A Better Peace: The War Room Podcast

There is no "Latin America" right? It is a region made up of independent sovereign countries, some with different histories, some with different languages...based on that they're going to have different relationships with the United States. In the present day examination of global security, much of the United States' attention is focused on the Middle East, East Asia and Eastern Europe. All too often Western hemisphere countries, activities and interests get short changed on resources and attention. The United States's top trade partner is Canada, and Mexico is close behind. Many countries in the Western hemisphere share values and forms of governance, and have been important security partners for the United States. But does the United States undervalue these long-term partnerships, running the risk of losing their support against adversaries such as China and Russia? A BETTER PEACE welcomes Eric Farnsworth back to the studio to examine the risks of the United States' current behaviors in Latin America and Canada. He's joined by our Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline E. Whitt, as they discuss the unique relationships the United States has with its Western hemisphere neighbors and what might be done to ensure they endure. Eric Farnsworth is the Vice President and Head of the Washington Office, Americas Society and Council of the Americas. Jacqueline E. Whitt is an Associate Professor of Strategy at the U.S. Army War College and the Editor-in-Chief of WAR ROOM. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Description: U.S. Army Soldiers conduct a multinational exercise alongside National Army of Colombia at Tolemaida Air Base, Nilo, Colombia on January 23, 2020. The exercises demonstrate operational readiness and enhance interoperability in Airborne Operations. Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc Edward Randolph

The 2018 National Defense Strategy was clear in its call to shake off strategic atrophy - to maintain competitive advantage against our Nation's adversaries we must evolve. - Commander's Foreword, Army Special Operations Forces Strategy In the realm of national security very few elements ever remain stagnant, and those that do are relegated to irrelevance. As the environment changes, capabilities are developed, motivations shift, loyalties fade, new players rise and old players fall. In order to account for those changes new guidance flows downward from the highest levels of leadership increasing in detail and specificity as it descends to the lowest echelons of the military. Bryan Groves joins A BETTER PEACE editor Ron Granieri to discuss U.S. Army Special Operations Command's (USASOC) latest iteration of its command strategy. In the words of the Commanding General, LTG Francis Beaudette, this strategy "charts our course to drive evolutionary changes in how we man, train and equip our formations in the Information Age." Bryan and Ron examine how USASOC forces intend to execute their mission in support of the national defense amongst general purpose, joint and coalition forces against ever changing adversaries. The Army Special Operations Forces Strategy can be found online here or a PDF can be directly downloaded here. LTC(P) Bryan Groves is the Chief of the Strategic Planning Division, U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Ron Granieri is an Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Army War College and the Editor of A BETTER PEACE. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Credit: All images from U.S. Army Special Operations Forces Strategy document

The old adage under Atatürk was zero problems with the neighbors; now the adage is zero neighbors without problems. You would be hard pressed to find a current member of the U.S. military who remembers a time in their service when the United States wasn't involved in conflict in the Middle East. Forty years ago this year Operation EAGLE CLAW, the rescue attempt of American hostages in Iran failed at a remote site known as DESERT ONE. Thirty years ago began DESERT SHIELD, followed by DESERT STORM. Nineteen years ago ENDURING FREEDOM began in Afghanistan and seventeen years ago IRAQI FREEDOM. And the current Syrian conflict, INHERENT RESOLVE began nine years ago. A BETTER PEACE welcomes David Sorenson to examine the underlying historical causes behind the modern day conflicts that plague the region, cause terrible death and destruction, and draw in the resources and attention of the entire world.  Dave joins podcast editor Ron Granieri in the studio to discuss lessons that should be learned by the United States when dealing with this chaotic region. He gives his thoughts as to what the future holds for the Middle East and implications for the rest of us. Dr. David Sorenson is professor of international studies at the U.S. Air Force Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base. Ron Granieri is an Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Army War College and the Editor of A BETTER PEACE. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Description: The Flag of Iran, the Flag of Saudi Arabia overlaid on a geographic map of the Middle East Photo Credit: All images courtesy of the CIA World Fact Book

