War on the Rocks

Topics discussed include air superiority, technological advancements, and Ukrainian army development for breaking the stalemate. The industrial advantages of Russia and defense challenges faced by Ukraine. Similarities and differences in offensive strategies. Balancing military strategy and political objectives for Ukraine. Hollow promises from NATO and Washington, need for better policy adjustment and resource allocation.

In this podcast, Raj Shah, Air Force veteran and venture capitalist, discusses the intersection of defense and capital. They cover topics such as implementing commercial innovation in the defense sector, the importance of artillery and technology insertion in lower technology areas, challenges faced by companies disrupting the defense industry, and the positive impact of successful national security companies on venture investors and entrepreneurs.

Gen. Eric Smith discusses topics like force design, talent management, future marine learning and training, experimentation and wargaming, Marine Corps operations in the Pacific, advancements in Marine infantry battalion, and influential mentors and books.

Analysts discuss the Russo-Ukrainian war, the challenges Ukraine may face next year, and Russia's turn to North Korea for artillery shells. The delay in providing certain weapons to Ukraine is highlighted, along with the need to be forward-looking in the conflict. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of international support for Ukraine's future.

In this episode, Ryan talks with John Amble about the challenges Israel faces in urban warfare. They discuss Israel's urban warfare training facilities, comparisons with battles in Fallujah and Mosul, and how Hamas overwhelmed Israel's preparations. They reflect on Islamist militant groups that have shocked the world and better-prepared armies.

This podcast explores the changing role of nuclear weapons, including changes in global nuclear balance, demise of arms control, and the implications of non-nuclear strategic technologies. They also discuss Iran's nuclear program, advancements in technology and nuclear competition, and the exclusive membership features offered by 'Thinking the Unthinkable'.

Examining the recent Hamas attack on Israel, discussing intelligence failure, Hamas' history of terror attacks, the role of Iran, and the likelihood of a ground invasion. Also explores propaganda video authenticity, threat of suicide drones, impact of trauma on Israel's narrative, Iran's aggression and Gulf-Israel alignment, complexities of the situation in Israel including armed Palestinian groups, potential risks for Israel, challenges in rescuing hostages held by Hamas.

Experts Evan Medeiros, Thomas Shugart, and Emily Weinstein discuss the current state of U.S.-Chinese relations, the impact of Taiwan's elections, and the potential for conflict. They explore lessons China may learn from the invasion of Ukraine, analyze the military angle in the Russian election, and discuss efforts to curb China's semiconductor industry. The upcoming U.S. election's impact on the relationship is also considered.

In this podcast, the hosts discuss Ukraine's efforts to achieve a breakthrough against Russian forces, including the significance of Ukrainian President Zelensky's visit to Washington, D.C. and Ukraine's strike on Russia's Black Sea Fleet. They also analyze the challenges faced by the Ukrainian military, such as fire superiority and unit coordination. Additionally, they explore the use of ATACMs missiles by Ukraine and the issues surrounding targeting Russian air defense systems.

Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson and Lt. Gen. Andrea Tullos discuss training and readiness in the U.S. Air Force, including global training initiatives and the importance of empowering individuals. They highlight the need for changes in the military's approach to training and readiness and discuss the significance of history and culture in the Air Force. They also explore impactful book recommendations and the importance of strategic thinking.