
War on the Rocks
Discussions over drinks with security, defense, and foreign policy insiders and experts. The original War on the Rocks podcast series.
Latest episodes

Apr 26, 2024 • 36min
Crossing the Threshold
Eric Brewer, Dana Stroul, and Gavin Clough discuss Iran's evolving threats, recent attacks, and nuclear capabilities. They explore deterrence, state-on-state conflict dynamics, and the implications on global security. The experts also touch on maintaining deterrence, diplomatic opportunities, and defense strategies in the region.

Apr 19, 2024 • 20min
Spacepower and the Private Sector
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy John Plumb discusses the Defense Department's new strategy on space commercial integration, focusing on leveraging commercial innovation for national security, enhancing Pentagon's capabilities, the impact of space assets on warfare, communication in US-China relations and space operations, and the importance of space in deterrence strategies.

Apr 10, 2024 • 58min
Mike Kofman and Rob Lee on Drones in Ukraine
Mike Kofman, an expert on Russian military and security policy, discusses the evolution and impact of drones in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Topics include UAV technology advancements, the role of drones in military units, challenges of night operations, and considerations in drone warfare such as pilot skill and technology limitations.

Apr 8, 2024 • 30min
Ammunition, Energy and a Sense of History: The Czech Ambassador on Ukraine and More
Czech Ambassador Miloslav Stašek discusses ammunition initiative for Ukraine, Czech-US relations, and energy security. Also covers historical parallels, conflict in Gaza, and Czech Republic's presence in the US automotive industry.

Apr 3, 2024 • 28min
The Laboratory Building the Future of the Army
Dr. Casey Perley, Director of the Army Applications Laboratory, discusses military innovation and defense tech. They talk about the unique office design in Austin, collaboration with academia and industry for cutting-edge technology, and challenges in transitioning tech innovations to military fielding. The podcast also explores funding for defense innovation, influential books on career and defense innovation, and the importance of public-private partnerships for wartime industrial mobilization.

Mar 22, 2024 • 37min
Spotlight on Moldova: Chisinau’s Ambassador Talks Democracy, Security and Wine
Moldovan Ambassador discusses democracy, energy, and Russian hybrid warfare. Also covers Black Sea security and post-conflict wine politics. Topics include energy crisis solutions, Russian interference tactics, NATO and EU collaboration for defense, and the transformation of Moldovan wines

Mar 17, 2024 • 30min
Fortifications, Manpower, and Munitions in Ukraine's Daunting Year Ahead
In this podcast, topics include challenges Ukraine faces with manpower shortages, the use of drones in the conflict, innovative air defense systems, defense struggles of smaller countries, disturbing trends in Russian forces, and the use of convicts in the military.

4 snips
Mar 11, 2024 • 34min
Warsaw's Man in Washington on European Security and Poland's Defense Buildup
Ambassador Magierowski discusses Poland's defense buildup, NATO collaboration, and contrasting mentalities in warfare. The implications of a potential Russian victory in Ukraine, Poland's stance on frozen Russian assets, and the importance of historical insights in survival strategies are also explored.

Mar 5, 2024 • 33min
Gen. Brito of Training & Doctrine Command Talks Army Professionalism
Gen. Gary Brito discusses strengthening Army professionalism and the pivotal role of Training and Doctrine Command. Reflects on mentorship, leadership, and continuous development. Analyzes lessons from Ukraine conflict for army preparedness. Explores evolution of war gaming and importance of diverse reading for resilience and leadership.

Feb 24, 2024 • 36min
The Russo-Ukrainian War at Two
Discussion on the current state of the Russo-Ukrainian war, including the fall of Avdiivka, Ukraine's military challenges, leadership changes, and the strategic use of FPV drones in warfare. Highlighting the urgency for increased defense spending and the need for bolder approaches in European security.
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