It's very hard to implement a long term development project when rebels might overrun and destroy or steal whatever you've implemented. To say that Central Africa has been a tumultuous region for the last three decades is an understatement. Genocide, civil and proxy wars and disease have lead to a death count that numbers in the millions and several million more displaced persons. But how much does the American citizen understand about the region, and how much should they be concerned? A BETTER PEACE welcomes Laura E. Seay to the studio to share her expertise on the topic. Laura is hosted by podcast editor Ron Granieri to discuss international efforts in the sub-Saharan region to develop countries and governance through security and stability operations. Dr. Laura E. Seay is an Assistant Professor of Government at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. Ron Granieri is an Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Army War College and the Editor of A BETTER PEACE. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Description: Africa political map, 16 May 2019 Photo Credit: Map Library, Central Intelligence Agency, 2019

International law can actually be a very powerful tool in the regulation of warfare In 1907 the major powers of the world gathered in the Netherlands for the Second Hague Conference. Building on the agreements of the First Hague Conference of 1899 the participants noted that many warring parties were not observing the international laws agreed upon by civilized nations. Of particular concern was the forces that had continued armed resistance after defeated nations were occupied by their conquerors. A BETTER PEACE welcomes Jonathan Gumz, a Senior Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Jonathan joins JP Clark in the studio to discuss the attempts and failings of both Hague conventions as well as the Geneva Conventions to try and maintain civility and order in the midst of the brutality of war. Dr Jonathan E Gumz is a Senior Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. COL JP Clark was the Deputy Director for Academic Engagement for the Strategic Studies Institute and a WAR ROOM Senior Editor as well as a student in the AY20 resident class at the U.S. Army War College. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Description: Female Yezidi resistance fighters of the Êzidxan Women's Units (YJÊ), September 2015 in Sinjar Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons PanchoS

When disaster strikes in the United States we are fortunate to have the National Guard available to bolster and support our civilian first responders. Experts in logistics and transportation, organization and construction as well as medical experts, the Guard is vital in supporting the long term recovery operations that follow any disastrous event. The Guard response to the current COVID-19 pandemic is very much like many other natural disasters that the U.S has endured in the last 50 years. But it's also very different. The pandemic hasn't struck a single region that allows help to arrive from safe staging areas outside the hot zone. The entire nation is vulnerable to this virus, and responders find themselves immersed in aiding citizens at a very personal level. With that level of interaction come the complications of diverse cultures, religious and political views, and a multitude of  multitude of languages other than English. A BETTER PEACE welcomes Michele Devlin and Steve Warnstadt to the studio to examine the navigation of the complex cultural terrain of our great American melting pot. They're joined by our Editor-In-Chief Jacqueline Whitt to discuss what the DoD, along with state level leadership, must do to ensure that Guard troops are best prepared to succeed amongst the diverse culture that is our national strength.

The DoD has [set] a precedent for using its service members for drug tests, for vaccines, for things that they think may be of benefit to the warfighter...I don't see that it would be too wild to also include CBD Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in both marijuana and hemp plants and it's the hot product in the health/self-care market. And it's the perfect topic for us to discuss in the studio at A BETTER PEACE on 4/20 dude. Tina Cancel joins podcast editor Ron Granieri to examine the potential for CBD use in the military health community. Not to be confused with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other compound that produces the “high” sought with marijuana use, CBD is either the 21st century equivalent of snake oil or an actual wonder cure that can be found in nature. Advocates of CBD claim it treats anything from inflammation to anxiety to epilepsy. Critics point out that the majority of the "data" is anecdotal at best and more study is definitely required. The facts are that it's unregulated and untested by the FDA, and there are no guarantees when you buy a product containing CBD. And its use or even investing in CBD ventures is illegal for military members and federal employees. It can cost you your career, your clearance and possibly even lead to criminal charges. So Tina and Ron ask the question; should it be approved for use treating the ailments of military members and veterans? Tina Cancel is a U.S. Navy Civilian and the Lead Financial Management Analyst for the Navy Working Capital Management Fund Portfolio. She is a member of the AY20 Resident Class at the U.S. Army War College. Ron Granieri is an Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Army War College and the Editor of A BETTER PEACE. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Credit:Photo by Washarapol D BinYo Jundang from Pexels

