the War

Mike Kofman, a military operations expert focusing on Ukraine, shares critical insights into the dynamic battlefield. He discusses Ukraine's ongoing offensive into Russian territory and the significant political fallout. Kofman highlights manpower issues, fortifications, and how the integration of F-16s could reshape aerial combat. The conversation also touches on the strategic implications of recent territorial losses and the evolving tactics of both Ukrainian and Russian forces in this complex conflict.
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5 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 35min

The Army Wants You to Write. Three Soldiers Explain Why

Join Sgt. 1st Class Leyton Summerlin, Maj. Emily Lopez, and Lt. Col. Zachary Griffiths as they dive into the critical role of writing in the U.S. Army. They discuss the Harding Project and efforts to revitalize military publication standards. Personal stories reveal the deep impact of family legacy and career paths in shaping their views. They explore cultural barriers to military writing and upcoming initiatives to foster discourse. Discover how writing cultivates professional growth and innovative collaboration within the Army.
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Aug 10, 2024 • 24min

Ukraine Goes into Kursk: A Dose of the "Russia Contingency" with Michael Kofman

Michael Kofman, an expert on Russian military affairs, and Dara Massicot from the Carnegie Endowment delve into Ukraine's recent incursion into Kursk. They assess Ukrainian territorial gains and the complexities of urban warfare dynamics. The discussion highlights logistical challenges and the implications of Russian POWs' unexpected surrender behaviors. They analyze how these factors could shift the conflict's landscape, emphasizing the evolving nature of military operations as objectives become more fluid.

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