The key thing is relationships. When we build those relationships those are bridges that help us to go throughout all the situations we face in our career as military [members]. One of the finest aspects of the resident class each year at the U.S. Army War College is the cohort of International Fellows (IF). For the last 42 years the best and brightest from our allied nation's militaries have attended class alongside their U.S. counterparts. Bringing the perspectives and experiences of their nation's militaries and cultures they return home with the same from not only their U.S. classmates but the other IFs. In order to capitalize on those experiences and relationships the War College has recently developed the International Fellow Continuing Education Program (IFCEP). A BETTER PEACE welcomes Juan Carlos Correa, Brian Foster, and Jeffrey McDougall to explain the goals of the IFCEP and the outcomes of the first iteration in Mexico City this last year. They joined podcast editor Ron Granieri in the studio to discuss how IFCEP refreshes and enhances bonds that were built in classrooms on Carlisle Barracks and reinforces their importance in today's complex world. Juan Carlos Correa is a Brigadier General in the Colombian Army and the Director of J-7/9 at U.S. Southern Command. He is a graduate of the AY16 Resident Class of the U.S. Army War College.  Brian Foster is a Colonel in the U.S. Army and the Director of the International Fellows Office at the U.S. Army War College. Jeffrey McDougall is a Colonel in the U.S. Army and is the Director of the Defense Planners Course in the Department of Distance Education at the U.S. Army War college. Ron Granieri is an Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Army War College and the Editor of A BETTER PEACE. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Description: AY20 Resident Class International Fellows Photo Credit: U.S. Army War College Photo Lab

It wasn't long before the aircraft were able to fly to much greater altitudes and at greater speeds and get into an environment where humans just could not function correctly and humans became sort of the weak link or the limiting factor Anyone who watches military aviation knows that many believe the F-35 will be the last manned fighter aircraft produced by the United States. Remotely piloted aircraft have been prevalent in the battlespace for at least a decade. Many of the most routine tasks in-flight are accomplished by a machine with a pilot monitoring. But the discussion about the "man in the can" far predates any of the debates that confront us now. A BETTER PEACE welcomes Tim Schultz to discuss the limitations that were placed on aviation development by the insistence that there be a human in the cockpit. Author of The Problem with Pilots: How Physicians, Engineers, and Airpower Enthusiasts Redefined Flight, Schultz lauds the engineers and scientists along with flight surgeons for all of the advancements they were able to make in the aviation industry in spite of the human crew members on board. He joins Senior Editor JP Clark as they look back at the trade offs that have been made in aircraft design to accommodate the pilot. Dr. Timothy Schultz is the Associate Dean of Academics for Electives and Research, U.S. Naval War College and the author of The Problem with Pilots: How Physicians, Engineers, and Airpower Enthusiasts Redefined Flight. COL JP Clark was the Deputy Director for Academic Engagement for the Strategic Studies Institute and a WAR ROOM Senior Editor as well as a student in the AY20 resident class at the U.S. Army War College. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Description: Members of the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, Wisc. prepare to land a KC-135 Stratotanker after a training exercise Nov. 3, 2013. Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jenna V. Hildebrand/Released

Burden sharing has been an issue in the alliance from the very beginning, from the drafting of the treaty when members of the U.S. Congress wanted to make sure that the Europeans were going to be able to hold up their end of the deal In discussing NATO and our European allies, burden sharing has been a hot topic for the last several years under the current administration. But the fact of the matter is that burden sharing has been an area of concern since the inception of NATO and throughout it's development. A BETTER PEACE welcomes Stanley Sloan to the studio to discuss the current state of NATO and a way ahead for the organization. Sloan, a subject matter expert on NATO and transatlantic relations, joins podcast host Ron Granieri to examine the history of U.S./NATO relations, the growth in membership and the current and future implications for all of its member nations as well as Russia. Stan Sloan is a Visiting Scholar in Political Science at Middlebury College, a Non-resident Senior Fellow in the Scowcroft Center of the Atlantic Council of the United States, and an Associate Fellow at the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy and is the founding Director of the Atlantic Community Initiative. Ron Granieri is an Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Army War College and the Editor of A BETTER PEACE. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Description: Press conference by President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. April 12 2017 Photo Credit: NATO Press Office